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U.  S.  DEPARTMENT  OF  AGRICULTURE. 

DIVISION  OF  r.CONOMIC  ORNITHOLOGY  AND  MAMMALOGY. 
BULLETIN    1. 


THE 


ENGLISH  SPARROW 

(PASSEK   I30MESTICUS) 


IN  NORTH  AMERICA, 


ESPECIALLY  IN  ITS  RELATIONS  TO  AGRICULTURE. 


Prepared  under  the  direction  of 
Db.  O.  hart  MKRRIAM,  ORNiTHOLorriST, 


HY 


WALTER    B.   BARROWS, 

ASSISTANT  OKNITUOUjUIST. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE, 
1880. 


LETTER  OF  TRANSMITTAL. 


U.  S.  Department  of  Agrioultube, 
Division  of  Economic  Ornithology  and  Mammalogy, 

Washington,  D.  C,  April  14, 1888. 

Sir  :  Tbu  iuvcstigations  iu  economic  ornithology  and  mammalogy 

ordered  by  Congress  to  be  made  under  your  direction  consist  of  two 

separate  inquiries,  namely:  (1)  concerninj^  the  food  habits  of  birds  and 

;  mammals  in  their  relation  to  agriculture ;  and  (2)  concerning  the  migra- 

|tion  and  geographical  distribution  of  North  American  species. 

It  has  been  deemed  best  to  publish  the  results  of  these  investigations 
[in  separate  bulletins.    In  acconlance  with  this  decision  I  transmit  here- 
[With,  as  Bulletin  I  of  the  Division  of  Economic  Ornithology  and  Mam- 
malogy, a  report  upon  the  English  Sparrow  in  North  America,  by  Wal> 
jter  B.  Barrows,  assistant  ornithologist. 
KespectfuUy, 

C  Hart  Merriam, 

Ornitliologiit. 
lion.  Norman  J.  Colman, 

Commissioner  of  Agriculture. 


3S^^'\ 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Lkttbr  of  Transmittal 3 

I  Tablk  of  Contexts 5 

Prefatory  Letter 9 

Introduction 11 

Part  I.    Summaries  of  Evidence— Recommendations— SrKciAi,  Hiworts. 

;  Suction  First  :  Suminaries  of  ovidonco 17-149 

(A)  Importation;  spread;  incroaso;  chockH 17-40 

1.  Introduction  of  tho  Sparrow 17 

2.  Method  of  diffusion  of  the  Sparrow 23 

3.  Rate  of  spread  of  tho  Si»arro\v  and  extent  of  area  occnpicd  at  tlie 
close  of  tho  year  1880 26 

4.  Rate  of  increase  of  the  Sparrow 27 

.I.  Checks  on  the  increase  of  the  Sparrow 31 

(a)  Natural  onemies  of  the  Sparrow 31 

(&)  Relation  of  climate  and  ibod  to  the  increase  and  spread  of 

the  Sparrow 32 

(c)  Direct  influence  of  man  in  checking  the  increase  of  the 

Sparrow ;J5 

(1)  Public  opinion 35 

(2)  Eflfect  of  legislation 30 

(3)  Shooting,  poisoning,  trapping,  nost-destroying 30 

(4)  Use  of  tho  Sparrow  for  food 38 

(5)  How  the  farmers  of  Great  Britain  regard  the  Sparrow.  39 

(B)  Injury  to  buds,  blossoms,  and  foliage 40-48 

1.  Injury  by  filth 40 

2.  Destruction  of  buds  and  blossoms 42 

(C)  Injnry  to  fruits,  garden  seeds,  and  vegetables 48-68 

1.  Injury  to  fruits 49 

(o)  Injnry  to  grapes 49 

(ft)  Injury  to  other  small  frnita 56 

(c)  Injury  to  apples,  pears,  peaches,  a  .d  other  fruits 57 

2.  Injury  to  garden  vegetables 60 

(a)  Green  vegetables 61 

(1)  Destruction  of  peas 61 

(2)  Destruction  of  garden  corn 62 

(3)  Destruction  of  lettuce,  cabbaj^e,  and  other  vegetables.  63 
(ft)  Garden  seeds 64 

(1)  Destruction  of  seed  of  lettuce,  cabbage,  and  turnip  ..  65 

(2)  Destruction  of  suntlowcr  seed 65 

(3)  Destruction  of  weed  seed  and  grass  seed 66 

6 


6 


TABLE   OP   CONTENTS. 


BcoTiON  First:  Siinimarioa  of  evidenco— Continned. 

(D)  Injury  to  grain 68-7d 

1.  Injury  to  wLeat 69 

2.  Injury  tooutH 73 

3.  Injury  to  ryo  and  barley 74 

4.  Injury  to  field  corn 74 

G.  Injury  to  Borghnin 76 

G,  Injury  to  rice 76 

7.  Injury  to  buckwheat 77 

8.  Negative  ovidunce  77 

(E)  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  other  birda 78-98 

1.  List  of  native  birds  molested  by  the  Sparrow 80 

2.  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  fo  birds  which  nost  principally  in  cavi- 

ties, natural  or  artificial,  and  often  in  boxes  prepared 

by  man 82 

(a)  Sparrow  rpr«u«  Blnebird  and  Purple  Martin 82 

(6)  Negative  evidenco 86 

(c)  Sparrow  versus  Wrens 87 

3.  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  birds  which  usually  nest  in  trees,  or 

at  least  in  places  not  especially  prepared  for  them  by 

man 88 

(o)  Sparrow  vtrtaa  Cliff  Swallow  and  Barn  Swallow 88 

(6)  Sparrow  versus  Robin 90 

(c)  Sparrow  vfrsiis  Mockingbird 91 

(d)  Spar;-.,  w  versus  Vi  ri'os 92 

4.  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  lo  other  birds,  under  such  conditions  that 

the  question  of  nesting  has  no  direct  influeuce 92 

•                          (a)  English  Sparrow  rer»M8  Chipping  Sparrow 93 

(ft)  The  Sparrow  "  mobbing"  other  birds 93 

5.  Summary  of  the  question  of  Sparrow  versus  native  birds 95 

(F)  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  insects 98-132 

1.  General  summary  of  evidence 98 

(o)  Evidence  derived  from  study  of  the  contents  of  Sparrows' 

stomachs 100 

(b)  Evidence  derived  from  observation  of  the  bird,  without 

subsequent  examination  of  the  stomach 101 

(I)  List  of  insects  said  to  be  eaten  by  the  Sparrow 102 

(o)  Argument  from  all  available  data 103 

(d)  Seasonal  variation  in  the  insect  food  of  the  Sparrow 105 

(f)  Relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  caterpillars 107 

(1)  Relation  to  the  caterpillar  of  the  Tussock  Moth 107 

(2)  How  the  Sparrows  protect  the  caterpillars 108 

(3)  Relation  to  Span-worms 109 

2.  Insectivorous  habits  of  the  English  Sparrow,  by  Prof.  C.  V.  Riley.  Ill 

(a)  Report  of  material  examined  in  1887 Ill 

(1)  Stomach  contents Ill 

(2)  Habits  of  the  insects  concerned ll-''> 

(3)  Summary  from  the  foregoing  statements 120 

(b)  Survey  of  work  done  in  Europe 123 

(c)  Review  of  work  done  in  North  America 125 

(O)  Tables  of  food  as  shown  by  dissection 133-140 

1.  Examined  at  (he  Department  of  Agriculture 134 

2.  Examined  at  West  Chester,  Pa 144 

(H)  Miscellaneons  injuries 146-149 


TADLE    OP  CONTENTS. 


68-78 
69 
73 
74 
74 
76 
76 
77 
77 
,  78-98 
80 


ud 


or 
by 


l« 


87 


88 
88 
90 
91 
92 


bat 


92 
93 
93 
95 

...98-132 
98 


•  WH 


tout 


100 


ley 


101 
102 
103 
105 
107 
107 
108 
109 
111 
111 
...      Ill 

...  iir> 
...  120 
123 
'.".'.  125 
...133-140 
....  134 
....  144 
...146-149 


SbctiuN  Skconu  :  Keooinnioudations 150-lG(i 

(A)  Recommondatious  fur  logislation 150 

1.  Saggestions  aa  to  the  repeal  of  old  laws  and  the  onaotment  uf 

now  ones 150 

2.  Doantios 153 

(a)  Inexpediency  of  bountios  in  gouernl 153 

(ft)  Estimated  cost  of  exterminating  the  Sparrows  in  Oliin  by 

means  of  bounties 154 

(o)  Montana's  bonnty  law  on  Prairie  Dogs  and  Oroiind  Squir- 
rels   161 

(d)  Michiguu's  boucty  law  on  English  Sparrows. 162 

(B)  Recommendations  to  the  people 164 

1.  General  suggestions 164 

2.  Use  of  fire-arms,  traps,  and  poison 164 

3.  Destruction  of  nests  and  disturbance  at  ruostiug  places 1G5 

4.  Sparrow  clubs  and  shooting  matches 166 

5.  The  Sparrow  as  an  article  of  food 100 

Skction  Third:  Legislation  afTocting  the  English  Spartow  in  the  United 

States I(i7-173 

Skction  Fouutu:  Destruction  of  the  Sparrow  by  poisons,  by  Dr.  A.  K.  Fislior.  174-178 

1.  The  poisons  used  in  experiments,  and  the  formulie  for  their  prep- 

aration    174 

2.  Cost  of  poisoned  grain 175 

3.  General  suggestions 175 

4.  Precautions 175 

5.  Synopsis  of  experiments 176 

(a)  Experiments  with  strychnine 170 

(b)  Experiments  with  tincture  of  nux  vomica 177 

(c)  Experiments  with  corrosive  sublimate 177 

(d)  Experiments  with  white  arsenic 177 

(e)  Experiments  with  arsoniate  of  soda 177- 

(/)  Experiments  with  Fowler's  solution 177 

(g)  Experiments  with  Luudou  purple 177 

(ft)  Experiments  with  Paris  green 178 

Skction  Fifth  :  The  trapping  of  Sparrows  for  siiorling  purposes,  by  W.  T. 

Hill 178-191 

1.  History  and  details  of  the  business 178 

2.  English  Sparrow  catching.    Description  of  apparatus  and  methods 
employed.     [Illustrated] IKl 

Skction  Sixth  :  History  of  the  House  Sparrow  and  the  European  Tree  Sparrow 

(Passer  monianus)  at  Saint  Louis,  Mo.,  by  Otto  Wid- 
mann 191-194 

PART  II.      EVIDKNCE. 

[Skction  First:  Original  testimony  in  detail  (previously  unpublished) 197-301 

(A)  Distribution  by  States 199 

(B)  Rate  of  increase ;  checks,  natural  and  artificial 232 

(C)  Injury  to  buds  and  foliage 240 

(D)  Injury  to  fruits,  garden  seeds,  and  vegetables 243 

(E)  Ityury  to  grain  crops 252 

(F)  Relation  to  other  birds 260 

(G)  Relation  to  insects ^ 283 


8 


TAtiLE   OP   COktiiNTd. 


Section  SRCoxn:  Published  testimony 301-357 

(A)  Outline  of  the  history  of  tho  Sparrow  question 301 

(0)  Testimony  relating  mainly  to  the  Sparrow  in  America 304 

1.  From  the  American  NaturaUat 304 

2.  From  Soienet 305 

3.  Vtom  Forttt  and  Stream 305 

4.  From  other  periodicals 318 

5.  From  other  sources 324 

(C)  Relating  mainly  to  tho  Sparrow  in  Europe 330 

1.  From  the  evidence  8ul)mitted  to  tlie  select  committee  [uf  the 

BritiNh  Purliament]  on  wild  birdH  protuction,  lCJ73 3;U) 

2.  From  "The  House  Sparrow"  (relating  mainly  to  England) 341 

Parti.  By  J.  H.  Gurniy,  jr 341 

Part2.  Uy  Col.C.  Uusscll 346 

3.  From  other  sources 347 

(D)  Relating  mainly  to  tho  Sparrow  in  Australia 348 

1.  From  the  draft  progress  report  of  the  board  of  luvoMtigation  ap- 

pointed by  tho  fjovcrnor  of  South  Australia  in  1881.. .  348 

2.  From  the  Adelaide  Ohserrer  (South  Australia) 353 

3.  From  the  ToranoAi  i/traW  (New  Zealand) 357 

Section  Third:  List  of  all  persons  whoso  testimony  appears  in  the  niiiletin. 358-386 

Index 389 

Map at  end  of  volume. 


/  .  .'  )      » 


PREFATORY  LETTER. 


The  English  Sparrow  question  in  North  America  has  grown  to  be  a 
serious  problem  in  economic  science,  particularly  so  far  as  the  agricult- 
ural interests  of  the  country  are  concerned — and  the  term  agriculture 
must  be  here  understood  in  its  broadest  and  most  comprehensive  sense 
as  including  the  grain  growing  industries,  truck-gardening,  fruit-grow- 
ing, the  cultivation  of  flowers  and  ornamental  shrubs  and  vines,  and  even 
forestry.  It  was  deemed  proper,  therefore,  that  this  question  should  be 
made  the  subject  of  the  first  bulletin  of  the  newly  established  Division  of 
Economic  Ornithology  and  Mammalogy. 

The  information  necessary  to  a  complete  understanding  of  the  sub- 
ject has  been  collected  with  great  care ;  the  evidence  submitted  has 
been  lionestly  weighed,  and  the  results  impartially  stated. 

The  labor  of  collecting  and  arranging  for  ])ublication  the  matter  con- 
tained in  Part  II,  together  with  the  authorship  of  most  of  Part  I,  has 
fallen  upon  my  assistant,  Mr.  Walter  B.  Barrows. 

Brief  portions  of  Part  I,  including  the  tables  relating  to  the  increase 
and  spread  of  the  Sparrow,  were  prepared  by  myself  and  are  here  re- 
produced without  quotation  marks  from  my  annual  report  for  188G. 
Section  2  of  Part  I,  consisting  of  recominendation.s  for  legislation  and 
recommendations  to  the  people,  has  been  written  jointly  by  Mr.  Barrows 
and  myself. 

Prof.  C.  V.  Kiley,  Entomologist  of  the  Department,  has  kindly  con- 
tiil  'ted  a  full  and  valuable  report  on  the  Insectivorous  Habits  of  the 
English  Sparrow,  based  chiefly  on  the  examination  of  stomachs  sub- 
mitted  to  him  by  this  Division. 

Section  4,  on  the  Destruction  of  Sparrows  by  Poisons,  was  prepared 
by  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher,  assistant  ornithologist,  by  whom  the  experiments 
were  conducted. 

Section  5,  on  Trapping  the  Sparrow,  was  contributed  by  Mr.  W.  T. 
Hill,  who  makes  a  business  of  trapping  Sparrows  in  Indianapolis,  Ind. 
The  cuts  illustrating  Mr.  Hill's  article,  together  with  the  description  of 
the  apparatus  used,  were  taken  from  the  American  Field  of  January 
14, 188S. 


10 


PREFATORY  LETTER. 


Section  6,  treating  of  both  the  English  Sparrow  {Passer  domesticus)  and 
the  European  Tree  Sparrow  {Passer  montanus)  in  Saint  Louis,  Missouri, 
was  contributed  by  the  well-known  ornithologist,  Mr.  Otto  Widmann. 
This  article  is  particularly  iustructiveinasmuch  as  it  emphasizes  the  con* 
trast  in  disposition  and  habits  of  two  closely  related  European  birds 
which  were  brought  to  Saint  Louis  at  about  the  same  time. 

The  present  report,  as  a  whole,  is  believed  to  be  the  most  systematic, 
comprehensive,  and  important  treatise  ever  published  upon  the  economic 
relations  of  any  bird. 

0.  Hart  Merriam. 


At 


INTRODUCTION. 


Questions  relating  to  the  English  Sparrow  were  contained  in  the  first 
circular  on  economic  ornithology  issued  by  the  Department  of  Agricult- 
ure (in  July,  1885).  Subsequently  these  questions  were  amplified,  and 
during  the  year  1880  a  special  circular  and  schedule  were  prepared, 
upwards  of  5,000  copies  of  which  have  been  distributed. 

It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  Department,  in  collecting  information  on 
I  this  question,  to  get  as  much  direct,  original,  unpublished  evidence  as 
possible,  and  to  this  end  the  circulars  sent  out  asked  for  "facts  from 
[personal  observation."    It  was  desired,  furthermore,  to  obtain  datkk 
from  all  parts  of  the  country  over  which  the  Sparrow  had  spread,  not 
only  in  order  to  map  accurately  its  distribution,  but  to  detect  if  possi- 
ble any  differences  in  character  or  habits  which  might  be  due  to  varied 
climatic  or  other  conditions.    In  addition,  therefore,  to  the  systematic 
distribution  of  circulars  of  inquiry  among  the  agriculturists  and  nat- 
juralists  of  the  country,  requests  for  information  were  published  in 
I  many  agricultural  and  scientific  periodicals,  as  well  as  in  newspapers 
[throughout  the  country,  in  the  hope  that  many  persons  not  otherwise 
[reached  might  become  interested  in  the  subject,  and  be  led  to  detail 
Itheir  own  experience.    The  result  has  been,  in  the  main,  very  gratify- 
jing,  and  to  date  there  have  been  received  from  all  these  sources  replies 
ifrom  about  3,300  persons,  nearly  two  thirds  of  whom  report  the  Spar- 
jrow  already  established  in  their  immediate  vicinity,  and,  with  very  few 
jexccptions,  steadily  increasing  in  numbers. 

The  remainder  of  these  3,300  reports,  coming  principally  from  ijost- 
Jmasters  in  sections  vyhich  the  Sparrow  has  not  yet  reached,  have  been 
ised  mainly  in  mapping  the  limits  of  its  distribution. 
In  addition  to  the  material  thus  collected,  the  American  Ornitholo- 
Igists'  Union  has  turned  over  to  the  Department  o"  Agriculture  the  re- 
sults of  its  investigations,  begun  in  1883,  on  the  eligibility  or  ineligibil- 
ity of  the  European  House  Sparrow  in  America.  This  material,  com- 
prising full  replies  from  about  110  persons,  was  collated  and  arranged 
py  Dr.  P.  n.  Hoadley,  who,  from  interest  in  the  subject,  kindly  volun- 
teered his  services. 

Naturally,  the  discussion  of  this  subject  in  America  for  several  years 
^)ast  has  led  to  the  publication,  in  scientific  and  other  periotlicals,  of  a 

11 


12 


INTRODUCTION. 


vast  amoi'.ni  of  valuable  infoimatioa  besides  that  whicb  has  come  di- 
rectly into  the  possession  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture ;  and  when 
to  this  is  added  the  voluminous  and  oftentimes  valuable  publications 
relating  to  the  status  of  the  Sparrow  in  other  countries,  it  will  be  seen 
that  the  material  available  for  a  satisfactory  investigation  of  the  Spar- 
row problem  is  very  full  and  measurably  complete.  The  collation  and 
comparison  of  such  data  have  involved  a  large  amount  of  care  and 
patience,  and  in  presenting  the  results  of  this  investigation  to  the  pub- 
lic it  is  believed  that  any  one  so  disposed  can  find  in  the  present  report 
facts  enough  to  set  at  rest  all  doiibts  as  to  the  economic  status  of  this 
well  known  species. 

At  the  outset  of  the  investigation  the  fact  was  recognized  that  doubt- 
ers on  either  side  of  the  question  would  not  be  likely  to  abandon  their 
positions  on  the  simple  presentation  of  any  amount  of  mere  opinion ; 
and  it  was  therefore  determined  to  print  in  detail  all  the  evidence  on 
which  the  conclusions  were  based,  so  that  each  reader  might  see  for 
himself  whether  the  facts  had  been  fairly  interpreted,  and  whether  the 
verdict  was  just  or  unjust. 

In  accordance  with  this  plan,  the  present  Bulk'tin  will  ba  found  to 
consist  of  two  very  distinct  parts,  viz,  evidence  and  deduction,  the 
former  far  exceeding  the  latter  in  volume.  Under  the  head  of  evidence 
will  be  found  in  its  appropriate  place  every  scrap  of  information  rele- 
vant to  the  inquiry,  under  the  name  of  the  person  contributing  it,  and 
accompanied,  whenever  possible,  by  the  exact  date  and  locality  to  which 
the  information  relates.* 

Most  of  the  information  contributed  was  received  in  reply  to  ques- 
tions contained  in  circulars  of  inquiry.  Wherever  possible  these  re- 
plies have  been  printed  in  the  same  form  in  which  they  were  received, 
and  when  for  any  reason  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  change  the  form 
of  a  reply,  either  in  dismembering  a  statement  relating  to  several 
subjects,  or  in  condensing  several  statements  relating  to  the  same 
subject,  the  utmost  care  has  been  taken  to  preserve  the  exact  meaning 
of  the  observer;  while  in  all  cases  where  the  meaning  has  been  obscure, 
the  statements  have  been  giv^on  verbatim.  Perhaps  it  might  have  been 
better  in  such  cases  to  omit  the  statement  altogether,  but  the  tact  has 
been  kept  constantly  in  mind  that  all  suck  omissions  might  be  con- 
strued by  some  as  evidence  of  partiality  or  prejudice. 

The  deductions  from  this  evidence,  which  constitute  the  larger  por- 
tion of  Part  I  of  this  Bnlletin,  are  the  result  of  careful  study  and  com- 
parison, and  have  been  made,  it  is  believed,  with  perfect  fairness  to  all 

*  The  amount  of  teatiinony  thus  arranged  proved  to  bo  so  largo — nioro  than  treble 
the  size  of  all  the  remainder  of  the  Bulletin — that  when  submitted  for  publication  it 
was  found  to  bo  absolutely  impossible  to  print  it  entire,  and  consequoutly  it  has  boon 
reduced  very  greatly.  The  utmost  care  has  been  taken,  however,  to  preserve  the  im- 
partial character  of  the  evidence  as  a  whole,  by  retaining  both  favoriible  and  un- 
favorable testimony  as  nearly  as  possible  in  tl>o  sami  proportions  in  which  they  ex- 
isted in  the  report  as  originally  prepared. 


INTRODUCTION. 


18 


Kules  of  t!ie  (luestioii.  Tlio  history  ot  the  Sparrow  controversy  in  Amer- 
ica shows  phiinly,  liowever,  that  it  would  bo  folly  to  expect  all  friends 
of  tlie  Sparrow  to  accept  our  conclusions  as  to  its  character  and  habits. 
There  are  some  persons  whose  niiuds  are  so  constituted  that  nothing  ia 
evidence  to  them  except  what  is  derived  from  their  own  observation,  and 
as  this  unfortunate  mental  infirmity  is  commonly  correlated  with  the 
total  inability  to  observe  anything  which  interferes  with  their  theories, 
It  makes  little  difterence  wl'ether  tiieir  opportunities  have  been  good  or 
bad,  their  position  is  unassailable.  With  tliis  class  of  observers  we 
li;ive  nothing  to  do.  No  amount  of  evidence  will  change  their  opinion, 
and  fortunately  for  the  good  of  mankind  it  makes  little  difference  what 
that  opinion  may  be.    But  the  mass  of  American  .agriculturists,  me- 

1  chanjcs,  and  professional  men  are  reasonable  beings,  willing  to  believe 
the  reports  of  other  men  whose  opportunities  for  observation  have  been 

I  better  than  their  own,  and  it  is  believed  that  a  majority  of  these  men 
will  be  glad  to  examine  the  large  amount,  of  evidence  presented,  and 

j  settle  for  themselves  the  question  of  the  Sparrow's  character. 

For  those  who  have  not  time  to  read  the  evidence  in  detail  summaries 

I  of  the  evidence  on  each  head  have  been  prepared,  including  tables  show- 
ing the  alleged  injuries  to  each  crop,  and  briefer  summaries  showing 
the  numbers  of  favorable  and  unfavorable  reports  on  each  question. 
No  doubt  these  tables  are  often  misleading,  for  in  them  a  simple  yes  or 
no  from  a  man  whose  observation  has  been  limited  carries  the  same 
weight  as  the  mature  I'esults  of  half  a  life  time  of  observation  by  an- 

j  other;  yet  many  facts  are  brought  out  stronglj*  which  might  be  over- 

I  looked  otherwise,  and  the  tendency  to  give  undue  weight  to  numbers 

I  alone  is  partly  corrected  by  the  samples  of  evidence  submitted  in  con- 
nection with  each  summary. 
In  regard  to  these  "  samples  of  evidence"  it  should  be  stated  that  it 

I  has  been  the  endeavor  to  select  those  which  would  give  a  fair  idea  of 

1  the  character  of  the  evidence,  not  simply  those  which  support  any  one 
view  of  the  case.  Undoubtedly  objection  will  be  made  on  the  one 
hand  to  the  selection  of  so  few  favorable  reports,  and  on  the  other  to 
the  printing  of  any  at  all;  but  the  aim  has  been  to  give  each  side  of 
the  (juestiou  a  representation  proportionate  to  the  weight  of  evidence, 

[and  when  any  deviation  from  this  rule  has  been  made  it  general^'  has 
been  in  a  direction  favorable  to  the  weaker  side,  that  is,  to  the  Sparrow. 
The  selection  of  many  examples  of  the  same  kind  from  any  one  section 

1  of  the  country  has  been  avoided,  as  it  seemed  best  in  many  cases  to  call 
attention  to  the  similarity  of  the  reports  from  widely  separated  locali- 
ties. 


SUMS 


I>ART   I 


SUMMARIES  OF  EVIDENCE;  RECOMMENDATIONS;  SPECIAL  REPORTS. 


15 


ENGLISH  SPARROW,  PASSER  DOMESTICUS. 
From  Y»rreU. 

16 


SECTION  FlUST.-SUMMARIES  OF  EVIDENCE. 


IMPORTATION;  SPKEAD;  INOEEASE;  CHECKS. 


INTIIODUCTION  OK   THE  SPARROW. 


The  Eiiglisli  Sparrow*  was  first  brought  to  this  coiiutry,  so  far  as 
lutheiitie  iiifbrinatioii  has  reached  the  Department;  in  the  tall  of  1850, 
rhen  the  lloii.  Nicolas  Pike  and  other  directors  of  the  Drooklyn  Iii- 
jtitiite  imported  eight  pairs  into  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

As  this  first  importation  of  Sparrows  is  of  much  interest,  wo  give  in 
t'nll  ^Mr.  Pike's  account  of  it  and  of  the  following  importation  a  year  or 
two  later.     He  says  : 

"It  was  not  till  1850  that  the  first  eight  pairs  were  brought  from 
lugland  to  the  Brooklyn  Institute,  of  which  I  was  then  a  director, 

'^e  built  a  large  cage  ibr  them,  and  cared  for  them  during  the  winter 
iionths.  Early  in  the  spring  of  1851  they  were  liberated,  but  they  did 
)ot  thrive. 

"  In  1852  a  committee  of  members  of  the  Institute  was  cbosen  for  tbo 
ireiutroduction  of  these  birds,  of  which  I  was  chairman. 

"  Over  $200  was  subscribed  for  expenses.  I  went  to  England  in 
L852,  on  my  way  to  the  consul-generalship  of  Portugal.  On  my  arrival 
In  Liverpool  I  gave  the  order  for  a  large  lot  of  S]>arrows  and  song  birds 
\o  he  purchased  at  once.  They  were  ship])ed  on  board  the  steamship 
Europa,  if  I  am  not  mistaken,  in  charge  of  an  ollicer  of  the  ship.  Fifty 
^parrows  were  let  loose  at  the  Narrows,  according  to  instructions,  and 
the  rest  on  arrival  were  placed  in  the  tower  of  Greenwood  Cemetery 
jhapel.  Tiiey  did  not  do  well,  so  were  removed  to  the  house  of  Mr. 
Tohn  IIooi)er,  one  of  the  committee,  who  offered  to  take  care  of  them 
lluring  the  winter. 

"  In  the  spring  of  I85;i  they  were  all  let  loose  in  the  grounds  of  Green- 
[\'ood  Cemetery,  and  a  man  hired  to  watch  them.  They  did  well  and 
iiultipiied,  and  I  have  original  notes  taken  from  time  to  time  of  their 
[ncreaso  and  colonization  over  our  great  country." 

*Tho  true  uamo  of  this  bird  is  tho  "  House  Sparrow."'  Tlio  iiaiuo  "  Euf^lish  Spar- 
I'ow"  is  ii  misnomer,  as  thu  spocios  is  not  coufiue;!  to  Ki)y;laiul,  but  is  native  to 
:iearly  tlie  whole  of  Eiiropo.  The  fact  that  most  of  thu  l)ir(ls  broiiybt  to  America 
came  from  England  explains  tliu  origin  of  tlio  misleading  name  by  which  it  is  now 
Bo  widely  known  that  any  attempt  to  change  it  would  bo  futile. 

8404— Bull.  1  -  —2  17 


18 


THE   ENOLISII    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Col.  William  Kbo(le>f,  of  Quebec,  Ciuiiulii,  states  llint  in  ISai  ho  iu- 
tiotluceil  Eiij^lish  SparrowH  at  Portland,  Me,  (Forest  and  Stream,  Vol. 
VIU,  i».  105).  Otlicrs  were  introduced  there  iu  1.S5S  by  Mr.  Thomas 
Amory  Deblois,  ard  about  the  same  time  Mr.  Jos.  Peace  Uazard  intro- 
duced them  at  Peace  Dale,  11.  I.  These  last  birds  came  from  Liver- 
pool, England,  and  some  cscaj)cd  in  Boston  whore  they  were  landed. 
Nothing  seems  to  have  been  heard  of  the  escaped  birds,  however,  ami 
ten  years  later  they  were  first  regularly  introduced  into  Boston  Com- 
mon. In  1860,  twelve  birds  were  turned  loose  in  Madison  Square, 
Now  York  City;  in  1804,  they  were  introduced  to  Central  Park,  and  | 
two  years  later  two  huudred  wore  set  free  in  Union  Park,  New  York 
City.  About  the  same  time  they  were  first  fully  established  in  the  city 
of  Quebec,  Canada,  although  one  or  two  apparently  unsuccessful  at- 
tempts had  been  made  previously. 

In  1807  forty  pairs  were  imported  at  '  ^w  Ilaven,  Conn  ,  and  the 
same  year  a  colony  was  estat)lishcd  at  Galveston,  Tex.  In  1808  about 
twenty  Sparrows  were  liberated  on  Boston  Common,  followed  by 
more  the  next  year,  while  at  the  same  time  twenty  were  released  in 
Charlestown,  Mass.,  only  a  mile  or  two  away.  This  year  (1809)  wit- 
nessed the  importation,  in  one  lot,  of  a  thousand  Sparrows  by  the  cit.v 
government  of  Philadelphia ;  and  this  probably  is  the  largest  single  im- 
l>ortation  of  Sparrows  ever  made  to  this  country.  'Che  same  year  twenty 
pairs  were  brought  from  Europe  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  sixty-six  pairs 
from  New  York  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  Within  the  'lext  two  or  three 
years  they  were  introduced  at  San  Francisco,  Cal. ;  in  1873  a  colony 
was  imported  and  liberated  at  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah;  and  about  two 
years  later  they  were  introduced  at  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  and  at  v;Viious 
points  in  Ohio,  Michigan,  and  Wisconsin. 

In  many  of  the  cases  thus  far  mentioned  it  is  positively  known  that 
the  Sparrows  were  brought  to  this  country  from  the  Old  World,  an»l 
mainly,  if  not  entirely,  from  Great  Britain  and  Germany.  But  no 
sooner  had  they  become  fairly  numerous  at  any  of  these  points  than 
people  began  to  t^ke  them  thence  to  other  places,  sometimes  iu  largo 
numbers,  but  more  often  onlj'  a  few  pairs  at  a  time.  In  most  cases  these 
few  birds  were  carefully  watched,  protected,  and  fed,  and  so  multiplied 
rapidly,  forming  new  colonies  from  which  the  birds  sprea<l  steadily 
without  assistance,  and  more  rapidly  by  successive  transportations  by 
man.  This  important  factor  in  the  rapid  increase  and  wide  distribution 
of  the  Sparrow  in  America  has  been  lOO  generally  ignored,  and  it  is  only 
within  the  past  year  that  wo  have  come  to  realize  something  of  the  mag- 
nitude of  the  "  crazo"  which  led  so  many  people  to  foster  ami  distribute 
this  serious  pest.  None  of  our  circulars  relating  to  the  Sparrow  asked 
distinctly  for  information  about  its  importation  or  introduction,  but 
only  for  the  date  of  its  first  appearance.  In  most  cases,  therefore,  cor- 
respondents have  simply  given  the  information  asked,  and  only  an  oc- 
casional observer  has  alluded  to  the  manner  of  its  coming. 


DIRECT    1MP0UTAT10N8    FROM    EUROPE. 


19 


Yet  (rom  the  occasional  el  vcinciits  tlius  made,  and  from  various  re- 
liable published  records,  wo  have  been  alio  to  make  a  list  of  more  than 

hundred  places  in  the  United  States  and  Canada  to  which  Sparrows 
lave  been  taken,  either  by  direct  importation  from  the  Old  World  or 
jy  transportation  from  place  to  place  after  their  arrival  in  America. 
From  the  casual  manner  in  which  these  data  have  been  obtained  it  may 
>e  considered  certain  that  they  represent  but  a  very  small  fraction  of 
[the  number  of  points  at  which  the  Sparrow  ha*  been  introduced  ;  but 
the  early  dates  of  many  of  the  importations,  as  well  as  the  jjreat  dis- 
tances separating  many  of  the  i>laces,  arc  very  significant  as  alfording  a 
partial  explanation  for  the  unparalleled  rapidity  with  which  this  bird 
has  overspread  the  inhabited  part  of  the  continent.  The  lollowiug 
lists  explain  themselves : 

Tahle  I. — Place)  ivhere  Eiiglhh  Sparrowi  hare  been  inlnuliiccd  directly  from  I'Jiirojtc. 


I'lace. 


Urooklyn,  N.  Y 

I'ortlaiul,  Mo 

SVacoUiiln,  U.  I 

Sloston,  MaHs 

Jow  Yoik.N.  Y 

ioclicHtcr,  N.  Y 

iftw  Haven,  Conn 

lialvoHtoii,  Tex 

iL'liarlitstuwn.  Mass 

L'levi'laiul,  01iii> 

I'liiladoli)!) in,  I'.i 

liiltLakd  City,  Utah 

Vkroii.  Oliio 

Korl  llowanl.  Wis 

Slicboycaii,  Win 

luwaCity,  Iowa 

*  About, 


Dale. 


IFSlniid  lR5i , 

IsWiiiitl  1«."8 , 

ik:,h 

lH."iS,  18iiH,  mill  I8:;;i  ... 
ISOO,  IHU).  ail. I  ICLii   .. 
liitwoi'U  18U'>;iii  I  U(i'J 

18(17 

18(17 

l,-(i:i 

i8(ia 

UG!)  or  I'ailiir  

187;iorlS7t 

lH7.'i 

187ri 

187,'. 

1881 


Xo. 


KlU 


;.() 

*  1(111 


2) 

W 

I.UIU 


["adlk  II. — Places,  not  included  in  Table  I,  where  Enylisli  Sparrows  have  been  introduced. 


Plate. 

Date. 

Number. 

Where  obtained. 

Malinniii: 

Kiil'a:ila 

1882 

4  birds  

• 

\iK:iii-.a'<. 

liiit  Sinin"s 

Iktwccn  1870  anil  1680. 
1871  or  1872 

Jalll'.iiiiia  : 

1883  

Juliiiailo : 

Dc'uvuf 

Jiiiiiiicticiit:          

Norwich.      ....>■•.,..... 

IS77 

n.'twccDl865anill870. 
1818.   

U    jiair.s   (siib.so- 
(imiitly    (lisap- 
lieaic(l). 

roillin;!     

Nuw  York  City. 

Distriri  ii|'Ui)liiiiihia: 

Wa»liiii""toii 

1870  or  earlier 

187(1 

3for;lia: 

Atlanta  (couiilry  noai)  .. 

MacoH  (coiiiitry  near) 

Uoitio  ,,,,.. 

1878 

U81  or  1882 

13  birds 

Gililin,  Ga. 

West  Point 

1)0. 

[Ilinoiji: 

BolK'Villo 

1808 

New  Vork  Citv. 

Caruii 

1870 

Monnioutli  ...••.•••••.... 

Between  1872  and  1874. 
X870 , 

About  100  birds... 
C  pairs 

Quincy ,.,, 

r 


20 


THE    ENQLISII    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Taiii.k  II. — riavdi,  not    iiidiidcd  in  Table  J,  whew  ilnjlhh  Sjiarrown  have  been  intrO' 

Jtttrd— Coutimifd. 


riaco. 


Indlnnn. 

EvaiiHvl  lit 

Ill(lillllll|>lllis 

}m  I'liyi'ltu 

UicliiMiiiiil 

luwn ; 

C<'(I;ll'  Uilp'lU    .. 

Davi'iipoi't 

DiibiKiiio 

KaiiHiiH : 

I.awri'iico 

Topi^ka 

Koiitiicky: 

hdiiUvilhi 

Lniihlaiiii: 

Nt!\v  Oilx  1114. ... 

Uuiiaor 

LuwirttOM 

MuxHiu'liii.si'tts: 

Itidiikliiict 

C.i|la;;c(;ily.... 

Simu'ivillu 

Micliiumi: 

Jarksdii 

OwdHsi) 

]kl  iiiiiuHota ; 

Saint  I'aiil 

Mi»HJH.si|ipi : 

WoNt  I'oiut 

Mi.sHoiiri: 

lirooklii'lil 

lloi'inniiu 

Mexico 

(iiicoii  Cily 

S.iint  Loui.s 

NLl>ra»ka : 

NobiaiUa  City. . 
X()W  Jcrsoy : 

Tiickditou 

Ntiw  York  : 

I'ouuUkcopsio  .. 
Noitli  Caiolina: 

O(ildsb()rou;;li  .. 

Wilson 

Ohio: 

(Cincinnati. 

(Jiisliocton 

Maiiitia 

I'oitsnioiitli 

Stcubcnvillo 

Waiiakoni'tiv  ... 

Wunvn 

reun.sylvauia: 

JCrio 

(iprmautown  ... 

Milfoid 

Pennsylvania: 

Shippeusbur;;li  . 

Titusviiio 

AVasbington  . ... 

Waynosbuiyli  .. 

West  Cbustor... 
Khode  lidaud : 


Newport. 
I'rovidenc 


^'rovidence 

South  Carolina : 

ChestprU.  II 

Columbia 

Tounessce : 

Kuox'.'illo , 

Memphis 

VcT-raont : 

Saint  Johnabury . . 
Virpinia: 

Cnlpepor , 

Frodoricksburj^h  . 

Lynchburgh 

Norfolk 

Richmond 


Date. 


1H73        

1H71  am)  1872 

About  lh71 

1811) 

Alidiit  1874 

187(1 

1((70 

1870orl877 

1W74 

Kunib.T. 


WhtTo  obtained. 


SoviT.il  liuiidriM).. 
It  paiis 


lu  pairs. 

'20  iiaii'M. 


j  liirds. 


1805and  1870  ..  

I!ct\vccnlH74and  1870 


1S70  or  cailicr. 
1874 


I8i;« 

About  1882. 
Ih71 


Between  1871  and  1870 
1H70 


1H70 
18^0. 


Almiil  1883. 
1874.  ..  .  . 
A  hunt  1870. 

IHM;! 

ISoO 


About  1873.. 
About  1801.. 


lR7!)or  l&W. 
1870  or  1877.. 


IKOD 

1874 

Abnut  1870. 

184 

1880orl8.Sl. 
Aliout  188^. 
18G0 


netwoen  1871  anil  1874. 

1873  or  earlier 

Aliout  1874 


Aljout  1803 
Abont  1871 

1874 

About  1871 
About  1873 


1874 

1800  or  earlier. 


1872  or  1873 
18C0  or  1870. . 


1874. 
1871. 


Vi  biid.l . 


About  21  )di  da 


4  birds. 


10  or  12  pairs. 

7  pairs 

A  few  pairs  . 


About  50  birds   . . 


00  pairs  . 
13  birds  . 


2  pairs . 


Several  pairs. 
102  birds 


1  pair... 
5  pair.s  .. 
VI  birds . 


Obiids. 

8  birds. 
8  birds . 


A  few  pairs. 


Between  1874  and  1876 


1873  or  1871 

Ai)0ut  1878 

Aboull870 

Between  1871  and  1874. 
1872 


4  pairs  . 
3  pairs  . 


5  young. 


New  York  City. 
IMiilalelplila,  l>a. 
Mussaehiisetts. 


Now  Vork  Cily. 


Boston  (f). 


Hannibal,  Mo. 
Itelluviiiii,  Hi. 

New  York. 
New  Yori»  City. 

rhiiadeliibia,  Pa. 


Wnshincton,  D.  O. 
Xew  York  City. 


New  York  City. 

Pbilftdeliiliia,  Pa. 

Now  Yoi  k  City. 

Philudelpliia,  Pa. 

Pliiladelpliia,  Pa. 
Do. 
Do. 

l?o.>iton,  Ma-». 
New  York  City. 


Now  Y'ork  City. 


Washington,  D.  C 
Richmond,  Va. 
Do. 

New  York  City. 


EARLY  COLON  I KH  IN  AMKRICA. 


21 


Taiii,!:  II.  — /'/rtCM,  iiol  iiielu.htl  in  Tabic  /,  whno  EmjUith  Sparrown  have  been  intro- 
duced -CdiiIIiuumI. 


riac 


Vii^'iiiin: 

Siili'in 

Snir.ilk 

W'lirrciitiMi  ... 

WMli.villo  ... 
WiHconsiii  : 

Fox  r.ako 

lln-lfonl 

Mnillnnn 

Miln.Tiikpo  ... 

Sauk  (Jilv 

StfViiis  I'oiut 

WiMi-nii 

I  Caiiailn : 

lliilifii\,  X.  S. 

Ilnniilldii.  Out 

Onliiiwa,  Out. . 

Oltawft,  Out    . 

Stratliio.v.  Out 

Toronto,  Out  . 

Mmitnnl.  <2  .. 

Quebec,  Q 


Date. 


lS70or)H7l 

1874 

Ki'tworu  187(1  an<llh78 
187:)  or  187(1.  


lR8t  orl?82 

187(1 

1H7:I 

AI)OUt  1871     

Hi'twei'U  1870  niid  1878 

M71  

1H80 


1875  or  1870  . 
Aliout  187'J  . 
Aliout  1h7(1  . 
Aliout  lh7J  . 

Ih74 

About  187.)  . 

1870 

1804 


Kunib:  r. 


Whrro  (ibtaliiod. 


5  or  0  (ill ill 

About  'JO  pairs. 


1 1>  lir  . . 
0  ijiiiU. 


10  pIlll'H  . 

Opilr.i.. 


ItidinioiMl,  Va  (!) 


UlelimoiK),  Vn.    ' 

Milwaukee,  Win. 

Do. 
New  York  City, 


Dolrclt,  Midi. 
Milwuu!:eo,  Wis, 


.V.  w  Yorli  City, 


ITaTJI.K  in. — riavc»  ivliciv  r.uffl\»h  Sparroiis  arc  mid  to  hare  apprnrrd  an  early  an  1870, 
and  iviKTc  they  man  haw  hicn  inlradncvd,  allhonyh  not  an  rvporlvd. 


riace. 


|(;nuiiertieut : 

Miiuiliesler 

Meiideu 

MidiUetown 

ICiMii'iiia: 

Albany 

Macon 

Illliiioi^: 

O'l'a'li  n  Depot . 

I'ekiii 

|Ili(llau:l : 

Iturlinctnn 

lrviii};ion 

MareuKO 

New  Albany 

I  Iowa: 

i:uiliu};tun 

iKciilucky : 

liluotnlleia 

I,oxlnj;lon 

|Mnr\lanil: 

Cuiiiberlaml 

llanciick 

Williaiu.sport ... 
iManRacliusettH: 

Ilolvoko 

Metilurd 

S|)iiii;;lleld 

iJi'cw  .liT.scy : 

Jliidgeion 


Date. 


1809-187: 

1870. 

18V0, 

1807. 
I805-1S70. 

1809  1K70. 
About  1870. 

1870  or  beforo, 
l«7il. 
180:i.   [M 
18U.'i-l670. 

1^09-1870. 

1808-180!). 
1808-1871. 

1808. 

About  1805. 
1870. 

1870  or  o.irlii  r 

1809-1872. 

1800. 

1808. 


riaco. 


Xcw  Ter.scv— Continuoil. 

CiMwill  :... 

(^Iiatliiiiu 

irackcusiark 

New  I'rovideuco 

Trenton 

New  Vork : 

Doblis  Ferry 

Frcdouia 

Oswejio 

SiU'j  Sins 

Svr:ieu»o 

Uticii 

Ohio. 

lla\  ti  n 

Hamilton 

I'l  iius.N  Ivaiiia: 

l.aiie  ist(  r 

Middl.bur;;!! 

I'litlstown 

Wi-i,i;btsvillo 

Vir;:iriia:  * 

St  luulou 

WatviiDvd 

AVesr,  Virginia  ; 

Slirplii  I'iNtown 

Wis<<pii.-..ii : 

Iterliu 

Ue  I'ero 


Pato. 


1R70. 

About  lh08. 
About  18r0. 
1800  or  earlier. 
1870. 

1F0.1, 

About  IS70, 

1K70-1,S72. 

18011. 

180;f-18GI. 

1801. 

1807. 
About  186,1. 

1870  or  earlier. 
1808  or  1809. 
A  bout  1870. 
lH07or  1808. 

1870  or  1871. 
.870  or  1871. 

1800. 

About  1870. 
Do. 


A  study  of  these  tables  shows  that  even  before  lS7o  there  were  iiiaiiy 
[liuge  S|)an-ow  colonies  throng;hout  the  United  States,  east  of  the  Mis- 
Isissipi)!,  r.s  well  as  several  in  Canada,  one  or  more  in  Utah,  one  at  (lal- 
Ivestoii,  Te.K.,  and  probably  another  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.  There  were 
Isiiiall  colonies  also  in  eastern  Iowa  and  in  Missouri,  Kansas,  and  Ne- 
ll uatk  a. 

From  this  time  to  the  i»iesent,  the  marvelous  rapidity  of  the  Sparrow's 
IniiiUiplication,  the  snrpassiiifj  swiftness  of  its  extension,  and  the  pro- 


i; 


22 


TIIK    ENOLISII    SPAircOW    IN    A:.JERICA. 


dipfioiis  gizc  of  tlic  area  it  lias  ovorsprcad  aw  witliout  parallel  iit  tlir 
history  of  any  Itinl.  Ijiko  a  noxious  weed  transpliuitcil  to  a  fertllo  soil, 
it  lii'.s  talv(>ii  root  an*!  Iiocdmio  disscinitiatcd  over  half  a  (;oiitiiiuiit  before 
the  si^fiiideance  of  its  preseiieo  has  eonio  to  be  nnderstoi)d.  The  expla- 
nation of  this  phenonuMial  invasion  must  bo  found  in  part  in  the  <lircct 
assistanee  j;iven  by  man  in  earrying  it  from  place  to  placio  intention- 
ally; in  part  in  tlie  peenliar  impetus  usually  jjiven  prolKlo  s[)ecie8  when 
eai  ried  to  a  new  eountry  where  the  eonditious  for  existence  are  in  every 
way  favorable ;  and  in  part  in  its  exceptional  adaptability  to  a  diversity 
of  physical  and  climatic  conditions.  This  adaptability  has  enabled  it 
not  only  to  endure  alike  the  tropical  heat  of  Australia  and  the  frigid 
winter  of  Canada,  but  to  thrive  and  become  a  burdensome  pest  in  both 
of  these  widely  separated  lands. 

At  first  sight  it  secnis  dillicult  to  understand  why  man  should  have 
taken  so  much  interest  in  this  bird,  and  aided  in  its  rapid  increase  and 
spread;  but  the  consideration  of  a  few  points  bearing  upon  the  njutter 
will  render  the  case  more  intelligible. 

A  considerable  part  of  our  population,  and  especially  that  of  the 
newer  parts  of  the  country, consisted  of  Europeans  who  naturally  re- 
nuMubered  with  pleasure  many  of  the  surrouudinss  of  their  former 
homes  and  doubtless  often  longed  for  the  familiar  chirp  of  the  Sparrow. 
Tliey  had  no  strong  associations  connected  with  our  American  birds, 
and  our  treeless  cities  and  uncultivated  prairies  contrasted  strongly 
willi  the  thickly  settled  country — half  garden,  half  city — which  so  many 
of  them  had  left.  So,  as  opportunity  offered,  small  lots  of  Sparrows  and 
other  European  birds  were  brought  to  this  country;  or  after  the  Spar- 
rows became  abumlant  in  our  Eastern  cities  they  were  carried  inland 
to  a  large  number  of  dilVerent  places.  There  is  little  doubt  that  if  we 
could  obtain  the  data  relating  to  the  introduction  of  Sparrows  at  all 
points  where  they  are  now  fouiMl  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  we  should 
find  that  by  far  the  larger  pint  of  these  introductions  had  been  accom- 
plished by  English,  Geimaii,  and  French  citizens,  Inspired  by  the  rec- 
ollections of  the  birds  of  their  fatherland. 

in  addition,  the  prevailing  ignorance  of  the  average  American  citizen 
with  regard  to  our  uative  birds,  joined  to  the  totally  erroueoua,  or  at 
least  grossly  exaggerated,  reports  of  the  benefits  conferred  by  the  Spar- 
rows in  New  York,  Philadelj)hia,  and  other  Eastern  cities,  tended  to  in- 
crease the  interest  which  naturally  attached  to  an  imported  bird,  until 
many  i)ersons  went  to  the  expense  of  purchasing  and  shipping  Spar- 
rows to  considerable  distances  in  the  belief  that  they  were  insectivorous 
birds  and  must  prove  beneficial  wherever  they  could  be  naturalized. 
In  this  way  a  veritable  Sparrow  "boom"  was  started,  and  the  price  of  | 
Sparrows  in  New  York  went  up  to  such  a  point  that  many  people  de- 
sirous of  obtaining  the  birds  found  it  cheaper  to  club  together  and  im- 
port them  direct  from  Europe;  while  in  many  cases  this  was  doubtless | 
done  from  the  desire  to  obtain  birds  from  the  neighborhood  of  the  im- 


Mivnion  01'  DirpusioN. 


23 


poiti'i's  native  plaoCjOr  tlii'on;;lHli.strii.stof  tliekiiul  of  Sparrow  alnmdy 
iitiportcil,  wliicli,  iinfortiiiiiuoly,  was  wUlol.v  known  from  tln^  Wml  i\n 
tlid  Knglish  Sparrow.  Wit  can  nevorknow  how  n>any  Hoparatv  impor- 
tations wore  tints  inailo,  nor  how  ntany  tlion.saiMis  oi'  individuals  wore 
intr(i(ln(;i>d,  bnt  it  is(;c'rtain  tiiat  lliu  nnnilu'r  ol  placoH  klinHsuppli(><l  with 
birds  is  inncli  greater  than  ha.s  been  supposed,  aiul  considering  this  (act 
and  the  rapid  rate  at  which  the  Si»arrow  breeds,  we  ought  not  to  won- 
(U'r  that  it  lias  so  completely  overrun  the  country. 

METHOD  OF  DIFFUSION  OF  THE  Sl'ARROW. 

In  the  ninth  edition  of  the  Encyclopedia  Hritannica  the  distinguished 
ornithologist,  Prof.  Alfred  Newton,  makes  the  following  statement: 

riic  lIoiiHi)  Spnrrow  \h  far  too  well  known  to  \\wa\  iuiy(lcscri[)ti()n  of  itsiiiiitciiranco 
or  liiibilH,  beinji  found,  wlit'tlier  in  conntry  or  town,  nioro  iittiulitMl  to  liuinan  dwoll- 
iii^s  tliitn  any  oilier  wild  bird;  nay,  niont  than  that,  onu  may  Hufely  aHsort  that  it  in 
not  known  to  thrivo  anywhere  far  away  from  the  Inibitations  or  works  of  nuMi,  cx- 
tcndinj;  itH  range  in  such  countries  as  Northern  Seandinavia  and  many  parts  of  the 
liussian  l^inpin;  as  new  eclMements  are  formed  and  land  bronght  under  cultivation. 

Thus  <iu(stious  arise  as  to  whether  it  shoulil  not  bo  considered  a  parasite  throuKh- 
oiil  the  j;reater  portion  of  the  area  it  now  ocxuiiies,  and  as  to  w  hat  may  have  been  its 
native  country.  Moreover,  of  late  years  it  has  been  inconsiderately  introduced  to 
several  of  the  larf;e  towns  of  Ncnth  An;erica  and  to  m:iuy  of  the  British  cohmies,  in 
nearly  all  of  which,  as  had  been  foreseen  by  oruitholojjists,  it  has  multiplied  to  excess, 
and  liiif  become  an  intolerable  nuisance,  being  nnrestraincd  by  the  natural  checks 
which  partly  restrict  its  increase  in  Europe  anil  Asia. 

This  statement  of  the  Sparrow's  relations  to  man  is  unquestionably 
true  wherever  the  bird  is  known,  and  hence  in  America  we  .should  not 
expect  to  And  it  except  in  settled  portions  of  the  country.  The  manner, 
however,  in  which  it  overruns  a  new  country  to  which  it  is  introduced 
•IKl'ers  somewhat  from  the  way  in  which  it  extends  its  range  in 
older  countries  as  the  area  of  cultivation  is  extended.  In  America, 
the  method  by  which  the  Sparrow.s  spread  without  the  direct  aid  ot 
man  is  peculiar.  They  (irst  invade  the  larger  cities,  then  the  smaller 
( itie.s  and  towns,  then  the  villages  and  hamlets,  and  finally  the  populous 
farming  districts. 

As  the  towns  and  villaj^es  become  tilled  to  repletion  the  overtlow  nwves  oif  into  the 
einintry,  and  the  Sparrow's  ran<];e  is  thus  gradually  extended.  Occasionally,  how- 
ever, il  is  suddenly  transported  to  consider.iblo  distances  by  fjoinj;  to  roost  in  empty 
box  cars  and  traveling  hnndreds  of  miles.  When  let  out  again  it  is  cjiiite  as  much  at 
Iiduie  as  in  its  native  town.  In  this  way  it  reached  St.  John,  New  Brunswick,  in 
l~8:i,  on  board  the  railroad  trains  from  the  west.  In  like  manner  another  colony  ar- 
rived March  1,  18d4,  in  graiii  cars  from  Montreal.  Similarly  it  has  appeared  at  a 
niiiuber  of  towns  in  the  Unitei"  States.     (Hoadley  MS.) 

The  cities  and  towns  fin  t  invaded  by  the  Sparrow  (of  course  exclud- 
ing those  where  they  are  actually  carried  by  men)  are  in  most  cases 
railroad  towns;  and  especiuMy  in  the  West  there  is  no  doubt  that  the 
ureat  railways  along  which  vast  quantities  of  grain  are  transported  have 
been  so  many  great  highways  alo\ig  which  the  Sparrows  have  traveled 
slowly  from  place  to  place.    More  or  loss  scattered  grain  is  always  to 


24 


THE    KNGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


8 


"  m 


ir 


i 


bo  foiiiul  aloiifr  tlieso  railways,  and  the  Sparrows  naturally  follow 
wherever  food  is  fonnd.  To  a  lesser  degree  carriage  roads  have  served 
the  same  purpOiSe,  the  I'ood  famished  in  the  latter  case  being  mainly  the 
partially  <ligested  grain  in  horse  droppings. 

This  gradual  spread  may  take  place  at  any  season  of  the  year,  but 
probably  is  most  pronounced  in  late  summer  and  autumn,  for  reasons 
which  will  at  once  appear.  It  has  been  repeatedly  remarked  that  when 
Sparrows  are  first  introduced  to  a  new  region  it  is  impossible,  without 
actual  confinement,  to  keej)  them  on  a  farm  near  a  town  or  city.  Thev 
soon  abandon  the  country  for  the  city,  and,  except  at  harvest  tinu\  sel- 
dom return  to  the  farm  where  they  were  introduced  nnlil  flic  city  becomes 
croic(k'e1.  This  may  mean  until  there  is  no  longer  an  ample  supply  oi 
food  for  all  the  Sparrows,  or,  more  comnjonly,  it  means  until  there  are 
no  longer  enough  convenient  breeding  places  for  all.  In  most  cases  it 
is  the  young  which  are  thus  crowded  out,  and  consequently  in  nsid- 
summer  and  early  autumn  flocks  of  young  birds  nniy  be  met  with  far 
out  in  the  country,  wherever  food  is  abundant,  and  when  this  food  fails, 
or  the  ground  becomes  covered  with  snow,  they  retreat  to  the  nearest 
towns,  villages,  or  even  farmhouses,  often  at  considerable  distances 
from  the  i)laces  where  they  were  reared.  I5ut,  in  most  cities,  a  time 
arrives  at  last  wiien  more  Sparrows  collect  in  winter  than  can  possibly 
find  nesting  places  in  spring.  Then,  when  ail  desirable  places  have 
been  occupied,  the  remaining  birds  are  forced  to  go  to  other  towns  or 
villages,  or  to  nest  in  the  country. 

Ir  this  way  the  country  for  miles  about  large  cities  becomes  fairly 
cro\. vied  with  Sparrows,  if  the  food  conditions  are  favorable,  and  then 
the  Sparrow  shows  his  great  power  of  adaptation  by  constructing  nests 
for  himself  in  trees.  Twenty  years  ago  there  were  few  places  in  this 
country  wiieie  any  such  Sparrow  nests  could  be  fonnd,  but  to  day  tiny 
are  conrmon  almost  everywhere,  and  frequently  they  are  used  as  places 
of  shelter  and  retreat  in  severe  winter  weather,  as  well  as  for  bieedinj; 
l)laces  in  summer.  At  fii'st, ever-green  trees  are  pi-efeiu'ed,  and  a  bulkv 
nest,  hardly  more  than  a  large,  iriegnlar  heap  of  sti'aw  and  r ubbish,  is 
built ;  but  as  such  trees  become  crowded,  or  as  the  Sparrows  gain  skill 
in  building,  other  trees  are  used,  and  often  the  nests  are  smaller  and 
more  symmetrical.  The  nests  of  native  birds  also  are  often  utilized  as 
foundations,  the  rightful  owners  being  driven  off  first.  In  i)laces  where 
Sparrows  find  abundance  of  food  and  (congenial  surroundings,  they  in- 
crease  to  such  an  extent  that  these  nests  seriously  disfigure  the  .shade 
trees,  and  by  their  filth  even  injure  them.  jNIi'.  IJidgway,  of  the  ?mitli- 
sonian  Institution,  says: 

Tho  En^li^li  Slianow  lias  been  in  Win  allaiid,  Lid.,  Kincc  1>77,  and  is  now  very! 
abundant.  I  icccnllj*  counted  tweiilyoiie  of  its  lai'^c  nests  vn  one  oak  tree  by  liie 
roadside,  a  1'ttlo  di.staneo  ontside  of  tbe  villa;4e.     (Wasliington,  D.  C,  Eeliriiary  II, 

1888.) 

It  may  seem  sui)erfluous  to  many  readers  to  introduce  any  evidencej 
showing  that  the  M[)arrow  is  not  confined  to  citie.*',  ".»nt  so  nniny  per.soiis 


EXTENSION    FKOM    CITY    TO    COUNTRY. 


25 


who  onglit  to  1)0  well  informed  in  sueli  matters  have  intule  eiueless  or 
iiiitceurate  stateineiits  in  this  eonnectinn,  that  a  few  words  may  not  bo 
ont  of  i)hu!e  here. 

It  is  true,  as  has  been  shown  already,  that  Si)arrows  j»r/t'r  towns  or 
cities  so  long  as  their  numbers  are  not  excessive  and  food  is  abundant 
tlierii;  but  it  is  equally  true  that  where  the  conditions  are  favorable 
they  eventually  spread  over  the  country  as  well  as  the  towns,  not  only 
^()h\ii  out  from  the  city  to  the  wheatlields  in  Hocks,  but  taking  up  their 
residence  at  farmhouses,  many  miles  Irom  any  large  town,  and  remain- 
ing tlu're  throughout  the  year.  The  tinu^  whicdi  must  necessarily  elapse 
hetween  the  lirst  appearance  of  Si)arrows  in  a  town  and  their  oc(!upa- 
tion  of  the  surrounding  country  will  vary  very  much  according  to  cir- 
cumstances, and  doubtless  there  are  jdacos  in  which,  owing  to  ceriain 
ptMMiliar  conditions,  such  a  state  of  affairs  never  will  be  reac^hed,  but, 
nevertheless,  as  a  ruk',  such  a  result  is  only  a  matter  of  time. 

Mr.  F.W.Ciiles,  who  first  introduced  the  Si)arrows  in  Kansas,  in  187J, 
writes  from  Topeka,  under  date  of  October  0,  18SG  : 

Tlicy  do  not  j^o  out  into  tlic  country  ;it  iiU,  Iiut  liavo  j^onc  to  vaiions  towns,  distant 
20  to  100  miles  from  Topckii. 

And    Mr.  Byron  ,\.  Peckham  wrote  from  Westeily,  1*.  I ,  early  in 

1SS4: 

Tiu'V  do  not  extend  tiieir  visits  to  farm;;  iind  tluMr  inoduce,  hut  luif'ei'  llie  cities  nnd 
vill;i,!;cs. 

Doubtless  these  statements  are  the  results' ol  actual  observation  in  the 
lo(;alities  named  ;  but  the  observations  do  not  cover  a  sufhcii  ntly  long 
period  to  justify  any  general  conclusions  of  the  same  kind,  or  even  to 
make  it  i)robable  that  the  Spairows  will  continue  to  be  so  restricted  in 
those  cities.  For  itis  ii  matter  of  every  day  observation,  in  a  multitude 
of  localities,  that  the  Sparrows  sooner  or  later  o\ertlow  tl.e  cities  and 
towns,  and  spread  over  the  surrounding  country.  From  personal  obser- 
vation in  the  neighborhood  of  New  York,  Washington,  and  other  cities, 
as  well  as  in  the  country  about  small  towns,  we  are  able  to  state  that 
Sparrows  are  abundant  along  the  country  roads  for  several  miles  beyond 
the  suburbs.  That  the  same  thing  is  f  r;ie  in  various  paits  of  th  >  coun- 
try appears  from  the  following  testinM)nials. 

Mr.  II.  J.  Gaylord,  of  rjinghamton,  N.  V.,  writes: 

He  is  no  longer  ,a  city  ivsident,  l)Ui,  /s  linding-  his  way  to  the  small  villages,  and 
ah-eaily  is  at  the  farmer's  houses  eight  and  nine  Uiih's  in  the  eonulry.  lie  huilds  not 
only  in  crevices  and  holes  ho  llnds  around  huildings,  hut  in  evergreen  trees  and  run- 
ning vines,  on  trellises;  and  he  adapts  himscif  (o  whatever  condition  he  linds. 

Mr,  Witmer  Stone,  of  Germantown,  Pa.,  writes: 

The  Sparrov.-  i.;  now  found  throughout  tlie  villages,  and  al)out  all  the  fnrm-lionsp.s 
in  C'he.ler  and  Lancaster  Counties.  It  appeared  in  the  villagesof  Lancaster  County 
soaio  years  hoforc  it  was  common  in  Chester  County,  but  it  lias  now  lieen  common 
at  the  I'ljiu  houses  in  tlu  central  parts  of  the  lattercounty  for  three  or  four  years.  I 
find  it  has  also  made  its  appearance  at  all  the  villages  and  farm  houses  situated  along 
the  .Siisqnrhanua  River  in  Lancaster  and  York  Counties,  but  as  yot  it  is  not  abun- 
dant there.     (Novenilier  1),  ISSC.) 


SS6 


THK    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Dr.  W.  S.  strode,  ol"  liernadottc,  Fnltoii  County,  111.,  writes: 

In  (111!  .spring;  of  188.")  I  iirnt  iiotici'il  (bur  or  five  paiis  in  onr  little  town,  making  tlni 
eavcH  of  tlio  ilonring  mill  their  headquarters,  and  hero  they  brooded.  Hy  the  next 
winter  their  numher  had  increased  to  iiseiu'e  or  more,  and  they  staid  with  ns.  The  next 
8(!ason  they  had  beconio  numerous,  nesting  wherever  they  could  lind  a  .suitable  plaec 
in  barns  and  houses,  no  one  niolosting  them  or  paying  much  attention  to  tlnnn.  This 
season  by  their  increasing  numbers  they  demanded  attention  and  eomnienccd spread- 
ing out  into  the  country  to  find  nesting  places.     (September  7,  1887.) 

From  L.  K  Bonhani,  Oxford,  IJntler  County,  Ohio; 

Farm  oix',  mile  from  village.  The  Sparrows  are  very  abundant  here,  and  are  hpread- 
ing  from  farm  to  farm  in  every  direction.  They  appeared  in  tho  village  about  eight 
years  ago.     (November  U'J,  18"().) 

From  S.  K.  Koss,  I'ort.siiiontli,  Scioto  County,  Ohio: 

The  eity  is  overrun  with  Si)arrow.s,  and  they  arc  also  tlnding  their  way  to  tho  a<\- 
joining  farms  and  villages.     (September  2,  IS-^O.     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

From  S.  C.  Front,  Front,  Erie  County,  Ohio: 

They  an;  heri^  in  large  flocks  on  each  farm,  whether  large  or  small.  (.January  7, 
1887.     Present  about  (en  years.) 

From  William  H.  Kl{.f;ir,  Flattcville,  Grant  County,  Wis.: 

There  are  as  many  hero  in  (he  eity  now  as  ever,  but  it  has  extended  into  the  coun- 
try more.     (November  21?,  183(i.     Present  about  (ive  years.) 

KATE  OF  SPREAD  OF  THE  SPARROW,  AND  EXTENT  OF  AREA  OCCUPIED  ^ 
AT  THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR  lo8G. 


lllB.il 


In  the  year  ISSG  the  Piiiglish  Sparrow  was  found  to  have  established 
itself  ill  thirty-live  States  and  five  Territories.  Of  these  it  occupies  the 
whole  or  lar<;e  parts  of  the  followinff  thirty-three  States  and  two  Terri- 
tories: Alal)ama,  Arkansas,  California,  Connecticut,  Delaware,  District 
of  Colninbia,  (ieor<>ia,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Iowa,  Kan.sas,  Kentucky,  Loii 
isiaiui,  Elaine,  iMarylaml,  Massachusetts,  IMichigan,  Minnesota,  JMissis- 
sippi,  ^Missouri,  Nebraska,  New  Hampshire,  New  Jersey,  New  Yoik. 
North  Carolina,  Ohio,  I'eunsylvanit',  iihode  Island,  South  Caroliiin, 
Tennessee,  Utah,  Vermont,  Virginia,  West  Virginia,  and  Wisconsin. 
and  is  found  in  a  few  towns  in  Florida,  Texas,  Wyoming-,  Idaho,  and 
Arizona.  Small,  i.solated  colonies  may  exist  in  a  few  other  Territorie.'^, 
but  if  so  they  have  escaped  the  searching  inquiry  of  the  Departnu'iit. 
In  the  United  States  the  total  area  occupied  at  tho  close  of  the  year 
1880  is  S8r),()00  square  miles;  in  Canada  it  is  not  (piite  148,000  sqnaic 
miles;  in  all,  1,0.^3,000  square  miles.  * 

Sonui  idea  of  the  alarming  rapidity  with  which  it  is  at  (he  present  mo""^ 
nienl  multiplying  and  extending  its  range  nuty  be  had  from  the  fact 
that  in  tlie  United  States  alone  it  has  si)vead  during  the  past  lifteiii 
years  at  the  average  rate  of  59,000  scpiarc  miles  per  year,  and  in  the 
United  States  and  Canada  together  at  the  rate  of  00,000  square  miles 
per  year.    But  this  aceiogc  rate  manifestly  is  misleading,  so  far  as  bolli» 

*  The  data  on  which  tho  eoinputatiim  of  the  Canadian  area  is  based  are  insutli-J 
eient,  eonsequendy  (he  size  of  the  area  hen^  given  nuist  lie  regarded  as  ai)proxiniatij 
only.    The  United  Slates  area,  however,  may  be  looked  upon  as  very  nearly  exact. 


to  tlin  eniiii- 


OCCUriEl)  1 


RATE  OF  INCREASE.  27 

i^xtrcmcs  are  coiicomumI,  for  species  iucroase  in  geometriciil  ratio.  Tlu^ 
rate  for  sometime  after  1.S70  was  comparatively  slow,  while  duriii*;-  the 
present  decade  it  has  projjressed  with  astonishiiifjf  rapidity,  till  in  the 
year  ISSG  the  new  territory  invaded  must  have  reached  the  enormous 
number  of  510,500  square  miles,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  following: 

Tdhlc  nhowhifi  approximntrhi  the  rxlvnuh)!   in  siiiiair  viihx  of  the  KinjUsli   SpuiroH;   in 
pcritxh  of  five  years  (<ieh,from  1870  iill  If^d"),  and  itn  erlension  (hiiing  the  year  l."fr!(i. 

Sqiiaro  mill's. 

From  1H70  to  187.")  it  spread  ovoi* r>(lO 

I'ldin  1*7;')  to  IrJ^O  it  .siJicad  over !.">,  OK) 

I'roiii  18dO  to  18Hu  it  spirail  over ."i()0,7(iO 

111  llu!  ,vciirlW()  it  siiirad  over r)li;,r.()0 

'I'liJM  tabic  of  necessity  is  larjj;oly  theoretical,  tlioniih  the  ratio  of  increase  must  l>c 
very  nearly  correct.  Year  by  year  much  of  the  reproductive  energy  of  the  Siiarrow 
is  expended  in  lilliuf;  np  tlie  smaller  towns  .•uid  villages  of  the  are;'  which,  so  far  as 
llic  larger  towns  and  cities  are  concerned,  it  covered  some  time  previously. 

RATE  OF  INCREASE  OF  THE  SPARROW. 

In  askiu"'  for  information  as  to  the  number  of  broods  and  young  annu- 
ally reared  by  the  Sparrow,  we  hoi)ed  to  receive  many  statements  of 
fact,  biit  our  expectations  have  been  hardly  realized,  as  most  of  the  re- 
plies seem  to  be  mere  guesses,  not  based  on  actual  observation. 

The  fact  that  more  or  less  nest-building  goes  on  during  every  month 
of  the  year  has  led  many  jieople  to  supjjose  that  the  Sparrow  breeds 
coiitiiMiously,  but  such  is  nf)t  tlui  case,  at  least  in  temperate  climates. 
Enough  material  bearing  on  this  point  has  been  collected  to  show  that 
Sparrows  rarely  or  never  raise  more  than  six  broods  in  a  year,  and  the 
great  majority  i)robably  do  not  raise  more  than  four,  at  least  in  the  lat- 
itude of  New  York. 

In  Washington  the  iirst  young  out  of  the  nests  may  bi^  seen  in  A])ril, 
but  they  are  not  abundant  before  the  tirst  week  in  May  or  alter  the 
last  week  in  August,  though  doubtless  a  few  leave  the  nest  in  Septem- 
ber, or  still  more  rarely  in  October. 

It  is  possible  that  a  few  eggs  may  be  laid  even  in  December  and 
-laiiuary,  but  it  is  extremely  iini)roba\)le  that  any  young  aie  reared 
at  that  time.  In  the  latter  part  of  Februaiy,  in  some  years,  many 
Sparrows  begin  hiying,  and  occasionally  a  young  brood  may  leave  the 
nest  late  in  March,  but  such  cases  must  be  considered  exceptional. 

.Moreover,  although  nesting  boxes  may  be  steadily  occupied  by  S|)ar- 
rows  with  their  young  or  eggs  from  the  tirst  of  A\m\  to  the  tirst  of  Sei) 
tend)er,  it  does  not  Ibllow  that  such  boxes  are  tenanted  all  this  time  by 
the  same  parent  Sparrows,  or  that  one  brood  follows  another  without 
any  interval.     On  an  average,  about  four  weeks  elapse  from  the  laying 

of  tiie  tirst  eggs  to  the  lime  when  the  young  brood  leaves  the  nest. 
'I'lie  number  of  eggs  in  ii  set  varies  from  tour  to  .seven,  but  is  usually 

I  either  live  or  six,  and  these  ordinarily  would  be  deposited  in  one  week. 

'Twelve  or  thirteen  days  are  recinired  to  hatch  them,  and  the  young  are 


r- 


28 


THE    INGLISn    SPARROW    IX    AMKIilCA. 


i'vd  in  tlie  iiost  lor  about  a  wwk,  and  tlien  for  several  days  (soinotinies 
as  many  as  ten)  after  leavin}^'  it.  More  ejij^s  may  be  laid  in  the  same 
nest  iis  soon  as  the  young'  leiae  il,  and  in  this  way  it  is  possible  for  a 
p.iir  ol'  lSi)arrowsto  rear  one  brood  eaeh  month  for  live  or  six  months, 
but  it  seeu)8  probable  that  generally  the  broods  do  not  follow  each 
other  quite  so  rapidly. 

It  has  been  elaimed  that  Spnrrows  whieli  are  hatehed  in  the  early 
spring  often  pair  and  rear  yonngdui  ing  ilie  ensuing  snmmeror  autumn, 
but  although  several  oi'  our  coiresijondents  state  this  to  be  the  ease, 
we  have  uot  received  sudicient  evidence  to  Justify  us  in  supporting 
these  views.  Another  theory  which  would  account  in  part  for  the  rapid 
increase  of  Sparrows  is  advanced  in  the  ibllowing  commuincations: 

Dr.  W.  II,  Bergtold,  of  IJulfalo,  N.  Y.,  writes: 

As  rcf^iinlH  the  iininber  of  lnooil.s  iind  young  reared  by  a  pair  of  Sparrows  in  a  year, 
1 1  wish  to  mako  a  statement  and  pnt  forth  a  tlieory  that  I  liavo  never  seen  advanced 
before.  I  have  repeatedly  cxaiiiiiied  nirsts  of  this  bird  contai'iing  nearly  full-lkdged 
yonnij;,  two  or  three  young  in  more  or  less  advanced  stages  of  tlevelopnicnt,  and  sev- 
eral eggs  of  various  degrees  of  incubation,  souk;  being  nearly  fresh,  while  others  were 
about  to  lir,  ak  through.  I  gather  from  these  iacts  that  the  Sparrow,  at  least  in  some 
cases,  lays  and  continues  to  lay  ii  succession  of  eggs  so  long  as  the  weather  is  not  tco 
cold;  and  as  the  young  attain  a  suflicient  amount  of  strength  they  arc  expelled  from 
till?  nesf.  Assuming  such  to  be  the  case  we  can  easily  see  how  much  f)f  the  iiicnba- 
tion  work  is  taken  from  the  parents  .\nd  thrown  on  the  young,  who,  by  their  bodily 
heat  and  proximity,  reailily  take  up  such  duties  (quite  unintentionally,  I  imagine), 
and  also  lunv  much  work  can  be  given  to  tlie  proper  maintenance  of  a  generous  food 
supply  for  I)oth  the  old  an<l  young. 

This  constant  stream  of  outpouring  Sparrows  accounts  for  the  rajiid  manner  in 
which  this  species  multiplies.     (August  21,  1880.) 

J.  B.  Stockton,  of  Toronto,  Ktms.,  writes: 

i'he  Sparrow  had  a  nest  nn<ler  the  eaves,  and  all  summer  lliero  seemed  to  be  fresh  or 
newly-hatehe(l  birds  in  the  nest.  There  were  eggs  in  the  nest  all  the  time,  aiul  Ilic 
warmth  of  the  ui.tlcdged  young  hatched  ihv  eggs,  sothatthere  was  a  continimus  and 
nninferriipted  stream  of  fiill-tli'dged  birds  e<uning  from  that  same  nest  all  the  seasoi', 
and  unlledged  ones  of  various  <legrees  at  the  same  time  remaining  in  the  nest.  I  luivii 
nevi  r  known  or  noiiecd  anj  thing  of  the  hind  with  any  other  bird.     (October  (!,  18.';li. ) 

AUhoiigli  siu;h  cases  as  the  foregoing  may  occur  witli  more  oi'  less 
frecimiicy,  they  certainly  are  not  the  rule,  as  it  is  certiiin  that  in  most 
ca.ses  all  the  eggs  are  laid  before  any  tire  hatched,  iiiid  all  the  yoiin;,' 
leave  the  nest  tit  about  the  same  time. 

Moreover,  it  isnot  necessary  toresort  to  such  a  theory  to  itccount  for  the 
rai)idity  with  which  the  Sparrow  increases.  It  is  a  Imrdy,  i)rolitic,  and 
aggressive  bird,  ])osses.sed  of  much  intelligence  and  morethiin  ordinary 
cunning.  It  is  domestic  and  gregarious  in  habit  and  takes  advantage 
of  Ihe  prot<'(!tion  afforded  by  i)ro\imity  to  man,  thus  escaping  nearly 
all  the  enemies  which  check  tlie  increase  of  our  native  birds.  Moreover, 
lor  many  years  ii  was  looked  ui)tui  with  favor,  and  both  food  and  shelter 
were  provided  for  it. 

Its  fecundity  is  amazing,  ami  from  the  testimonysubmifted  it  is  evident 
that  it  is  no  unusual  thing  for  a  single  pair,  in  the  latitude  of  New  York, 


RAl'IDITY    OF   INCREASE. 


29 


or  fiirtlior  soutli,  to  roai'  twenty  or  tliirty  youns  in  the  course  of  a  year. 
AssuKiiny  the  annual  proiluct  of  a  pair  to  be  twontylbur  youuj;',  of 
wiiieh  half  are  females  ami  half  males,  and  asfsiiming  further,  for  the 
.sake  of  eom[)utation,  that  all  live,  toj^ether  with  their  ollsprinj;-,  it  will 
be  seen  that  in  ten  years  the  i)ro<jenyof  a  single  pair  would  be  275,710,- 
983,098.     This  will  appear  in  detail  from  the  following  table: 

AiuiiKil  iiicyv:Ji>v  mid  total  uiimlKr  of  EtKjllsh  l^ixiiioiinjl.c  pi  jiiein/ of  it  aiiiijh;  pnir,  in 
Hiicccifiiivv  musonn  for  liii  yatrs,  ansKiniiKj  thai  all  Ural, 


'■■■  'M 


iiiainu'V  111 


Years. 

First 

Si'i'iiiid 

ThinI 

iMUlltll 

riiiii 

Sixth  

SiNcntli  

i:i-litli 

Niiitli 

Teutli 


Niinibci' of  pairs    Xuriititi- of  ii.iiis    Tulal  ]iiiml)i;r  of    Total  iniuibcr 
liicuilin;;.  ofjouiig.  pairs.  of  birds. 


1 

12 

1.1 

l.'JO 

ICO 

2,  0J8 

L',  197 

•20,  :wi 

2s,  r,ai 

.fl'.',  7:i2 

a7l,293 

4,-155,.)l(i 

4,  «2(!,  «()B 

:)7,!r.'i.7u,s 

01',  7-)  8,  .517 

7.)l,9,-l',  L'lM 

HI,'),  7:!(l,  7l'l 

9,  78S,  7(8.  li.VJ 

13 

1C9 

2,197 

'JH,  .Itil 

371,  2911 

•),  Wli,  l-OO 

(12  7  If,  517 

Hlj,  7:iO,  721 

1(1,  004,  4!19,  :i7:! 

10,  liu4,4'J»,  a?:)        1.7,  '53,  992,  47U       ]:i7,b5«,  491,  849 


9, 

12,-., 

l,(i;)l, 

21,20S, 
27r.,  710, 


2(i 

:t:i8 
4,  :i9i 

57,  122 
742, 58ii 
()."..■),  018 
4!l7,<):i» 
41)1,442 
<M».  7l(i 
98J,  U98 


Of  course,  the  actual  iucreas(!  of  the  Sparrow  is  but  a  small  fraction 
of  the  total  shown  in  (his  tabii',  which  is  based  on  assumptions,  some 
of  which  at  least  are  not  likely  ev(  r  to  be  realized.  15nt  if  we  reduce 
the  annual  liumber  of  young  per  pair  to  twelve,  still  assuming  that  half 
are  males  and  half  females,  and  allow  that  all  live  even  five  years,  wo 
shall  have  as  the  total  increase  of  one  pair  in  that  time  ;{3,01t  birds. 
In  .some  cases  it  would  seem  as  if  these  iiguies  had  actually  been  reached, 
so  rapid  has  been  the  increase  at  certain  places,  but  it  is  probable  that 
in  almost  all  ca.ses  the  original  stock  in  any  town  consists  of  several 
pairs,  and  the.se  are  usually  increased  from  time  to  time  by  accessions 
from  neighboring  cities.  It  seems  probable  that  the  large  colonies  at 
(ialveston,  Tex.,  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah,  and  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  have 
resulted  wholly  or  in  very  large  jiart  from  the  few  pairs  originally  in 
tioduoed  at  those  places,  but  it  is  impossible  to  say  this  of  most  other 
centers  of  abundance. 

The  following  examiiles  of  evidence  will  serve  to  give  a  .slight  idea  of 
the  rajiidity  with  which  the  Sparrow  increases. 

Trom  Norwood  Giles,  of  Wilmington,  X.  C: 

Tlicy  rear  four  brooil.s  hire.  Tliey  lug.iii  nesting  tis  early  as  Jauuaij'  22  tliis  year. 
(November  13,  1880.) 

From  If.  B.  liailey,  of  East  Orange,  X.  J.: 

It  rears  tivo  or  six  l)ro(i(ls  yearly,  with  four  (o  ,six  yonii<^  in  ;i  l>rooil.     f  rebruary  7, 

IHf^l.) 

From  Thomas  Chalmers,  of  llolyoke,  Mass.: 

It  usually  rears  live  lirooil.'s  aimtially,  and  live  l)ii(l  ,  (o  a  brood.  I  have  known  of 
six  lirood.s  in  a  season  from  one  pain  I'  liirds.  lis  reeiindity  is  astonishing;;  the  num- 
ber of  ej^gs  that  cau  be  taken  from  a  mature  female  is  something  incredible.  (March 
C,  1884.) 


80 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


i!   m 


From  William  F.  Lamb,  of  llolyoko,  JMass.: 

A  pair  which  have  bred  in  a  box  near  my  window  (or  tsi'vcn  successive  years,  huvo 
reared  three  broods  each  year,  averaging  live  yoniij;  to  a  brood.     (February  iil),  1^64.) 

From  Clarence  L,  Cate,  of  Spencer,  Mass.: 

I  know  of  one  pair  that  raised  six  broods  in  ISf?!,  and  1  believ(!  that  four  or  five  in 
the  number  of  broods  regnhirly  raised  by  a  pa'r,     (October,  ISriG.) 

Fronj  Elislia  Slade,  of  Somerset,  Mas.': 

Five  broods  arc  usually  reared  in  a  season,  and  I'le  number  of  young  in  a  brood 
varies  from  live  to  eight ;  the  average  is  six  or  nion  .  A  single  pair  become  the  pai- 
cuts  of  thirty  or  more  young  in  one  season.  They  ofleu  liasc  their  lir.st  brood  laid 
in  March  or  early  in  April,  arid  nestlings  are  coniniun  in  Seplciuber  and  October,  ami 
in  every  intervening  month.  Young  birds  hatched  in  April  freiiueutly  pair  and  rear 
a  brood  in  early  autumn.     (August  20,  18d6.) 

From  John  F.  T.  Edwards,  of  "Ironton,  Mo.: 

The  three  or  four  birds  which  were  here  about  two  years  ago  have  multiplied  into 
one  or  two  hundred.     (November  If),  If^RO.) 

From  J.  M.  Fowlkes,  of  Memphis,  Tenn.: 

In  the  fall  of  1S71  three  pairs  of  Sparrows  were  introduced  here  by  Col.  C.  .J.  Sel- 
deu,  and  judging  from  the  present  crop  they  have  thriven  well.  No  other  imiiortalidii 
of  these  birds  has  been  made,  but  the  progeny  of  this  stock  now  infest  the  city  ami 
the  suburbs  for  several  miles.     (November  Kj,  IH-^O.) 

From  W.  T.  Sledge,  of  Lawrenceville,  Xa.: 

Seven  were  first  seen  hero  (in  187(5),  but  since  that  time  they  have  miraculously  ia- 
creased.  Two  Sparrows  have  been  known  to  hatch  twcuty-four  young  in  one  ucii 
during  the  summer.     (November  I'i,  It^SO.) 

From  Walter  B.  Hull,  of  ]Mil\vaiikee,  Wis.: 

I  have  killed   nearly   liv(!  hundred,  old  and  young,  since  January.     I  killed  ten 
broods  the  tirst  sitting,  and  nu)re   than   twenty   the  second,  but  even  now  I  hey  an; 
hatching.     The '21st  of  this  luonlh  I  killed  four  broods  aggregating  fourteen  young.  , 
(Augusts;?,  1880.)  I 

The  following  account  of  the  introduction,  increase,  and  spread  oi' 
the  English  Si)arrow  in  the  neighborhood  of  Strathroy,  <Jntario,  Can- 
ada, is  furnished  us  by  Mr.  L.  LI.  Smith,  of  that  place.     IJc  writes : 

In  March,  1874,  1  sent  to  a  New  York  bird  dealer,  and  he  forwarded  me  per  ex- 
pies.«,  twelve  birds,  six  males  and  six  females,  at  a  cost  to  me  of  $1  each.  If  all  tins 
Sparrows  in  our  town  arc  mine,  and  my  neighbors  all  say  they  arc,  then  I  have  at 
least  plenty  ibr  my  money.  The  six  pairs  of  S;  arrows  I  turned  out  in  some  farm 
buildings  near  town,  where  they  stayed  for  a  week  or  two.  By  and  by,  by  ones  ami 
twos,  they  moved  to  town,  and,  singular  to  say,  one  pair  built  a  nest  in  the  tornieci 
of  the  house  of  the  man  who  wrote  mc  in  England,  in  1H71,  to  bring  some  out,  ami 
iVnothcr  pair  built  in  the  next  house  to  my  own.  They  are  now  in  thousands  iu  our 
town,  and  are  itlentiful  in  every  town,  city,  and  village  in  this  part  of  Ontario.  1 
do  not  think  they  all  came  from  the  six  pairs  of  birds  which  I  brought  here  in  March, 
1874,  because  I  remember  in  the  summer  of  187."}  seeing  them  as  far  west  as  Syracuse, 
and  they  might  have  been  farther  this  way. 

Strathroy  is  20  miles  west  of  London,  and  40  miles  east  of  Port  Huron,  Mich. 

It  was  only  a  few  years  after  HM  I  noticed  them  at  Toronto  and  London  .iid  otinr 
jdaces  east  of  this.  It  is  perhaps  eight  years  since  they  spread  west  of  this.  I  havo 
uo  proof  that  all  did  not  como  from  my  six  pairs,    For  several  y^iitys  Wwy  iucrcuscd 


NATURAL   ENEMIES. 


31 


i\v  01  live  ia 


very  nlowly  Hiid  gradually  licro,  only  oiio  .small  colony  tlio  liist  yt'ur,  two  or  tlirt'"  the 

next,  iiiiil  HO  on,  till  in  a  lew  years  almost  all  snitaUle  iiromiscs  hail  colonies  of  tiieni. 

Tlioro  arc  none  yet,  so  far  as  I  know,  in  far  northern  and  western  Ontario.     No  spe- 

1  cial  [irotoction  was  given  thoni  in  onr  town,  save  that  the  general  feeling  amongst  our 

[citizens  was  to  protect  thcni,  and  they  were  not  molested.     (October  11,  IdSG.) 

CHECKS   ON   THE   INCREASE   OF   THE   SPARROW. 

TIio  checks  which  have  oi)eiate(l  in  the  past  to  limit  the  increase  and 
[spread  of  tlie  Spariow  may  be  roiijihly  clas.sed  under  two  heads,  («) 
iiatnial,  [It)  artificial;  inclmliiig  under  the  latter  head  all  those  hostile 
intluences  due  solely  to  man,  and  under  the  former  all  others.  Among 
the  natural  checks  may  be  mentioned  climate,  food,  natural  enemies 
(sucli  as  cats,  hawks,  jays,  etc.),  and  disease. 

It  is  a  general  rule  in  the  animal  kingdoei  that  excessive  multiplica 

[tion  tends  to  disease,  and  nearly  all  animals  are  subject  to  epidemics 

j and  i)arasites  which  tend  to  reduce  their  niuubers  when  they  become 

e.\treinely  abundant.     l>ut  i.ofhing  of  this  kind  is  known  among  Si>ar- 

rows,  and  they  seem  to  be  among  the  hardiest  and  healtliiest  of  birds. 

lit  is  true  that  albinism  is  quite  common,  si)ecimeiis  which  are  more  or 

less  white  being  frecjuently  seen  on  the  streets  of  inc^^t  large  town.s, 

but  this  can  hardly  be  considered  an  indication  ot"  weakness  or  disease 

iin  tlie  species,  although  it  probably  does  result  from  living  under  more 

(or  less  unnatural  conditions. 


KATUKAL   KNKMIES   OF   TIIK   SPAHKOW. 


I  killed  ten 


As  regards  natural  enemies  the  Sparrow  is  remarkably  favored,  for, 
IfroMi  its  constant  association  with  man,  it  escapes  nearly  all  the  perils 
jwhich  restrict  the  increase  of  native  birds. 

It  is  generally  supposed  that  cats  must  catch  many  Sparrows,  but  in 
[point  of  fact  it  is  rare  for  an  adult  Sparrow  to  fall  into  the  clutches  of 
Ithis  enemy,  and  even  the  young  are  not  often  caught.  The  centuries  of 
Icxperience  which  have  developed  this  bird  into  a  parasite  upon  man 
jliave  taught  it  how  to  avoid  the  oilier  semi-domesticated  animals  sur- 
liouiKling  him,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  cats  have  far  better  success  in 
Icatching  the  wariest  of  our  native  birds  than  in  catching  the  Sparrow. 
I  A  few  of  our  native  birds  kill  Si)ari'ows  or  eat  their  eggs  and  young, 
but  the  number  of  species  is  very  limited,  and,  except  in  rare  cases,  the 
I imiiiber  destroyed  is  insignilicant. 

Probably  the  most  useful  bird  in  this  respect  is  the  northern  shrike 
[Ijinitts  bonalis),  which  visits  most  of  our  Northern  cities  in  winter  and 
jl'oeds  freely  on  the  Sparrov,-.  At  one  time  this  shrike  became  so  abun- 
Idaiiton  the  common  and  public  garden.s  in  Boston  that  it  threatened  to 
jdrstroy  all  the  Sparrows,  but  the  .short  sighted  authorities  kept  a  man 
Ibiisy  in  shooting  the  shrikes  until  several  dczeii  had  been  killed,  and 
|tlie  useless  Si)arrows  were  considered  safe. 

In  many  cities  and  towns  of  the  AIississ!i)pi  valley  the  bluojay  {Cyano- 
mlta  cristata)  is  said  to  lessen  the  number  of  Sparrows  somewhat  by 


TIIK    ENQLISII    SPAKUOW    IN    AMERICA. 


eating  tbcircgga  and  young,  but  in  most  of  tho  Eastern  States  this  bird 
is  rarely  seen  in  towns  and  villages  in  summer,  and  so  has  little  eHect 
on  the  Si)arro\v. 

Tho  crow-blackbird  or  i)nr[)lo  grackle  {Quisvahm  quiscula)  also  kills 
some  Sparrows.  Mr.  Robert  Eidgway  states  that  he  once  saw  it  en 
gaged  in  eating  tho  j'oung  on  the  Smithsonian  grounds;  and  Mr.  Will- 
iam BrcwsLer,  of  Cambridge,  i\Iass.,  states  that  in  one  case  he  saw 
a  grackle  follow  and  kill  a  Sparrow  which  liad  been  slightly  wounded, 
and  it  at  once  began  to  eat  its  victim.  ]\[r.  Brewster  also  states  that  in 
Cambridge  the  grackles  have  steadily  increaseci  in  numbers,  while  tho 
Sparrows  at  present  do  not  seem  to  bo  increasing  at  all;  and  he  suggests 
that  the  two  facts  may  bo  correlated  in  some  way. 

The  si)arrow-hawk  {Falco  S2)arvc'riHs)  and  the  screech  owl  {Mcgasvo^s 
asio)  prey  upon  Sparrows,  and  their  presence  in  our  parks  and  about 
our  houses  should  be  encouraged  so  long  as  the  Sparrows  are  abundant. 
Both  these  birds  eat  large  numbers  of  insects,  and  ruieiy  attack  native 
birds.  Several  other  predatory  birds,  such  as  the  sharp-shinned  anil 
Cooper's  hawks  {Acdpikr  rc/o.r  and  cooperi)  and  the  pigeon-hawk  [Falco 
cohimhariuH),  sometimes  feed  largely  on  the  Sparrow;  but,  as  they  also 
destroy  many  native  birds,  their  protection  can  not  be  adviseil,  except 
under  peculiar  conditions. 


TUB    KELATIOX    OF    CLIMATE    AND    FOOD    TO    TUK 

Sl'AlUtOW. 


IXGUEA3E    AND    SPllEAD    OF    TUE 


Sparrows  thrive  at  Montreal,  Canada,  and  at  Galveston,  Tex.,  but  it 
is  nevertheless  true  that  they  do  not  increase  as  rapidly  or  as  steadily 
in  cold  climates  as  in  temperate  ones.  Scores  of  observers  testify  to 
the  fact  that  Sparrows  die  in  large  numbers  during  very  severe  win- 
ters,  and  this  mortality  is  usually  attributed  to  cold.  This,  however, 
is  a  mistake,  for  a  healthy,  well-fed  Sparrow  can  resist,  without  serious 
incL -venieuce,  the  lowest  temi)eratures  ever  experienced  in  the  United 
States. 

Sparrows  are  "  winter  killed  "  usually  because  their  customary  food 
is  covered  by  snow,  or  iVozea  hard,  and  they  are  thus  starved  to  death 
rather  than  frozen.  This  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  small  numbers  of  | 
Sparrows,  which  have  been  regularly  fed,  but  not  otherwise  cared  for, 
have  repeatedly  survived  the  severe  winters  of  Minnesota,  while  bun- 
<lreds  of  Sparrows  have  died  in  places  which  were  much  warmer,  be- 
cause they  were  not  fed  by  man  and  could  not  get  enough  food  by  their  | 
own  efforts.  No  doubt  Sparrows  thrive  best  in  temperate  climates, 
where  the  ground  is  seldom  covered  by  snow  for  any  length  of  time; 
yet,  it  provided  with  a  good  supply  of  food,  they  may  survive  long  pe| 
riods  of  deep  snow  and  low  temperature. 

It  will  be  shown  later  that  the  principal  source  of  food  supply  foil 
city  Sparrows  is  tho  droppings  of  grain-fed  horses,  and  this  supply  is 
usually  as  abundant  and  accessible  in  winter  as  in  summer.  It  will  be 
Been  at  once,  however,  that  with  a  tomperaturo  many  degrees  below 


KFFECTS  OF  CLIMATE  AND  FOOD. 


88 


3    OV    THE 


zero  this  oflal  is  fVozon  so  quickly  and  tlioioii^fhly  as  to  cut  oil'  almost 
(•()iii]>k'tely  the  Si)airo\vs'  main  reliance.* 

Sparrows  were  introduced  at  Haint  I'aul,  Minn.,  as  early  as  tlic  fall 
of  1870 J  yet  at  the  present  time  there  are  so  few  that  they  are  seldom 
noticed.  The  following  statement  by  an  observant  resident  of  that 
jilace,  Mr.  Morton  Barrows,  shows  at  least  one  cause,  and  that  undoubt- 
edly the  principal  one,  for  this  state  of  things,     lie  says : 

Our  (streets  are  not  cleaned  in  winter,  sleds  beiii};  nsed  nniversall^-.  Moreover,  we 
Ikivo  no  tbaws,  and  cverytliing  remains  IVozen  solid  nntil  spring.  At  'M  degrees  below 
zero  Lorse  droppings  freeze  almost  instantly,  and  are  generally  covered  with  the  loose, 
fine  8U0W  of  the  streets  as  tliey  fall,  that  is,  it  is  so  cold  that  there  is  always  a  line, 
loose  surface  snow,  from  1  lo  7t  inches  deep,  even  in  the  most  nsed  streets,  and  any- 
thing falling  into  that  is  (luickly  buried  by  passing  teams. 

Not  much  graiti  is  moved  here  in  any  weather,  especially  not  in  winter.  Tho 
ground  is  generally  covered  deeii  with  snow  from  the  middle  of  November  nntil  April, 
•Mid  I  do  uot  see  what  Sparrows  can  find  to  feed  on.  Again,  wo  have  more  or  less 
(li'l)osit  each  day,  oven  in  clear  weather.  When  it  is  intensely  cold  spicula;  fall  in 
large  quantities,  generally  in  the  morning,  while  snow-storms  arc  very  frequent.  All 
manner  of  refuse  is  thns  qniclvly  covered. 

The  same  ohecK  on  the  increase  of  the  Sparrow  has  doubtless  been 
felt  in  many  other  is'orthern  cities,  and  it  is  possible  that  this  alone  will 
.snfTice  to  render  the  bird  harmless  near  the  northern  limit  of  its  range. 
At  first  sight  it  may  seem  that  the  abundance  of  Sparrows  in  some 
Canadian  cities  would  be  fatal  to  this  theory;  but  we  must  remember 
that  the  climate  of  Minnesota  is  much  more  severe  than  that  of  Ontario, 
and  also  that  Sparrows  were  originally  introduced  at  many  points  in 
Canada;  that  they  have  been  there  much  longer  than  in  Minnesota; 
and,  finally,  that  they  have  been  cared  for  much  more  generally  in  Cana- 
dian towns  than  in  those  of  Minnesota. 

Tiiere  is  abundant  evidence  that  Sparrows  are  killed  sometimes  in 
larj;e  numbers  in  summer  as  well  as  in  winter.  Sever*.',  thunder  storms, 
with  or  without  hail,  but  accompanied  by  high  wind,  have  proved  veri- 
table catastrophes  to  many  Sparrow  communities,  esi)eeially  where  tho 
storms  come  on  at  night  or  alter  the  Sparrows  have  ttssembled  in  large 
iiiiiiibers  at  their  roosting  places.  The  details  of  such  Si)arrow  calam- 
ities, which  occurred  at  liockford.  111.,  Baltimore,  Md.,  Jersey  City,  N. 
J.,  and  Washington,  D.  C,  will  be  found  in  the  evidence  on  this  sub- 
ject, iuid  we  have  records  of  similar  cases  at  Bochester,  N.  Y.,  and 
.Media,  Pa.  In  some  instances  thousands  of  Sparrows  have  been 
killed  at  a  single  locality  by  a  single  storm,  the  deaths  resulting  ap- 

'TLo  great  "  blizzartl"  of  March,  18i8,  doubtless  killed  vast  numbers  of  Sparrows 
tlmmghout  the  area  in  wli'cli  it  was  most  severe.     In  New  York  and  Pennsylvania 

I  iHit  only  were  hundreds  found  dead  as  the  snow  melted  away,  but  their  scarcity  dur- 

pjiij;  the  sprijg  months  was  generally  remarked.     Although  this  storm  was  accompa- 
iiii'i,  or  followed,  by  severe  cold  in  many  places,  it  was  nioro  remarkable  for  ve'- 
licavy  snow-falls  and  high  winds;  moreover,  it  lasted  two  or  three  days,  and  in  many 

jltliucs  all  out-door  trartic  was  snapended  for  several  more.    Thus,  doubtless,  number- 
less Sparrows  survived  the  violence  of  the  storm  only  to  find  all  ordinary  sources  of 

Ifuod  snpi)ly  cut  off,  leaving  thcin  to  die  of  starvation. 
8101— Bull.  1 3 


V* 


34 


THE   ENOLISir   SPARROW    IN    AMKRICA, 


m. 


pareiitly  from  ii  tlioroii^ih  (liTiicIiiii;;,  followed  by  cliill,  and  in  some  cases 
donbtless  liaHtcni'il  l>y  cxliaiistioii, 

Altliouf-li,  as  already  seen,  cliinat*^  may  play  an  important  part  in  aid- 
in^'  or  preventing  the  increase  and  spread  of  the  Sparrow,  it  is  certain 
that  the  abnndance  or  scarcity  of  food  is  even  more  important.  Wher- 
ever Sparrows  have  been  introdnced  by  man  they  have  been  fed  and 
housed  to  a  certain  extent,  at  all  events  at  llrst.  lint  soon  they  have 
been  left  to  shift  for  themselves,  which  is  usnally  the  case  when  they 
spread  unaided  from  town  to  town.  tJrain  eaters  by  natnro  and  by 
preference,  wo  have  seen  how  they  follow  railroads  and  carriajje  roads 
from  place  to  place,  living  by  the  way  ou  good  or  refuse  grain,  and 
always  tarrying  longest  in  places  where  sncli  food  is  most  abundant. 
At  harvest  time  they  go  ont  by  day  iido  the  wheat  fields  near  town, 
often  coming  back  at  niglit  to  roost;  and  when  the  grain  fields  arc  | 
cleared  or  when  snow  covers  them  the  Sparrows  turn  to  the  city  streets 
with  the  certainty  that  a  hugK  amount  of  their  favorite  food  will  be 
found  there.  Wherever  in  civilized  countries  horses  are  used,  more 
or  less  grain  is  necessary  to  keep  them  in  working  Older.  It  may  be 
wheat,  rye,  oats,  barley,  or  corn,  and  they  may  eat  much  or  little, 
crushed  or  whole,  yet  a  certain  proportion  always  lemains  more  or  less 
undigested,  and  much  of  this  eventually  becomes  accessible  to  the 
Sparrows. 

The  most  casual  observer  can  not  have  failed  to  notice  the  eagerness 
with  which  the  bird  appropriates  such  food,  and  there  is  no  reason  toj 
doubt  that  this  food,  more  than  all  other  attractions  combined,  has  j 
made  the  Sparrow  what  he  is — primarily  a  bird  of  the  street.     Under 
ordinary  circumstances  this  partly  digested  grain  from  horse-droppings  i 
doubtless  forms  at  least  1)0  per  cent,  of  the  town  Sparrow's  food,  and  | 
is  not  only  an  abundant  and  excellent  food  for  the  adults,  but  by  virtue 
of  its  partial  digestion  is  most  admirably  fitted  for  the  first  food  of  tlio 
young. 

The  practical  bearing  of  this  important  fact  is  obvious:  Sparrows  in- 
troduced to  any  town  at  once  find  themselves  provided  with  an  abun- 
dance of  nutritious  food  such  as  they  have  always  preferred.    The  nooks  I 
and  crannies  about  buildings  furnish  all  necessary  shelter  and  the  best 
possible  nesting  jdaces;  i)roximity  to  man  insures  partial  protection! 
from  the  ordinary  bird  enemies;  and  so  for  a  dozen  generations  their  in 
crease  i«  rapid  and  steady. 

As  they  increase  in  numbers  the  first  check  is  likely  to  come  fromaiil 
insufficient  number  of  good  nesting  places,  and  in  case  this  want  is  met, 
the  supply  of  food  may  o.t  last  become  inadequate.  Then  follows  aj 
natural  and  gradual  extension  into  the  surrounding  country,  or  aloiigj 
the  roads  to  neighboring  towns  and  cities.  If  these  towns  belong  toj 
grain-growing  districts  the  increase  may  continue  indefinitely,  or  untill 
public  apprehension  is  excited  and  measures  are  taken  to  suppress  tlie| 
threatened  scourge.     If  the  grain  fails,  or  some  other  food  becomes  .-^u  j 


C1IAN(JK    OK    I'lJHiaC    Ol'lNlON. 


•6f) 


)me  cases 

irt  in  aid- 
is  cortaiii 
.  Wher. 
11  led  and 
licy  have 
iiien  they 
0  and  by 
age  roads 
jrain,  and 
ibundant. 
lear  town, 

fields  are 
ity  streets 
Dd  will  l)c 
ised,  more 
It  may  be 

or  little, 
ore  or  less  | 
ble  to  the 

eagerness  i 
>  rt-ason  to 
bincd,  h;isj 
t.     Undir 
droppings  I 
food,  and ! 
by  virtue 
od  of  the 

larrows  iu- 

an  abuii- 

The  nook  si 

Id  the  best 

protection | 

lis  their  in 

lie  from  an  I 
Hit  is  met, 
[follows  ill 
I,  or  aloiigl 
1  belong  tol 
or  nntill 
lipress  tlicl 
Icomes  su  I 


|lM'nd)uiidant,  the  Sparrows  readily  adapt  themselves  to  circnmstances, 
and,  as  they  are  always  tasting  of  everything  eatable,  they  freiinently 
;u!i|uire  a  strong  liking  for  souni  particular  fruit  or  vegetable  previously 

lunnotiiH'd.  There  is  scarcely  a  vegetal)!.;  product  grown  by  farmer  or 
gardener  wliich  the  Sparrow  can  not  eat,  and  there  arc  very  many  to 
wliich  it  is  flisastrously  partial.     lOvcn  the  most  suijcrficial  examina- 

1 1  ion  of  the  evidence  printi'd  in  this  volunu!  will  satisfy  any  candid  man 

|(irtlu'  truth  of  the  statement. 

And  this  brings  ns  to  the  consideration  of  those  checks  to  the  Spar- 
i(»w's  increase  which  are  due  solely  to  the  inlliience  of  man,  and  which 

Imiy  be  denominated  artilicial. 

HIKKCT    INTLrKN'Cr.    OK    MAN    IN'    Clir,('KI\(;   Tin:    INCIII'.ASK    u:'    Till'.    SI'AIMiOW. 

/'«/>/iV  o/x'n/oH.— During  the  Ii4'st  tifteen  years  of  the  Sparrow's  c(»l- 
loiii/ation  of  America,  say  from  \H~k}  to  IHH),  the  hostile  iutluemie  of 
Inian  was  jiractically  nothing.  A  few  protests  from  intelligent  natural- 
ists who  o])i)osed  its  introductioa  ;  a  few  warnings  from  naturalized 
citizens  who  had  spent  many  years  lighting  the  bird  in  their  native 
land— this  was  all.  On  the  other  hand,  scores  of  enthusiastic  ''  bene 
factors"  of  the  country  were  urging  its  introduction  in  increased  num- 
bers, and  aiding  and  i)rotecting  those  already  brought,  by  every  possible 
means,  even  to  the  enactment  of  city  ordinances  and  police  regulations. 
During  the  next  decade,  however,  more  opposition  was  developed,  and 
although  Sparrow  enthusiasts  were  still  providing  nesting  boxes  by  the 
tlioMsand  and  food  by  the  barrel  in  many  cities  where  Sparrows  were 
few,  still  there  was  no  little  retrenchment  in  some  of  the  cities  where 
they  had  become  abundant,  and  the  disposition  among  practical  citi- 
zriis  to  let  the  invaders  shift  for  themselves  steadily  increased.  Toward 
the  latter  part  of  this  period  a  few  laws  wliicli  had  especially  protected 
tluni  were  repealed,  but  in  very  few  places  were  active  measures  adopted 
liiiikiiig  to  the  limitation  or  sii|ipression  of  their  increase. 

It  is  impossible  to  mark  the  precise  date  at  which  the  tide  of  public 
opinioi)  turned  against  the  Sparrow,  There  has  been  no  sadden  change, 
hut  a  gradual  falling  away  in  the  number  of  Sparrow  adherents  One 
alter  another  of  its  loudest  advocates  has  become  silent,  ami  a  few  iiave 
Iioiieatly  admitted  their  change  of  opinion. 

In  most  cases  snch  change  of  views  has  not  been  the  direct  result  of 
niy  one  argument,  oral  or  written,  but  of  the  gradual  accumulation  of 
Midi  an  amount  of  evidence  that  at  last  it  became  irresistible.  A  man 
Alio  has  seen  thousands  of  Sparrows  at  work  on  his  own  wheat  llelds 
IS  coiivinced  that  the  bird  is  not  altogether  harmless,  whatever  may 
liave  been  his  previons  theories  on  the  subject.  If  he  subsequently 
-iilVt'is  from  its  attacks  n])on  his  fruit,  his  i)recoiieeived  notions  of 
■^pairow  habits  are  still  further  modified  ;  and  when  he  tinds  that  native 
>irds  decrease  as  the  Sparrows  increase,  he  is  constrained  to  believe 
liat  possibly  some  of  those  who  have  testified  to  similar  experiences 


3G 


TllK    liN0L18lI    Hl'AKUOW    IN    AMKlilCA. 


i 


wore  ncitiier  fools  nor  knaves.  Tliis  loads  to  a  re  examination  of  tin- 
facts  on  which  he  based  his  theories  ori},'inally,  and  the  resnlt  is  that 
his  former  (ionclnsioiis  are  rc\'ersed. 

Unforlniiately,  the  men  \vhos(s  experience  thus  <iiialilU's  them  to  speak 
authoritatively  on  the  subject  are  not  often  tlie  men  who  can  and  will 
publish  widely  their  observations  an<l  conclusions.  Nevertheless,  such 
oxi)erieuces  have  become  so  freipient  in  all  puts  of  the  country  Uuriii},' 
the  last  few  years  that  the  weifjht  of  public  opinion,  (^specially  amouf,' 
agriculturists,  is  very  decidedly  iiyainst  the  Sparrow.  Since  1880  this 
chanjje  of  sentiment  has  been  marked. 

Effect  of  legislation. —Litlk^  or  no  protective  le};isiation  has  been 
enacted;  many  of  the  laws  formerly  protecting  the  Si)arrow  have  been 
rei)eale(l ;  and  in  most  cases  such  city  regulations  as  have  not  been 
uiodilled  have  become  practically  dead-letters. 

Moreover,  bounties  have  been  oftered  by  some  towns  and  counties, 
and  by  one  State  (.Michigan),  which  now  pays  a  bounty  of  1  cent  per 
hesid  on  English  Siiarrows. 

The  question  of  the  expediency  of  bounties  is  discussed  elsewhere, 
and  it  is  sutBcient  here  to  remark  that  as  a  rule  they  do  not  give 
satisfactory  results. 

The  repeal  of  protective  acts,  however,  certainly  has  done  much  to 
check  the  increase  of  the  Sparrow,  since  it  allows  persons  so  disposed 
to  wage  open  warfare  on  the  bird.  So  long  as  it  was  protected  by  law 
little  elVective  action  could  be  taken  toward  its  destruction,  though 
much  was  done  to  prevent  its  increase. 

Shooting,  poisoning,  trapping,  nest  destroying. — The  filthy  habits  of  the 
Spariow  about  buildings  everywhere,  early  led  to  the  use  of  wire  netting' 
or  some  other  protective  device  about  cornices,  window  casings,  etc., 
while  all  openings  in  which  it  could  nest  were  carefully  closed  up.  Later, 
these  points  were  kept  in  mind  when  planning  new  buildings,  and  no 
available  cavities  were  left.  Many  peooie  removed  the  boxes  originally 
put  up  for  the  Sparrow  as  soon  as  the>  became  familiar  with  its  habits 
and  saw  the  danger  to  be  expected  from  its  increase.  For  the  same 
reason  food  which  was  lavishly  furnished  at  first  was  afterward  with- 
held, and  the  birds  were  compelled  to  shift  for  themselves.  Where 
ornamental  vines  were  disfigured  by  filth  and  nesting  rubbish  the  nests 
were  sometimes  torn  down  or  the  birds  driven  away  by  disturbing  them 
repeatedly  at  night,  though  there  is  no  doubt  that  in  many  cases  they 
remained  undisturbed  in  such  places  owing  to  the  belief  that  any  other 
course  would  be  at  the  risk  of  prosecution  by  the  town  or  city  authori- 
ties. 

Such  frequent  interruption  in  its  domestic  att'airs  naturally  did  mucii 
to  prevent  the  most  rapid  increase  of  the  Sparrow,  but  as  such  efforts 
were  mainly  isolated,  and  affected  only  certain  restricted  localities,  they 
had  little  permanent  elfect.  A  Sparrow's  i)rcfereuces  are  one  thing  antl 
its  necessities  another,  and  when  persecuted  in  cue  place  it  has  always 


KKSTRICTION    HY    TRAP   AND    GUN. 


dt 


Im'cii  easy  to  Ihul  nnotlier  where,  for  a  tiino  at  least,  it  could  rest  nn- 
ilistiirbed. 

ill  townaand  cities  where  nodirect  i)rotective  h^^ishitiou  exis(e<l  other 
iiictliods  of  litnitatiun,  siu'h  as  traitpiiiij^,  sliootin<,',  and  ijoisoiiiii};,  were 
|)()ssiblc,  but  in  most  cases  these  methods  were  limit  '<1  practically  by 
siu'li  city  ordinances  as  forbid  the  use  of  lire-arms  within  city  limits,  or 
tlic  use  of  poisons  without  specrial  permission.  Trai>pin}j  can  bo  success- 
liilly  practiced  only  by  a  few  jxTsons  who  have  the  requisite  knowledpfo 
iind  appliances,  and  there  is  little  evidence  that  the  numbers  of  Sparrows 
iiiive  been  much  lessened  in  this  way.  Much  interestinfiinfiuination  as 
to  the  best  methods  of  trai)pinfj  Sparrows  will  be  found  in  the  report  of 
Mr.  W.  T.  Hill  on  this  sul)Ject.  In  spite  of  the  fact  that  during'  the  two 
ye;irs  endiu}?  October  1,  1S.S7,  Mr.  Hill  tra[>|)ed  upwar«ls  of  lOiOOl)  Si)ar- 
rows  in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  they  are  still  superabundant  there,  thou};lr 
said  to  be  considerably  less  numerous  than  Ibrmerly,  especially  about, 
the  grain  elevators,  warehouses,  etc.,  his  particular  held  of  o|)erations. 
The  birds  thus  trapped  have  been  use<l  for  the  most  part  in  shootinjj 
matches. 

We  know  of  instances  in  wiiich  a  single  fjarden  or  estate  has  beeti 
k('l»t  fairly  free  from  Sparrows  by  continual  shooting  and  the  system- 
iitic  destruction  of  nests  and  eggs.  Thus  Mr.  Albert  II.  Phelps,  of  West 
Pawlet,  Vt.,  wrote  in  1881: 

Oil  this  farm  tlicy  Iiavc  lipdu  diistroycil  l)y  breaking  np  tho  nests  and  by  sliooting  for 
two  successive  years,  and  now  tliey  do  not  como  liero.  They  are  abundant,  bowovor, 
(in  n<'ighboring  farms  where  they  have  been  undisturbed. 

So  long  as  they  are  destroyed  only  in  a  few  i)laces  they  must  bo  fol- 
lowed up  every  year  and  not  allowed  to  regain  a  foothold  or  they  will 
soon  become  as  numerous  as  ever. 

In  September,  188G,  Mr.  William  Kauchcr,  of  Oregon,  Mo.,  wrote: 

They  are  all  shot  every  spring,  but  others  come  in  to  take  their  places  later.  Sev- 
ciity-iive  or  eighty  were  thus  killed  in  our  court-house  park  last  spring. 

About  a  year  later  (November  14   1887)  Mr.  Kaucher  wrote: 

A  war  of  extermination  was  waged  by  our  citizens  against  the  Sparrows,  beginning 
I'lirly  in  tho  spring  and  extending  into  .June,  when  tliey  were  all  killed.  Tliey  are 
(•oiMiiig  in  now  from  other  places,  but  tlie  same  coiir.so  will  be  followed  next  year  i'u 
nj;:ii(l  to  them.  Now,  if  communities  around  us  could  bo  induced  to  do  the  same 
tiling,  they  could  be  kept  in  subjOction,  if  not  altogether  destroyed. 

Under  date  of  March  2,  1888,  Mr.  Kaucher  again  wrote  to  the  Com- 
missioner of  Agriculture  as  follows: 

Our  city  council  lately  made  an  appropriation  for  tlio  purchase  of  powder  for  tho 
luiiliose  of  killing  sparrows.  Our  sportsmen  availed  tlieinselvcs  of  tbo  opportunity 
tlins  allbrded,  and  within  the  past  ten  days  have  killed  nearly  all  that  could  be  found. 
Sdiiiething  of  this  kind  seems  better  thau  tho  use  of  poisoned  grain. 

Similar  testimony  has  been  received  from  a  few  other  places,  while 
individual  eflbrts  to  exterminate  the  birds  have  been  quite  common, 
but  from  the  nature  of  the  case  only  temporarily  successful.  In  places 
where  the  fust  few  pairs  of  Sparrows  have  been  shot  or  driven  away  oa. 


(]■'■ 


.)0 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA, 


tlioir  appe.irancc,  it  seems  to  Lave  been  coinpaiatively  easy  to  keeiJ 
olliers  away  as  tlioy  came,  for  the  Sparrow  is  naturally  observant  and 
suspicions,  and  only  grows  bold  and  aggressive  as  its  numbers  become 
formidable  or  its  position  assured. 

To  judge  from  the  reports  of  our  correspondents,  poison  has  not  been 
used  very  generally,  and  when  used  it  has  not  always  given  satisfac. 
tory  results.  Still,  undoubtedly  it  has  had  some  effect  in  restricting 
the  pest,  and  oftor.tiines  the  apparent  failure  of  an  experiment  has  been 
due  to  the  imperfect  methods  of  administering  the  poison.  This  sub- 
j('(;t  is  discussed  in  another  place,  and  it  need  only  be  remarked  here 
that  the  judicious  use  of  poison  in  winter,  especially  in  Northern  cities, 
will  prol>ably  afford  one  of  the  simi)lest  solutions  of  the  Sparrow  prob- 
lem. 

The  following  examp.les  of  testimony  serve  to  show  that  Si)arro\vs 
are  kei)t  more  or  less  in  check  in  some  i^laces  through  the  ellbrts  of  in- 
di\  idnals,  and  mainly  by  the  use  of  the  gun. 

From  T.  D.  liarron.  Saint  Clair,  Mich.: 

I  liavc  known  of  almost  entire  JlocliS  bein;f  killed  by  persistent  sliooting  in  tlio  I 
winter,  wlien  they  are  driven  to  the  barn-yards  for  food.     (October  7,  1S815.) 

From  H.  F.  BarroU,  New  Providence,  N.  J. : 

I  slioot  all  I  see  on  my  premises  in  tbo  spring ;  consecincntly  I  have  very  few.  (Ai;- 
gu.st,  l8So. 

From  A.  11.  Wood,  Painted  Post,  N.  Y.: 

Some  arc  sliot,  u  few  poisoned  by  strycbnino,  but  the  increa.se  is  principally  re- 
stricted by  destroying  the  nests.     (Augnst  10,  1880.) 

From  Adolph  Leue,  Cincinnati,  Ohio : 

I  bavc  shot  a  great  many,  bnt  it  seemed  to  do  uo  good.     (October  12,  1836.) 

From  Dr.  H.  1).  Moore,  New  Lexington,  Somerset  County,  Pa.: 

Tlie  sliotgnn  has  been  onr  only  remedy  tor  tliem.  By  shooting  .a  part  the  remain- 
der become  .shy,  and  sometimes  all  leave  for  weeks  at  a  time.     (December,  188.').) 

From  J.  F.  C.  UuPre,  Abbeville  C.  II.,  South  Carolina : 

On  my  own  place  within  twelve  months  I  have  killed  over  live  luindred  Pparrowsj 
by  shooting  them  with  shot  cartridges  from  a32-c.aUbor  rifle.  Tliis  mak  \'- ;. ;  \n!;ll  re-| 
port  and  does  not  frighten  the  birds,  but  it  is  expensive.     (Augnst  30,  lh\-','  ) 

Fiom  Rev.  Ilenry  Fairbanks,  Saint  Johnsbury,  Vt.: 

A  few  hundred  were  shot  last  summer,  but  only  a  private  bounty  has  been  paid  forj 
their  destrnction.     (February  5,  1884.) 

From  W.  W.  Gilinan,  Stoughlon,  Dane  County,  Wis.: 

For  two  or  three  years  past  people  have  been  allowed  to  shoot  them  inside  the  city| 
limits  for  a  period  of  ten  to  fourteen  days  during  the  brooding  season,  and  this  suin| 
mer  they  turned  the  hose  on  their  nests  aiul  washed  them  out.     (August  30,  188(5.) 

Use  of  ike  Sparroic  for  food. —  During  the  last  half  dozen  yenrsl 
Sparrows  luive  been  used  as  an  article  of  food  in  many  places  in  thisl 
country,  as  they  have  been  in  Europe  for  centuries,  and  the  demand  tori 
them  for  thi.s  purpose  has  doubtless  lessened  their  numbers  somewliatj 


in  ai 
tratt 

Imi 

tlK^  Ml 

Is-iC.) 

In 

port.s 

doze 

Th 

aiv  ii 

Sp:ii 
liy  nai 
lliick  ( 
|Miiillr. 
:ill.     V 

TIio 
l)rillg< 
mill  (li 
..  -'.ce 
thclrii 
lo  ijuai 


BRITISH    FARMERS    ASTONISHED. 


39 


•  to  keei) 
,ant  and 
8  become 

not  been 
satisfiic 
jstric.ting 
has  been 
This  snb- 
■keel  here 
M-n  cities, 
row  prob- 

Sparrows 
jrts  of  in- 


)tins  in  tlio 
rfew.     (Aii'i 


incipally  n;- 


880.) 

Pa.: 

the  rciuaiu- 

Ir,  1885.) 


•d  rparrowsl 
\t. ;.  ■  mull  vo- 


Icon  paitt  fori 


lido  the  citv 
|id  this  HIUI1-! 
30,  188(5.) 

Izen  yeiiisl 

lies  inthisi 

Mnanil  tori 

somewLatl 


in  and  about  a  few  cities.    The  followinj?  e.vamples  of  testimony  ilUis- 
trate  thi.s  i)oint. 
Froni  J.  Percy  Moore,  Pliihidelphia,  Pa.: 

IiiiiiicuHC  uiiinbcrs  are  killed  in  the  autiuiin,  when  feeding  on  the  seeds  of  reeds  in 
t  IK!  marshes,  and  prepared  and  sold  as  reed-birds  by  the  restaurants.    (Soptoniber  27, 

is-^ii.) 

In  Albany,  N.  Y.,  Sparrows  were  regnhirly  quoted  in  the  market  re 
ports  during  the  fall  of  1887,  bringing  $1  per  hundred,  or  23  cents  per 

»1()/IM1. 

Tlie  following  extracts  from  the  Albany  Express  .show  that  the  birds 
are  iippreciated  there: 

S|);irn)\vs  are  still  a  feature  of  the  market,  and  one  Albany  lad,  Charles  Lambert 
liy  iiiiMic,  shot  one  hundred  and  thirty-live  of  the  little  pests  Saturday,  out  of  a  single 
lldck  dl'  about  five  hundred,  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city.  A  well-known  game  and 
imiillry  dealer  took  in  one  thousand  seven  hundred  of  them  last  week  and  sold  about 
nil.     Yesterday  the  same  man  disposed  of  two  hundred.     (November  7,  1-^87.) 

I'lie  AU);iny  youth  are  still  waging  war  on  the  Si)arrow3,  and  they  are  all  gradually 
liiing  driven  from  the  city.  One  game  and  poultry  dealer  in  town  has  thus  far  bought 
iiiul  then  sold  to  others  about  three  thousand  eight  hundred  of  the  little  pests.  They 
..  "'.eexeellent  pot-pie  and  are  regarded  as  excellent  eating  by  those  who  have  made 
the  trial.  The  flavor  is  said  to  be  somewhat  like  that  of  reed-birds  and  much  superior 
to  (luail.     (November  l>^,  1887.) 

it  will  appear  from  the  foregoing  statements,  and  still  more  forcibly 
from  an  examination  of  the  testimony  on  which  they  are  based,  that 
although  man  originally  did  much  to  aid  in  the  increase  and  spread  of 
t lie  Sparrow,  he  has  done  comparatively  little  as  yet  to  restrain  this 
increase  and  lessen  or  prevent  the  evil  which  his  ignorance  and  thought- 
lessness have  caused. 

How  the  farmers  of  Great  Britain  regard  the  Sjmrrow. — The  very  fiict 
tliat  in  Europe  the  good  and  bad  characteristics  of  the  Sparrow  1  .id 
Ih'i'u  discussed  for  centuries  without  any  absolute  settlement  of  the 
(liu'stion  should  have  made  us  cautious  in  introducing  it  to  America; 
and  when,  later,  the  calamitous  results  of  its  introduction  to  Australia 
and  New  Zealand  became  evident,  stei)S  should  have  been  taken  at 
once  to  prevent  its  further  spread  in  this  country.  The  following  state- 
ment of  Mr.  Jabez  Webster,  a  [)ractical  nursery tnan  and  fruit-grower, 
serves  to  show  how  much  trouble  might  have  been  prevented  by  a  little 
intelligent  inquiry  among  the  farmers  of  the  Sparrow's  imtive  land,  be- 
fore bringing  the  bird  to  our  shores. 

Mr.  Webster  writes: 

Alter  twenty-two  years'  residence  in  the  United  States  I  visited  England,  Scotland, 
and  Wales,  traveling  and  observing  in  most  of  the  counties  of  England  and  sister 
idiiMlries.  I  found  that  intelligent  agriculturists  and  horticulturists  everywhere  I 
went  were  astonished  that  the  American  people  should  have  introduced  so  destructive 
and  worthless  a  bird  into  their  country.  One  gentleman  in  the  county  of  Norfolk 
•■aid  that  ill  that  couuty  thej'  had  been  spending  moiuiy  to  destroy  Sparrows  for  fifty 
years,  and  still  had  to  spend  money.  I  found  the  same  opinion  prevailed  among  well- 
inlonned  persons  in  couutry  and  town  in  Bedfordshire,  Huntington,  Stafford,  Wur- 


jv  .SI 
■'el 


40 


thp:  f:ngli>sh  sparrow  in  amkrica. 


wicksbirc,  Yorkshire,  Lancashire,  in  Scotland  uiid  Wales,  and  in  tlio  groat  sniall- 
fruit  counties  of  Surrey  and  Kent.     (Centialiu,  111.,  Uoceniberyi,  188G.) 

There  cau  be  no  question  that  a  thouslfnd  times  as  much  energy  ami 
money  have  been  spent  already  in  fighting  Sparrows  in  America  as  were 
expended  in  introducing  and  caring  for  them  at  first,  but  the  results  of 
the  efforts  in  the  two  cases  are  painfully  disproportionate. 

The  magnitude  of  the  evil  and  the  absolute  necessity  of  takiug  active 
and  comprehensive  measures  for  its  abatement  will  be  better  understood 
after  an  examination  of  the  following  seven  sections  which,  precede  the 
recommendations  which  we  hope  may  lead  finally  to  the  extermination 
of  the  European  House  Sparrow  in  America. 

INJUEY  TO  BUDS,  BLOSSOMS,  AND  FOLIAGE. 

The  direct  evidence  as  to  the  alleged  injury  to  buds,  blossoms,  and  foli- 
age by  the  Sparrow  comes  from  31  States,  the  District  of  Columbia,  and 
Canada,  and  consists  of  reports  from  584  observers.  Of  these,  2G5  al- 
lege positive  damage  of  varying  kind  and  degree;  12  are  indeterminate'; 
and  the  remaining  307  are  favorable  to  the  Sparrow,  at  least  negatively, 
inasmuch  as  they  report  no  damage  of  this  kind  observed.  By  far  the 
greater  part  (294)  of  these  negative  reports,  however,  have  little  weight, 
being  brief,  often  monosyllabic,  negatives  written  in  reply  to  the  schedule 
questions,  without  anything  to  indicate  the  extent  or  closeness  of  the 
writer's  observation.  Less  than  one  twentieth — scarcely  more  than  a 
dozen  reports,  in  fact — indicate  that,  in  spite  of  good  oj»portunities  and 
careful  observation,  no  injury  to  buds  or  foliage  has  been  noted.  Ninety 
observers  report  injuries  to  foliage  of  vines,  shrubs,  and  trees  through 
the  Sparrow's  roosting  or  nesting  in  them  in  large  numbers.  One  hun- 
dred and  twelve  report  injuries  from  the  eating  or  wanton  destruction 
of  buds  and  blossoms  of  fruit  trees.  Forty-six  report  injuiies  to  buds 
of  other  kinds;  and  thirty-four  reiwrt  injuries  to  trees  or  vines  without 
specifying  the  nature  or  extent  of  the  damage. 

INJURY  BY  FILTH. 

The  question  of  injury  by  filth  can  hardly  be  called  a  question  at  all, 
{IS  it  is  one  of  the  points  against  the  bird  which  is  universally  conceded, 
even  by  its  stanchest  friends.'  It  is  perfectly  safe  to  say  that  in  every 
town  or  city  in  the  Union  where  Sparrows  are  really  abundant  very  many 
ornamental  trees  and  vines  are  annually  injured  from  this  cause  alonC) 
find  the  statement  that  such  damage  is  not  known  at  any  point  may  bo 
taken  as  conclusive  evidence  that  the  Sparrow  is  by  no  means  abundant 
there.  A  few  scores  of  Sparrows  may  roost  constantly  in  a  large  vino 
or  groupof  trees  withoutdoing  material  injury,  but  when,  as  is  frequently 
the  case,  several  hundreils  or  even  thousands  roost  together,  .so  thattho 
vines  or  branches  are  actusiUy  crowded  with  them,  the  beauty  of  tho 
foliage  is  seriously  marred  or  altogether  destroyed  and  the  life  of  tho 
trees  or  vines  is  endangered. 


VEGETATION    INJURED    UY   FILTH. 


41 


A  lew  examples  w  ill  suffice  to  illustrate  this  statement. 

Mr.  Robert  Kidgway,  Ornithologist  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution, 

says: 

It  is  injurious  to  ornamental  vines,  etc.,  by  tlio  cbciuical  action  of  ita  cxcreuieut. 
I'lic  luxuriant  English  ivy  which  once  covered  portions  of  the  Smithsonian  building 
wiiR  tijus  totally  destroyed. 

Dr.  Frank  II.  Braymer,  of  West  Pawlet,  Vt.,  under  date  of  August 

;51,  1880,  writes: 

All  evergreen  trees  and  hedges  arc  injured  by  the  birds  roosting  in  them.  The  loaves 
(Irop  oil'  and  in  many  instances  large  sections  of  a  hedge  die. 

Ernest  1).  Wintle,  of  Montreal,  Canada,  writes: 

'I'liey  build  their  nests  in  the  vines  that  aro  trained  agaiust  walls  of  houses  hero, 
and  tlic  vines  are  kilbnl  by  the  largo  quantity  of  nesting  material  and  by  tlio  excre- 

iiiiMit  IVom  the  birds.     (September  20, 188G.)' 

Other  reports  are: 

l-'roin  Fred.  S.  Odle,  Lai)eer,  Mich.: 

Tiiere  are  two  largo  mniilo  trees  in  our  town  which  aro  particular  haunts  of  the 
S|i;irro\v,  and  which  they  have  nearly  ruined. 

From  L.  M.  Mottweiler,  Georgetown,  Ind.: 

It  injines  trees  and  vines  by  roosting  in  them.  I  had  to  cut  away  my  ornamental 
trees  on  account  of  the  number  of  Sparrows  near  the  house.     They  now  roost  in  my 

i,n:ii)('-vines. 

From  Charles  II.  Lawtou  and  John  J.  Peckham,  Newport,  U.  I.: 

it  i'ljiinis  hardy  ivies  on  buildings,  also  pine  trees.  Wo  know  of  parties  who  have 
li.id  to  eut  down  trees  on  account  of  the  Sparrows. 

I'rom  William  Saunders,  superintendent  of  garden  and  grounds  of 
{lie  I)ei)art!nent  of  Agriculture,  Washington,  D.  C. : 

Tluy  M!ri()us!y  disfigure  ornamental  vines  by  their  nests  and  droppings.  AmprJop- 
h\k  I'cilciiH  nfl'onls  Iheiu  one  of  the  best  nesting  and  roosting  places,  and  sutlers  eor- 
ic  siwiiidiugly. 

The  (liiinage  occasioned  to  vines  In  which  large  numbers  of  Si)arrows 
iicsi  is  too  well  known  to  recpiire  comment,  but  the  following  statement 
will  give  some  idea  of  the  numbers  which  nest  in  such  vines  when  fa- 
vorably situated.     Kli  W.  Blake,  3d,  of  Providence,  11. 1.,  says : 

Km  lug  lli(!  season  of  lf^84,  from  April  22  to  Juno  27,  inclusive,  I  took,  in  coni- 
liiiiiy  with  a  friend,  DU.")  Sparrows' eggs  from  the  ivy  covering  the  walls  of  St.  Stephen's 
C'liiin  li,  on  George  street,  in  this  city.  I  did  not  count  the  nests,  but  estimate  the  num- 
Imm- lit  alicut  (ifty-live  or  sixty     *     »     * 

I  liiive  leasnn  to  suppose  that  eggs  wcie  occasionally  taken  during  this  period  wit  li- 
mit my  knowledge;  the  figures  given,  however,  I  can  personally  vouch  for.  *  »  ♦ 
Tl;r  Mime  year  (1>^H4)  that  I  tocdi  the  eggs  from  St.  Stephen's,  the  sexton  of  St.  John's 
C'lniicli,  also  in  thiseity,  took  !)70  eggs  and  two  cart-loads  of  nests  from  that  building, 
\(it  mi,  limr.     (April  20,  188G.) 

Other  kinds  of  injury,  less  general  and  not  so  serious  as  the  preeed- 
|ing,  but  still  not  to  be  ignored,  are  specified  in  tlfe  following  replies: 
Dr.  George  J.  Fisher,  of  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.,  writes : 

Tliey  roost  ou  my  English  ivy  and  injure  it  by  picking  off  hnndrods  of  fresh  green 
|lt';ives.  I  find  tho  leafstalks  fairly  chewed  by  them.  They  also  disfigure  the  foliage 
I l>y  Hieir  excrement.     (March  18,  1887.) 


42 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


J.  Percy  Moore,  of  Phila(leli>liin,  Pii.,  writes : 

A  latly  living  in  Doylcstowii,  Pa.,  intintioiied  to  nic  tbiit  slio  had  soeu  tlic  Spar- 
row wiiiitoiily  ])iill  ofV  IIk;  Icavi-s  of  a  silver  maple  growiuij;  in  front  of  licr  liouHr. 
(August  II,  IHSfj.) 

October  11,  188'),  I  saw  a  unniber  of  the  sauic  species  pulling  oil  the  leaves  of  tlie 
couiinon  locust  tree.  They  sccuumI  (o  bo  biting  oil'  and  eating  the  llesliy  bases  of  tin) 
leaf  sti'ins.     Large  numbers  of  leaves  were  llnis  treated  and  let  fall  to  the  grimnd. 

P>eiijaiiiiii  l'\  Hess,  of  I'lueiiix,  X.  Y,,  writes : 

I  have  many  times  seen  a  llo('k  in  a  shade  tree  biting  olf  the  leaves  and  lotting  them 
fall.     (August '->,'>,  1H.-J().) 

Dr.  Howard  Jones,  of  Circleville,  Pickaway  County,  Oliio,  writes: 

They  tear  from  walls  by  their  weight  tIl(^  tin-leafed  ivy,  hnndrcds  o(  them  often 
alighting  at  oncj  tinu'  among  the  brancdies.     (August  P.),  If^C.) 

(!liiirles  31.  Olajip,  of  Albion,  Intl.,  writes: 

Li'st  s[)ri:ig  they  would  alight  ou  the  young  gra])e-vine  sprout.sand  break  them  oti', 
(October  II,  IS.-^O.) 


DESTRUCTION  OF  IJUDS   AND  BLOSSOMS. 

P>nt  .serious  as  is  the  injury  occasioned  by  the  filthy  habits  of  tlio 
Sparrow,  it  isinks  into  insignifacanco  beside  the  destruction  of  buds 
and  blos.sonis  in  Avinter  ami  spring.  This,  like  the  preceding  charge,  i.s 
one  which  many  of  tlic^  Sparrow's  friends  admit  without  argument,  but 
there  are  still  a  few  who  believe  that  in  destroying  buds  the  bird  is  only 
seeking  and  destroying  insects  hidden  within,  while  a  still  smaller  num- 
ber deny  that  the  Sparrow  ever  eats  enough  buds  to  do  any  harm. 

The  most  which  can  be  said  lor  the  Sparrow  in  extenuation  of  this 
habit  is  that  the  damage  done  does  not  seem  to  be  serious  in  all 
cases;  but,  even  if  this  be  true,  it  is  an  extremely  weak  defense,  for  the 
injury  is  sure.to  increase  as  the  Sparrows  become  more  numerous.  The 
greatest  damage  will  result  from  the  presence  of  large  numbers  of  | 
Sparrows  among  a  few  fruit  trees,  and  where  these  relations  are  re 
versed  little  damage  is  like  to  ensue. 

It  has  been  claimed  that  the  buds  or  blossonis  taken  by  the  Sparrow 
cause  no  loss  of  fruit,  since  oidy  a  small  proportion  of  blossoms  could 
develop  fully  under  '  '\y  circumstances.  But  this  claim  is  based  on  the 
as.sumption  that  tl.c  bird  takes  but  a  small  proportion  of  the  buds  oa 
any  tree,  and  that  the  loss  is  evenly  di.stributed  ;  whereas,  in  point  of  I 
fact,  there  is  no  such  equalization  of  the  loss,  but  entire  twigs  or 
branches  are  stripped  at  ii  single  visit,  and  the  consequent  loss  of  fiuit 
is  inevitable.  A  thousand  blossoms  might  be  picked  by  hand  from  a 
peach  tree  without  les.sening  the  crop  in  the  least,  but  if  the  same  num- 
ber of  blossoms  were  destroyed  by  Sparrows  it  could  not  fail  to  affect 
the  yield  of  that  tree  materiallj'. 

A  point  more  frequently  made,  and  with  far  less  evidence  in  its  favor, 
is  the  claim  that  Sparrows  select  only  the  buds  or  blossoius  which  are 
infested  with  insects.    There  is  srarcely  a  shadow  of  evidence  on  which  I 


INJURY    TO    IIUDS    AND    BLOSSOMS. 


43 


to  base  such  a  claim.  So  far  as  we  are  aware,  not  Ji  single  bird  sliof  in 
the  act  of  budeatiiiy  has  been  fonnd  to  contain  traces  of  any  insect, 
wliile  perfectly  sound  buds  and  fragments  of  sound  blossoms  are  fonnd 
by  the  score  in  such  birds. 

The  Sparrow  does  eat  insects  sometimes,  but  it  gets  them  from  other 
]»laces  than  from  buds  and  blossoms,  which  latter  it  destroys  mainly  for 
the  material  oi  which  they  are  composed,  though  at  times  it  seems  to 
destroy  them  simply  for  pleasure. 

The  well-known  fact  that  mp.ny  insectivorous  birds  frequent  blossom- 
ing fruit  trees  and  feast  on  the  insects  attracted  by  the  flowers,  aiipears 
to  have  led  son\e  friends  of  the  Sparrow  to  believe  that  this  bird  has 
similar  habits.  Although  our  own  investigations  do  not  bear  out  this 
belief,  yet  in  deference  to  the  opiniona  of  those  who  hold  other  views, 
we  insert  here  a  few  of  the  strongest  ami  most  f;  ^rable  statements 
ro(!eived,  and  others  will  be  found  in  full  in  their  proper  places  with 
the  systematic  evidence  on  this  question. 

J'rom  Hon.  Nicolas  Pike,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. : 

It  positively  does  not  injiiro  trees.     I  know  it  to  bo  beneficial  to  the  grape-vines. 

( Fcbrnary  8,  1884.) 

From  W.  J.  Kenyon,  Brooklyn,  2f.  Y. : 

It  picliiHl  tlie  bnds  ofV  my  peach  trcics,  but  I  fonnd  that  it  only  iiickcd  bnds  tbathad 
fjnibs  in  them.     (September  4,  1880.) 

From  Dr.  H.  A.  Hagen,  Cambridge,  Mass. : 

I  have  never  seen  it  injure  trees  by  pickin-^  o(F  binls,  but  h.'ivo  seen  it  oxaininin}; 
about  tjie  buds  of  cherry  and  pear  trees  for  little  insects;  and  tlien  we  had  a  iM^tter 
crop  of  fruit.     (April  13,  1884.) 

From  Thomas  Chalmers,  Holyoke,  Mass. : 

It  benefits  rather  than  injures  the  shade,  fruit,  and  ornamental  trees.  The  trees  of 
Holyoke,  once  so  festooned  with  abomiuablo  crawlers,  are  now  a  pleasure  to  look  at, 
(.March  (i,  1884.) 

From  W.  11.  Ragan,  Greeucastle,  Ind. : 

As  yet  they  do  no  serious  injury  to  trees  and  vines;  I  can  not  think  of  an  instanet!. 
Tlioiiffh  many  serious  charges  are  made  against  them,  I  believe  them  to  be  without 
foundation.     (September  28,  1886.) 

From  Joseph  M.  Wade,  Boston,  jMass. : 

I  have  known  it  well  for  fortj'-four  years,  and  never  knew  it  to  be  charged  seriously 
with  injuring  shade,  fruit,  or  ornamental  trees.    (January  31,  1884.) 

It  is  surprising  that  this  bud  eating  habit  of  the  Sparrow  should  be 
overlooked  so  generally,  when  anyone  so  disposed  can  see  the  birds 
cutting  buds  daily  in  the  shade  trees  along  the  streets  of  any  town  or 
village  where  Sparrows  abound.  The  habit  i.s  not  peculiar  to  a  few 
individuals,  nor  is  it  conlined  to  buds  and  blo.ssoms  of  any  particular 
tree  or  shrub,  or  limited  to  any  one  or  two  months.  Sparrows  enjoy 
buds  and  blossoms  at  any  time,  but  eat  more  of  them  in  spring-time, 
because  they  are  more  abumlant  and  tender  then,  and  i)erhaps  in  part 
because  other  food  is  somewhat  less  abundant. 


■i  m 


^^mm 


U 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


On  the  grounds  of  tlio  DopnrtnitMit  of  Asriciiltuie  the  Sparrows  havo 
been  corefuUy  watched  for  several  years,  and  they  have  been  seen  to 
eat  buds  and  blossoms  of  many  kinds,  and  at  almost  all  seasons.  The 
following  observations  recently  made  by  a  member  of  the  Division  illus- 
trate several  of  the  points  just  mentioned  : 

On  the  22(1  of  February  while  crossing  the  grounds  of  the  Dopartmentof  Agricult- 
nro,  my  attention  was  attracted  by  the  chattering  of  a  large  Hock  of  Sparrows,  whicli 
had  gathered  in  a  clump  of  shrubs,  mainly  the  .Ja[)ancs(!  jessamine  {Foraythia  viritlin- 
8ima).  There  were  thirty  or  more  bushes,  leafless  as  yof,  bntheavy  with  llowcr  buds, 
which  already  began  to  show  the  yellow. 

The  day  was  sunny  and  calm,  and  on  walking  (juielly  up  auu)ng  the  bushes  tlio 
Sparrows  were  found  preening  themselves  and  nipping  otf  the  llowcr  buds  in  almost 
every  bush.  Some  of  the  birds  were  giving  their  entire  attention  to  their  feathers, 
while  others  were  equally  devoted  to  the  buds.  Beneath  many  of  the  bushes  the  ground 
was  thickly  strewn  with  tho  green  and  yellow  remnants  of  buds,  and  under  a  few 
of  the  bushes,  near  the  center  of  tho  group,  they  lay  so  thickly  as  to  entirely  obscure 
tho  ground,  while  tho  branches  above  were  completely  stripped  of  buds,  except  nonr 
tho  tips.  The  birds  seemed  to  prefer  to  sit  quietly  near  the  center  of  each  bush  and  nlii 
all  tho  buds  within  reach,  and  no  Sparrows  were  seen  eating  budsnear  the  tijis  of  the 
branches,  which  were  so  slender  as  scarcely  to  sustain  their  weight. 

On  alarming  tho  birds,  they  flew  into  some  poplars  near,  where  it  was  easy  to  es- 
timate their  numbers,  and  there  proved  to  be  between  two  linndred  and  fifty  and 
three  hundred  birds  in  tho  flock. 

In  April,  when  tho  flowers  o(  Forsylhia  were  well  expanded,  the  bushes  which  had 
sufTercd  most  showed  tho  effects  very  plainly,  but  as  those  around  the  edge  of  tho 
group,  and  particularly  the  outer  branches,  suffered  least,  the  general  effect  was  not 
noticeably  impaired.  Tho  incident,  however,  serves  to  show  the  Sparrow's  fondness 
for  flower  buds  and  tho  danger  to  be  apprehended  from  its  work  on  the  blossoms  of 
fruit  trees. 

During  the  last  ten  days  of  February  and  the  whoh;  of  March  scarcely  a  day  passed 
when  Sparrows  were  not  seen  eating  tho  buds  of  shade  trees  throughout  tho  city. 
Frequently  a  dozen  would  bo  seen  at  work  in  a  maple  or  elm  tree,  and  one  could 
stand  below  them  within  two  or  three  yards  and  see  every  motion  made,  even  catch- 
ing tho  mutilated  V)uds  in  his  hand  as  they  fell.  Tho  buds  of  poplars,  cotton- 
woods,  box-elders,  maples,  elms,  and  several  other  species  were  constantly  destroyed 
in  this  way,  atut  tho  Sparrows  seemed  to  take  particular  pleasure  in  pulling  to  pieces 
the  catkins  of  the  various  species  of  poplar. 

Since  tho  middle  of  April,  when  tho  peach  blos.soms  began  to  unfold,  the  Spar- 
rows are  to  bo  seen  at  all  hours  of  the  day  liopping  or  creeping  about  the  peach  trees, 
and  leaving  little  but  worthless  buds  behind.  For  two  or  three  days  past  I  havn 
been  watching  with  a  powerful  fleld-glass  a  dozen  or  more  peach  trees  in  full  blos.soin, 
and  less  than  a  hundred  yards  from  my  windows.  The  glass  enables  me  to  .see  dis- 
tinctly the  stamens  in  tho  blos.soms,  and  they  are  frequently  seonstieking  to  tho  bills 
of  the  Sparrows  as  they  move  deliberately  about  among  tho  branches  destroying; 
thousands  of  blossoms.  Occasionally  a  flock  of  a  dozen  or  more  is  to  be  seen  in  a  sin- 
gle tree,  but  ordinarily  they  forage  singly  or  in  squads  of  three  to  six.  So  far  as  can 
bo  seen  by  tho  unaided  eye,  all  seem  to  bo  similarly  emjtloyed,  aiul  every  one  thus  far 
watched  with  tho  glass  has  proved  to  Ixs  di^stroying  blossoms  or  buds  at  tho  rate  of 
live  to  ten  a  minute.  One  bird,  au  adult  male,  was  seen  to  cut  into  and  ruin  nineteen 
Itlnssoms  on  one  spray  in  less  than  two  and  one-half  minutes.  He  began  at  the  base  of 
tho  shoot  ami  nipped  all  within  reach,  then  climbed  slowly  upward,  parrot  fashion, 
destroying  every  bud  on  tiie  twig  as  he  went,  until  the  tip  was  nearly  reached,  when 
his  weight  proved  too  great,  and  losing  his  balance  in  trying  to  reach  the  terminal 
flower  ho  fluttered  ofl'  to  another  branch  to  begin  again.     This  bird,  like  others  ob- 


INJURY    JO    HUDS    AND    BLOSSOMS. 


45 


hiivimI,  sci'iiictl  to  i)ri-f(!r  to  put  liis  bill  down  int,<)  tlm  open  llowcr  and  cut  out  tLe 
I'cnlt'i',  liiit  if  lliu  lildssoiu  cliancod  to  stand  in  hucli  a  position  that  tbis  could  not  ha 
done  ivadily,  lit)  bit  otf  tlio  cntiio  blossom  close  to  tlic  stem,  and  apparently  dropped 
it  m11(o  tlic^  ground.  In  several  instances  Sparrows  were  seen  to  pinch  olTand  drop  three 
liiiils  in  succession  in  as  many  seconds,  and  this  seemed  tohedouo  without  any  cauM', 
unless  possibly  because  (hey  were  iu  the  way.  or  because  Ihey  were  so  placed  as  not 
to  lie  easily  reached  from  the  ri;;ht  side. 

On  several  of  the  trees  which  I  examined  carefully  with  the  ylass  more  Ihan  half 
tlie  blossoms  W(.'re  wilted  and  mutilated,  and  rei)eatedly  Sparrows  were  seen  toalijjht 
nil  twij;s  which  contained  few  but  ruined  blossoms,  and  after  a  (juick  glance  pass  on 
to  sprays  of  uiitoticlied  llowers.     (W.  15.  li.) 

Abmichiiit  evidence  is  at  haiul  to  show  that  such  proceedings  as  that 
just  described  are  not  exceptional,  but  of  regnhtr  and  frequent  occiir- 
ivnce,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  often  the  croj)  of  fruit  is  seriously 
lessened  iu  this  way. 

Tiie  injury  is  by  no  means  contined  to  the  bud.s  and  blossonisof  peaches, 
for  cherries,  grapes,  i)luins,  and  pears  sutfer  almost  as  much,  and  few, 
if  any,  fruit  trees  escape  attack  altogether.  The  following  list  shows 
tile  kinds  of  buds  and  blossoms  which  sufi'er  most,  and  the  number  of 
ubservers  reporting  injury  to  each  kind  : 

Reports. 

24 

22 


reach 

I'car 

(jrape 21 

J'liim 17 

Cherry 14 


Kcpurtd. 

Currant (j 

Maple y 

Elm  7 

Ot  her  shade  t  recs 8 

Kverj'recns 9 


Apple IG 

And  two  or  three  reports  each  of  injury  to  buds  of  the  quince,  apricot, 
orange,  tig,  lilac,  etc. 

All  these  rei)orts  are  well  wortii  retuling  entire,  but  we  insert  only  a 
few  here,  suHicient  to  contirm  tiie  foregoing  statements. 

William  Sauiulers,  of  Wasiiington,  I).  C,  sui)erintendent  of  gaideu 
and  grouiuls  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  writes: 

I  have  a  peach  tree  iu  my  yard,  the  liranehesofwhich  are  within  three  feetof  my  bed- 
roiim  winilow.  It  is  now  nearly  in  full  llow(  r,  and,  as  usual,  the  Sparrows  busy  them- 
selves in  pecUin^f  at  the  blossoms.  1  watched  tlu'ui  closely  this  nu)ruing,  and  found 
that  they  almost  uniformly  made  two  jiccks,  and  two  only,  at  each  blossom.  First 
om^  or  two  petals  were  removed  and  discarded,  then  another  peck  was  made,  and  so 
on  to  other  llowers.  After  watching  them  for  some  time,  I  opened  the  window  blinds 
(through  which  I  had  been  watching  the  l)irds)  and  found  that  the  embryo  fruit  was 
removed  from  all  the  blossoms  thus  operated  upon.  By  niuioying  a  petal  or  two  on 
line  side  of  the  "  i-r  the  embryo  fruit  was  easily  secured.  Unopened  buds  seemed 
to  he  iiieferred.  All  the  llowers  thus  destroyed  were  not  removed  or  broken  otl';  only 
an  (ccasional  bud  would  fall  to  the  ground.  The  fruit  embryos  were  removed  so 
•lexl'ioiisly  that  the  remuantsof  the  blossom  still  stuck  to  the  twigs.     (April  14, 1887.) 

^\lthin  the  last  few  days  the  Sparrows  have  attacked  and  seriously  injured  the 
tliiwer  buds  of  a  blue  and  white  Wistaria  on  my  house.  The  flower  clusters  are  stili 
Mnite  small,  oidy  about  three  inches  iu  length,  and  downy  and  tender.  The  birds  are 
IMillliig  iliem  all  to  pieces,  and  the  ground  in  tlio  viciniiy  is  strewn  with  fragments. 
Lust  year  the  vine  was  loaded  with  magnificent  clusters  of  flowers,  but  this  year  1 
filiiill  have  very  few,  and  those  low  down,  where  the  Sparrows  are  afraid  to  come. 
(April  25,  1887.) 


46 


THIO    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Prof.  O.  T.  Mason,  of  Wiisliiii<jftoii,  ]  .vritcs: 

I'/eviously  to  1882  I  livid  in  wlnit  is  now  (;i>  vt  r.-ity  l';u  k,  wlicic  1  liad  ii  j;reat. 

niiiiiy  fiiiit  tiers,  including  ix-iiis.     I  Ini  ..ly  study  window  many  tinios  and 

watclird  till!  Enj;li.sli  Sparrows  jiickinjj  •  i.r-trec  lnids  Just  wlicn  (hey  iicgan  to 

KWtll. 

It  was  not  until  1  had  lost  oiui  or  two  iju|(!,  that  1  gavi.'  close  scrutiiiy  to  tiii-ir  ac- 
lioUN  and  found  that  they  were  jiifkin;;  out  the  lh)wer  ixntion  of  the  buds  and  eating 
tlieni.  AI'tiT  that  I  j^ave  orders  to  allow  no  Sparrows  in  the  ;;ardon,  and  had  no 
trouble  in  sccuriu;^  a  ero])  of  pears.     (Fcliruary  t),  IH/ili.) 

Seiciio  Edward.s  Todd,  of  Orange,  Essex  County,  N.  J.,  writes: 
It  often  ruins  tho  pear  crop  by  eatinj;  all  the  buds  in  cold  wentlier.     (September  (5, 

\V.  E.  Saunders,  of  London,  Ontario,  Canada,  writes  : 

One  year— 18:;2,  I  think — it  stripiieda  Flemish  IScanty  pear  treeof  i)loss()mss<)  that 
we  had  no  fruit  from  it.     (I)eecniber,  lyH'i.) 

Dr.  B.  II.  Warren,  State  Ornitlioloyist  of  Pennsylvania,  West  Cltester, 
Chester  County.  Pa.,  writes  : 

It  devours  the.  fruit  buds  of  pear,  peach,  and  iilum  trees,  and  also  f^rape-vino  buds. 
The  buds  and  blossoms  (especially  buds)  of  llu;  numerous  varieties  of  pear  are  de- 
\1)nred  and  otherwise  destroyed  to  a  very  considerable  extent  in  this  section.     (.Jan- 
uary, 1887.) 

William  F.  ]3oertenl)acli,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  writes: 

This  spring  (lS8(i)  the  Sparrows  i)icked  tin-  blossoms  otf  a  plum  tree  in  my  yard.  I 
cut  a  biaiicli  full  of  blossoms  and  examined  them  closely  and  there  were  no  insects  in 
the  blossoms.     (November  8,  IHriO.     Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

Pr.  C.  P.  Blachly,  of  ^Manhattan,  Kans.,  writes: 

When  the  lirst  three  or  lour  pairs  of  Englisli  Sparrows  came  here  I  observed  one  of 
the  birds  very  busy  on  the  branch  of  a  plum  liush.  After  about  a  minute's  time  j 
examined  the  branch  and  found  all  but  two  or  three  bnd.s  had  been  nipped  off,  there 
bciiij;  upwards  of  lilty  buds  j^one,  and  apparently  just  nijiped  olf.     (November,  Idd.'i.) 

Elisha  Slade,  of  Somerset,  Bristol  County,  Mass.,  writes: 

In  sjiring  it  injures  the  swellinjj;  buds  and  young  leaves  of  the  apple,  pear,  peach, 
plum,  cherry,  and  f]uinco  trees,  and  currant  and  gooseberry  bushes.  Sometimes  the 
injury  is  slight,  but  often  serious.     (October  ill,  1885.) 

This  injury  is  very  noticeable  on  ciuinces  and  dwarf  pears,  currants,  raspberry  vines, 
and  small  trees.     (August  20,  lir8().     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

Henry  Stewart,  of  Ilaekcnsack,  N.  J.,  writes: 

ICarly  last  spring  it  picked  ojjcn  many  api>le  buds  ^o  that  the  ground  under  tliu 
trees  was  covered  with  them.     (February  ,''),  1881.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Prof.  B.  W.  Evcrmaiin  writes  from  Bloomington,  Monroe  County, 
Ind.: 

I  have  often  noticed  thcni  eating,  or  biting  otf,  the  blossoms  of  apple  trees.  (Au- 
gust '25,  186G.     Piesent  about  eleven  years. ) 

W.  V.  Osterhout  writes  from  Providence,  li.  I. : 

I  have  seen  it  destroying  the  buds  of  the  elm  (our  principal  shailc  tree)  and  of  grrpi- 
vines;  it  .also  destroys  cherry,  pear,  and  peach  blossoms.  A  friend  of  mine  was  for 
two  years  unable  toobtain  enough  fruit  from  his  two  cherry  trees  to  warrant  picking, 
although  the  trees  were  healthy  and  in  good  bearing,  all  on  account  of  tho  destruc- 
''ion  of  buds,  flowers,  and  fruit  by  the  Sparrow.    (May  8,  1887.) 


INJURY  TO  HUDS  AND  BLOSSOMS. 


47 


otto  Liij.'^er,  of  IJaltimoro,  Md.,  writes: 

riif  liiids  ami  lilossoms  ofiiiy  two  atiiiiU  orans'-  trees  luivo  Just  been  entirely  de- 
tnpv('<l  liy  tJic  SparrowH.  Tbo  trous  had  been  housed  through  tlie  winter,  but  were 
lull  i>!it  (if  doors  in  the  «i)riu,w,  and  each  had  from  7")  t(!  100  buils.  As  ionj;  as  the  buds 
were  small  tlics  SparrowH  took  no  notice  of  them,  but  as  soon  as  they  be;j;an  to  >liow 
iiiihIi  white  they  were  uttaciked.  Strips  of  red  llauiicl  were  tied  on  the  trees,  and 
kept  till!  birds  away  for  a  day  or  two,  but  at  tlio  end  of  live  days  only  four  buds  were 
iflt.  and  three  of  these  were  eaten  as  soon  a.s  they  <)i>ened.     (May  ;!0,  1S87.) 

'flic  postinastci'  at  Sohrievor,  Terre  Boiiik'  Piuish,  La.,  writes: 

It  injures  poach  trees  and  orange  blossoms.     (Octobers,  1889.    Present  about  one 

year.) 

Tliomivs  IMcliwraitii,  of  Ilainilton,  Ontario,  Canada,  writes  : 

It  eats  fruit  buds,  and  one  season  it  attacked  my  grape-vines  just  as  the  leaves 
wi'ic  ojieniug,  and  ato  the  heart  of  the  buds.  Since  that  time  I  liave  had  to  scare  tin; 
hirdsaway  while  the  vinesare  at  thatstage.    (March  10, 1881.  I'resent  about  ten  years. ) 

Dr.  H.D.Moore  writes  iroiii  New  Lexington,  Somerset  County,  I'a.; 

1  have  seen  it  destroy  the  grape  blossoms  and  setting  of  young  grapes,  and  have 
iieard  my  ueighbors  say  that  they  have  .seen  tlie  same  thing.  (September  1".!,  18S6. 
I'n'sent  about  eleven  years.) 

Mis.  Wni.  Pitkin,  of  llocliestcr,  N.  Y.,  writes: 

I  discovered  that  during  the  early  morning  hours  llocks  of  Sparrows  were  busily 
engaged  in  picking  out  the  germ  of  fruit  in  blossoms,  and  also  stripping  whole  bunches 
itfsmall  grapes  until  not  one  would  be  left  upon  a  stem.  The  rapidity  with  which 
fliey  ate  their  breakfast  was  surprising.  I  endeavored  from  season  to  season  to  k(M'p 
tli(  111  away  by  driving  them  o(K,  but  this  produced  only  temporary  effect.  This  last 
smnnier  I  spread  netting  ov(!r  and  along  the  sidesof  the  frames  (one  side  issnfrici(Mit) 
iiiiMiediately  upon  the  appearance  of  tlie  fruit  buds  he  Sparrows  were  too  wary  to 
lri(|ii('nt  any  iiart  of  my  garden  until  tin;  nets  wero  removed,  which  was  done  be- 
fore the  fniit  was  of  full  size.  I  hav(!  never  seen  a  large  grape  attacked,  either  green 
or  ripe.  The  result  of  my  experiment  has  been  an  abundant  supply  of  graiies  of 
many  variet  ies  after  se  voral  seasons  of  loss  and  disappoint  men  t.     (Sejitember  11),  1887.) 

Francis  Gladwin,  of  Akron,  Oliio,  writes: 

I  have  a  small  oreiiard  of  dwarf  apple  trees,  and  during  the  cold  weather  I  noticed 
the  Sparrows  alighting  on  tin;  trees  every  day  ;  when  I  came  to  examine  the  trees  in 
tlie  early  spring  I  found  almost  all  of  the  large  fruit  buds  broken  or  peeked  off,  de- 
.stiiiyiiig  the  crop  of  apides  completely  for  this  year.  What  with  tlio  bugs  and  hnm- 
hii;;s  (.Sjiarrows)  it  is  almost  useh.'ss  to  try  to  raise  anytliing.  I  think  we  ought  to  bo 
allowed  to  lire  at  the  Sparrows  even  if  it  is  in  the  city  limits.     (November  1,  1887.) 

Robert  Williamson  of  Troy,  Madison  County,  III.,  testifies: 

1  saw  it  in  laige  nuniberson  my  currant  bushes  last  wintc'r,  and  on  examining  them 
I'uMiid  two-thiids  of  the  buds  eaten  off.     (Octidier'J,  188Ci.     Present  ten  year.s.) 

J.  F.  Niesz,  of  Canton,  Stark  County,  Ohio,  says: 

sparrows  injure  fruit  trees  and  shrubbery  by  stripjiing  off  the  buds  in  winter  and 
"iirlyspring.    Lilacssntiferespecially.    (September  0, 188(1.    Present  a-Jwut  three  years.) 

Cliiirles  li.  Fuller,  of  Portland,  Me.,  says: 

1  have  .seen  them  "  bnd  "  elms  so  as  to  seriously  injure  the.  trees.  (May  :!l,  1884. 
I'lesent  about  twenty-six  years  ) 

Dr.  W.  S.  Strode,  of  Hernndotte,  Fulton  County,  III.,  writes : 

111  one  of  my  country  drives  I'arly  last  March  I  ."^aw  a  large  number  of  birds,  that 
IseeMicd  now  to  mo,  busily  flitting  about  in  the  tops  of  some  elm  trees.    Thinking  to 


48 


TlIK    ENUI-1   H    SPAUliOW    IN    AMEUICA. 


I 


1 


ubtain  :i  Nkiii  orMDiiictliiii;;  rare  I  Until  unionist  IIumii,  iiiul  liroii^lit  twu  tu  thu  Kruiiiul, 
iiu<l  to  my  (lis^ii.st  lomiil  tliciii  (o  bo  runner  domcsticus,  tlioir  bill.s  boMiiiearud  and 
tbeir  crops  »li.sten4U)il  with  tho  biiils  of  Ihn  elm,  on  which  they  were  gormaniliziiig. 
(Septt'iiilicr  7,  18a7.     I'lcsciit  two  or  throo  yciUrt. ) 

INJURY  TO  FRUITS,  GARDEN  SEEDS,  AND  VEGETABLES. 

Evidence  on  tliis  qiicslion  wti.s  recoived  from  788  persons,  of  whom 
472  {^iive  tesUinony  ii<>iiinst  the  Sparrow,  279  gave  testimony  more  or 
less  favorable  (Imt,  as  under  the  preceding  question,  nminly  negative, 
SIS  the  result  of  scant  observation),  and  37  gjive  testimony  which  wa.s 
partly  favorable  ainl  [tartly  unfavorable. 

The  following  list  shows  (roughly)  the  number  and  character  of  the 
reports  furnished  from  each  State: 


state. 


Michigan  . 
Indiana... 
New  York 

()lii(>   

lllinoiM  ... 
Koiituvky 
Goorgiii... 


Kavorii- 
bio. 

Un  favor- 
able. 

Total. 

■;4 

40 

^4 

23 

U8 

Gl 

2;i 

;ili 

."lO 

20 

;in 

5;i. 

2:> 

27 

r.;) 

24 

20 

5.1 

J5 

20 

41 

Stato. 


IVniiBvlvania 
MasKacliuaotti 

luwn 

CoDiioctiout .. 

Kansas 

California 

New  Jer»ey  .. 


Favora- 

Unfavor- 

ble. 

able. 

0 

32 

14 

18 

Ifl 

0 

8 

10 

7 

15 

a 

17 

2 

16 

Total. 


38 

25 
24 


•JO 
17 


Twenty  other  States  and  Territories  sent  from  1  to  12  reiiorts  each, 
iiggregsiling  i;5ii,  of  which  41)  were  favorable,  84  unl'avorable,  tind  2  in- 
definite.    Canada  sent  20  reports  ;  1.'}  favorable,  and  7  unfavorable. 

The  injuries  si>ecilied  in  the  unfavorable  reports  are  distributed  as 

Ibllows : 

Fruits,  ripe  or  ripening. 

Keporta. 
Grapes 127 

ChoiTics r)8 

Strawberries 39 

Kuspberries 'A\ 

Appl-a 2J 

Currauts 21 

Pears IG 

Plums 14 

Tomatoes 10 


Reports. 

Blackberries 8 

Peaches , 7 

Fit,'s •^ 

Gooseberries 15 

Mulberries 2 

Willi  chiM-rics 2 

Apricots 1 

Fruits,  kiml  not  specified y3 

Small  fruits,  kiuil  not  specified  10 


Young  peas,  just  coming  up 25 

Pea  blossoms 12 

Green  peas  from  the  pod 14 

Peas,  kind  not  specified 30 

Beans,  kind  not  specified 5 

Young  lettuce  plants  or  leaves 27 

Young  cabbage  plants  or  loives Hi 


Vegetables,  ijrccu,  and  mostly  young. 

Young  beet  plants  or  leaves 8 

Young  turnip  plants  or  leaves 2 

Young  radish  plants  or  loaves i 

Young  com,  just  coming  up 1 

Garden  corn  in  the  ear ,  

Young  plant?,  kind  not  specified 

GiirdiMi  vegetables,  kind  not  specified 


2"2 
2U 
79 


(larden  sccd.i. 


Lettuce 14 

Cabbage 12 

Beet 4 

Turnip 15 


Hudi-sli G 

Flower 4 

Sunfiower 29 

Garden,  kinds  not  specified 35 


INJURY   TO   GRAPES. 


49 


A  few  repo  ts  also  mcution  injury  to  either  the  seed  or  young  plants 
of  mustard,  gpiuacb,  hemp,  flax,  artichoke,  salsify,  cauliflower,  carrot, 
parsnip,  tobacco,  pepper,  etc.,  while  one  report  mentions  serious  injury 
to  tube-roses,  another  to  tulips,  and  still  another  to  sweet  peas.  It  will 
be  seen  from  this  summary  that  there  is  scarcely  a  garden  fruit  or  veg- 
etable which  does  not  suffer,  at  least  occasionally,  from  the  attacks  of 
the  Sparrow,  although  some  garden  products  are  much  more  seriously 
injured  than  others. 


INJURY  TO  FRUITS. 


INJUnV  TO  OUAPES. 


Among  fruits,  grapes  appear  to  suffer  most,  and,  although  many 
grapes  are  raised  without  protection  in  places  where  Sparrows  are  con- 
sidered fairly  abundant,  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  sooner  or 
or  later  this  bird  will  discover  and  injure  them  wherever  its  increase 
is  tolerated.  It  has  been  shown  that  grape  buds  are  frequently  de- 
stroyed in  the  early  spring,  and  the  fact  that  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  observers,  representing  twenty-six  States  and  the  District  of  Co- 
lumbia, now  bear  witness  to  injury  to  the  ripening  fruit,  may  well  cause 
apprehension  among  grape-growers  wlio  have  not  suffered  any  loss  as 
yet. 

In  California,  where  grape  culture  is  an  industry  of  paramount  im- 
portance, the  English  Sparrow  has  taken  firm  root  and  is  multiplying 
and  spreading  with  ominious  rapidity ;  and  unless  steps  are  taken  to 
wipe  out  the  pest  at  the  earliest  possible  moment  the  result  probably 
will  entail  a  loss  to  the  State  of  many  thousands,  if  not  millions,  of  dol- 
lars. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  for  a  moment  that  we  have  o\  erlooked  the  fact 
that  other  birds  than  the  Sparrow  eat  grapes,  and  we  are  even  willing 
to  admit  that  occasionally  some  of  the  damage  done  may  have  been 
wrongly  attributed  to  the  Sparrow.  This,  however,  does  not  justify 
the  claim  made  by  some  friends  of  the  latter  bird,  that  he  is  ahcays,  or 
even  frequently,  innocent  of  this  charge.  It  often  happens  that  grapes 
fire  destroyed  by  birds  in  places  where  there  are  no  English  Sparrows ; 
and,  on  the  other  hand,  it  as  frequently  happens  that  the  same  fruit  is 
destroyed  by  Sparrows  in  places  where  there  are  no  other  birds.  Per- 
haps this  absence  of  birds,  coupled  with  the  fact  that  many  wasps  and 
bees  feed  on  injured  or  over-ripe  fruit,  has  led  some  people  to  attribute 
all  this  injury  to  insects.  Thus  the  Eev.  W.  M.  Beauchamp,  of  Bald- 
winsville,  Onondaga  County,  N.  Y.,  writes : 

It  seems  altogether  a  mistake  to  suppose  they  [the  Sparrows]  iujurc  grapes  or 
other  fruits.  They  are  scarcely  ever  seen  in  my  garden,  but  my  grapes  and  plums 
suflfor  fearfully  from  bees.  A  year  ago  I  made  a  special  study  of  the  destrietion  of 
grapes  for  several  weeks,  and  demonstrated  that  the  bees  alone  were  the  aggre8<5or8, 
neither  birds,  hornets,  nor  wasps  coming  near  the  fru't  all  that  time.  (October  .\5, 
1885.) 

8404— Bull.  1 4 


}l 


1  ''■"■ 


i^ 


50 


THE   ENOLISIT    SPAUROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Carel'iil  exporitnontH  uiado  by  tlic  ]<]iit()iii()lo};iciil  Divisioii  of  tho  Dc- 
pnrtnjoiit  of  Agriculture  show  conclusivt'Iy  that  hvvy  can  only  iujuro 
fruit  under  very  exceptional  circuinntanceH.  I^Iore  tlian  twenty  varic 
ties  of  grapes  were  placed  within  easy  reach  of  hungry  bees,  which  niado 
every  effort  to  eat  them  but  were  unable  in  a  single  instance  to  break  tho 
skin  of  sound  grapes.  (See  Annual  Report  of  Commissioner  of  Agri- 
culture for  1885.)  Bees  and  was[)s,  especially  "yellow  jackets,'- ottoii 
destroy  ripe  fruits  of  various  kinds  as  soon  asun  opening  through  the 
skin  has  been  made,  but  it  remains  to  be  proved  that  they  are  ever  the 
flrst  aggressors,  and  the  structureof  the  mouth  parts  of  honey  bees  seems 
to  preclude  tho  possibility  of  their  ever  breaking  the  skin  of  grapes. 

Of  course  wo  have  received  many  reports  (about  25  in  all)  to  the 
effect  that  tho  Sparrow  has  not  been  observed  to  injure  grapes,  and  per- 
haps half  ft  dozeu  of  these  observers  state  positively  that  iu  their 
opinion  it  never  does  injure  them. 

Dr.  J.  11.  Mathers,  of  IJuckhaunon,  W.  Va.,  where  the  Sparrow  has 
been  present  for  five  years  or  more,  writes: 

1  fiviso  quantities  of  grapes  and  have  uover  known  the  Sparrow  to  touch  thoiu,  nor 
have  I  ever  heard  any  complaint  from  others  on  this  hciid.     (August  24,  188r>.) 

Vr.  Frank  Little,  of  Kalamazoo,  Mich.,  writes: 

1  have  an  extensive  garden  of  fruit  (particularly  gropes),  vegetables,  sweet  corn, 
and  flowers.  While  the  Sparrows  frequent  the  street  in  front  of  my  house,  I  liavo 
never  seen  them  doing  any  harm  in  the  garden.  (September  6,  1886.  Present  six  or 
eight  years.) 

There  is  nothing  whatever  in  these  statements  which  is  open  to  ques- 
tion. They  are  statements  of  fact,  and  as  such  should  be  accepted  as 
evidence,  but  it  should  bo  remembered  that  this  is  merely  negative  evi- 
dence, and  only  tends  to  prove  that  tho  Sparrow  docs  not  always  feed 
on  fruit  even  when  readily  accessible.  It  takes  nothing  from  tho  force 
of  the  positive  evidence  already  given  and  the  only  point  of  difficulty 
which  it  raises  is  the  question  why  the  \(l  should  eat  fruit  only  at  some 
times  instead  of  at  all  times;  a  question  which  could  be  certainly  and 
fully  answered  if  we  had  all  the  data  uatui^ally  pertaining  to  the  case. 
Failing  this,  we  can  only  say  that  probably  food  of  other  kinds  was 
so  abundant  the  Sparrows  took  but  little  fruit  anywhere,  and  this 
little  was  found  more  easily  elsewhere,  or  was  taken  unobserved  and 
was  never  missed.  Or,  perhaps  the  very  abundance  of  fruit  and  the 
limited  numbers  of  the  birds  prevented  any  noticeable  damage.  The 
fact  that  the  Sparrows  are  not  actually  seen  doing  the  mischief  is  never 
surprising  to  one  who  has  watched  them  closely,  for  they  are  among 
the  most  wary  and  cunning  of  birds,  especially  after  they  have  been 
detected  once  in  mischief  of  any  kind.  There  is  every  reason  to  believe, 
however,  that  the  tasto  for  fruit  is  one  which  not  all  English  Sparrows 
acquire,  or  which  at  least  is  not  held  to  the  same  extent  by  all. 

It  can  not  be  denied  that  some  fruit  growers  suffer  much  greater  loss 
from  Sparrows  than  others,  when,  so  far  as  can  be  determined,  the  condi- 


r 


INJURY   TO   GRAPES. 


M 


tiona  atu  aliiio^t  identical ;  and  it  Mcems  probable  that,  as  iiiauy  persons 
lu'licvo,  if  tlie  Sparrows  are  shot  at  or  thoroughly  frightened  on  their^rat 
\  i.sit  to  a  viiic.viird,  oicliard,  or  garden,  they  are  much  less  likely  to  bo 
iKtublesoiiie  afterwards.  Tiie  habit  of  feeding  there  once  formed,  it  is 
VI  ry  didicult  to  prevent  continual  annoyance  and  lows. 

One  tiling  has  been  noticed  repeatedly  with  regard  to  tho  deprcda- 
ticin.s  of  the  Sjtarrow,  namely  the  abrni)t  and  often  unaccountable  manner 
ill  wliich  it  npi)ear8  at  or  disappears  i'rom  a  place,  or  changes  its  atten- 
tion from  one  crop  to  another.  A  place  entirely  free  from  Sparrows 
liiis  year  may  be  overrun  with  them  next  year;  and  a  crop  which  has 
rcniiiined  unmolested  in  past  years  may  be  attacked  and  seriously  (kim- 
;i;,'e(l  without  any  preliminary  sampling  or  warning.  Thus,  Mr.  Thomas 
Mila'.seli,  of  Wauseou,  Fulton  County,  Ohio,  wrote  under  date  of  April 
21,  1880: 

I  have  not  known  it  to  iujuro  grapes  or  otbor  fruit,  nnd  licar  no  complaints  from 
any  one. 

r.ut  witliin  six  months  Mr.  Mikesell  wrote  again,  saying: 

It  lU'Strojs  largo  quantities  of  grapes  by  picking  holes  in  the  berries  nnd  siicklujj 
tlic  juice.    I  bavo  seen  tboin  at  it.    (November  15,  1886.) 

At  Bernadotte,  Fulton  County,  111.,  the  Sparrow  has  only  been  es- 
I  talilislied  for  two  or  three  years,  yet  during  the  past  season  it  has  been 
|v('iy  (Icstriictivo  to  grapes  in  that  vicinity. 

Dr.  \V.  S.  Strode,  of  liernadotto,  after  stating  (September  7, 1887)  that 
lie  iia.s  recently  found  large  quantities  of  grape  pulp  in  tho  stomachs  of 
I ISparrows  which  he  examined,  says: 

The  variety  of  grapo  mostly  destroyed  is  tho  Concord,  as  no  other  to  any  extent  is 
Iciilliviiicd  here.  My  observation.s  have,  for  tho  most  part,  been  in  and  around  tho 
Iviliiigcs  of  Bernadotto  and  Smithfield,  country  towns  with  a  population  of  about  225 
|tii(!i  — no  city  nearer  than  Galesbnrgh,  40  miles     stant;  Peoria,  50  miles. 

liirnaili.ttc!  is  on  Spoon  Elver,  20  miles  from  its  mouth  at  Havana,  surrounded  by 

lill  and  valley  farms.    Smithlield  is  6  miles  north,  and  in  tho  vineyards  within  a 

liiilc  of  these  villages  tho  greater  part  of  tho  damage  has  been  done  to  tho  grapo 

|erop;   one  citizen  of  Smithfield  estimating  that  in  his  vineyard  of  2  acres  one- 

alf  of  all  tho  grapes  were  devoured  by  the  vagrants    *    "    *     By  personal  in- 

|^i^lec•tion  of  tho  vineyard  of  COO  vines  belonging  to  Mr.  Willard  F.  Smith,  one  and  !i 

jlialt'  miles  south  of  Bernadotte,  I  estimated  that  one-third  of  all  tho  grapes  on  tho 

bunches  had  been  sucked  out  or  pulled  off.    Estimating  the  crop  at  10  pounds  to  the 

jsiuo  and  at  3  cents  per  pound,  the  loss  can  be  easily  estimated. 

It  must  not  be  forgotten  that  the  Sparrow  is  a  typical  seed  eater  and 
klopends  on  seeds  for  its  main  support.  It  unquestionably  could  live 
liulefiiiitely  on  seed  alone,  and  it  is  possible  that  it  conld  not  exist 
lor  any  considerable  time  on  fruit  alone.  The  abundance  of  a  favorite 
food,  such  as  grain,  might  often  prevent  serious  damage  to  fruit.  But 
pparrows,  like  most  other  birds,  prefer  and  need  variety  in  diet,  and 
Bven  amid  an  abundance  of  grain  food  they  undouttedly  relish  an  oc- 
casional taste  of  fruit.  Thus,  where  they  become  very  numerous  and 
llic  supply  of  fruit  is  not  large  even  this  occasional  taste  becomes  a 
perious  thing  for  tho  gardener,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  sections  iu 


i^.      M 


;     I 
I 


:f"T^ 


62 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


fi 


fi 


which  fruit  is  grown  almost  exclusively  are  not  likely  to  feel  the  losses 
they  occasion. 

In  this  connection  it  may  bo  well  to  give  briefly  the  results  of  an  ex 
amination  of  the  relations  of  Sparrows  to  grajies,  made  by  direction  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture  in  September,  1887.  In  accordance 
with  instructions,  the  assistant  ornithologist  some  time  among  the 
vineyards  of  western  New  York,  in  collecting  facts  as  to  the  attitude 
of  the  Sparrow  toward  grapes.  The  points  visited  were  mainly  in 
the  vicinity  of  Geneva,  Watkins,  Canandaigua,  Penn  Yao,  Keuka, 
Hammondsport,  Bath,  and  Rochester ;  three  days  being  spent  in  the 
the^xtensive  vineyards  about  Seneca  and  Keuka  Lakes  in  Yates  and 
Steuben  Counties.  Some  complaints  were  heard  at  almost  every  point 
visited,  but  it  must  be  confessed  that  very  little  evidence  decidedly  un- 
favorable to  the  Sparrow  was  collected,  except  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  towns. 

Sparrows  were  found  scattered  about  in  several  vineyards,  but  were 
nowhere  abundant,  and  although  many  bushels  of  ruined  grapes  were 
seen,  and  some  of  the  owners  attributed  most  <  f  the  damage  to  the 
Sparrows,  no  perfectly  conclusive  evidence  of  this  could  be  obtaineil. 
Nor  is  this  to  be  wondered  at  when  we  consider  all  the  facts  in  the 
case.  Take  Keuka  Lake,  for  instance,  the  shores  of  which  are  almost 
uniformly  covered  with  vineyards,  more  than  10,000  acres  of  which 
are  already  bearing.  The  two  principal  towns  on  this  lake,  Ham- 
mondsport and  Penn  Yan,  about  20  miles  apart,  are  fairly  supplied 
with  Sparrows.  Between  these  two  towns,  along  both  shores  of  the 
lake,  no  other  crop  than  grapes  is  grown,  and  but  for  the  presence  of 
weeds,  there  would  be  nothing  else  to  tempt  the  Sparrows. 

In  many  of  the  vineyards,  however,  the  weeds  are  purposely  allowed 
to  grow  unchecked  between  the  rows  so  that  they  may  be  used  for  mulch- 
ing in  winter.  The  heavy  cropof  seed  thus  grown  undoubtedly  is  a  con- 
siderable protection  to  the  grapes,  as  the  Sparrows  feed  by  preference  on 
seed,  and  the  damage  which  the  few  now  ptesent  could  do  among  so 
many  grapes  would  scarcely  be  noticv^d. 

In  one  vineyard  on  Keuka  Lake  a  flock  of  about  100  Sparrows  was 
found  apparently  feeding  on  the  grr.pes,  and  the  superintendent  of  tlie  i 
vineyard,  Mr.  A.  Baker,  testified  most  positively  that  they  had  done  | 
much  damage  to  the  crop.  Two  birds  were  shot  from  tliis  flock,  but  j 
their  stomachs  contained  considerable  numbers  of  weed  seeds  and  ihm 
traces  of  grapes. 

About  Keuka  Lake,  there  certainly  were  not  more  than  two  Sparrows  | 
to  an  acre  of  grapes,  on  an  average,  and  so  long  as  this  proportion  is 
not  greatly  changed  no  serious  injury  from  this  source  need  be  feared. 
Moreover,  as  grape-culture  yields  far  better  returns  than  grain-growing 
in  this  region,  and  as  the  country  is  not  thickly  settled  and  the  winters! 
are  long  and  snowy,  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  restrict  the  increase  ol  [ 
the  Sparrows  so  as  to  make  them  practically  harmless. 


INJURY   TO   GRAPES. 


53 


Even  ill  the  vicinity  of  Kocbester,  the  Sparrow  is  not  abundant  in 
tiic  sense  in  which  it  is  abundant  about  more  southern  cities  of  equal 
size ;  and  yet  many  complaints  of  injury  to  grapes  were  received  from 
that  city  and  the  surrounding  country.  At  tne  vineyard  of  Messrs. 
i:i\vaiiger  &  Barry,  about  a  mile  south  of  the  city,  considerable  dam- 
ii;;e  bad  been  done  to  Niagara  and  Dutchess  grapes,  but  the  superin- 
tciuleut,  Mr.  J.  Gardner,  was  sure  this  was  entirely  due  to  robins  and 
other  native  birds,  and  stated  that  although  the  Sparrows  did  consid- 
erable damage  to  wheat  in  the  neighborhood,  they  seldom  visited  the 
vineyard  after  the  grapes  began  to  ripen.  On  the  other  hand,  Mr. 
Henry  Ilarrison,  living  in  the  city,  lost  about  one-half  of  one  variety  of 
early  grape  [Israella)  growing  in  his  garden,  through  the  depredations 
of  Sparrows ;  Mr.  Jennings,  living  about  a  mile  and  ahalf  northeast  of 
the  city,  had  suffered  considerable  loss  of  Concords  and  Delawares  in 
tl>e  same  way  ;  and  o,:  Eush,  about  12  miles  south  of  Eochester,  Spar- 
rows destroyed  a  largo  proportion  of  the  grai)es  of  Mr.  W.  G.  Mark- 
ham. 

iVmong  those  who  have  suffered  from  the  Sparrow's  depredations  on 
yrapes,  there  appears  to  be  some  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  motive 
ot  the  bird,  some  believing  that  it  eats  only  the  seeds,  others  only  the 
juice  or  pulp,  while  still  others  contend  that  it  punctures  the  grapes  wan- 
tonly and  with  no  intention  of  eating  an"^  of  them.  From  all  the  evi- 
dence obtainable  on  this  point,  it  seems  probable  that  each  of  these 
views  is  in  part  correct,  but  that  ordinarily  the  chief  attraction  is  in 
the  juice  or  pulp  of  the  grape,  which  the  birds  seem  really  to  enjoy. 
Giapeseeds  have  been  found  in  their  stomachs  very  rarely,  and  grape 
skins  never,  so  far  as  we  are  aware. 

Those  who  have  watched  closely  the  movements  of  the  Sparrow  when 
among  the  grapes  agree  that  he  pecks  many  more  grapes  than  he  eats, 
and  his  actions  at  such  times,  together  with  the  fact  that  he  frequently 
picks  off'  leaves  and  shoots,  which  he  does  not  eat,  lend  some  color  to 
the  statements  that  he  willfully  destroys  simply  for  the  pleasure  of  de- 
struction. 

But  in  whatever  manner  accomplished,  the  injury  to  ^'rapes  is  cer- 
tainly serious,  for  even  if  but  one  or  two  grapes  on  a  bunch  are  punc- 
tured, their  decay  soon  affects  the  others  in  the  cluster,  and  mutilated 
clusters  are  practically  worthless  for  market. 

The  States  reporting  most  injury  to  grapes  are  as  follows: 

Keporti. 

New  Jersey 8 

Kausas 5 

Iowa 4 

Gcor^ria 4 

Illiuois 4 


Reports. 

N'i!\v  York ...  15 

Ktiiitucky 12 

Ohio 12 

Iiidi.ana 11 

IVmisylvania 10 

Micbigaii 9 

MasHiichnsetts..., 8 

Coimeotlcut 8 


Rhode  Island 3 

District  of  Columbia  .....^..^..^.^    % 


i-    'liWt 


Twelve  other  State«  sent  one  report  each. 


54 


THE   ENGLISH   SPABKOW   IN   AMERICA. 


it: 


TLe  following  reports,  selected  almost  at  random,  and  coming  from 
widely  separated  parts  of  the  country,  may  be  taken  as  suggestive  ex 
amples  of  the  work  of  the  Sparrow  on  this  crop. 

From  Kobert  D.  Camp,  New  Haven,  Conn. ; 

Ibavenoticed  the  Sparrows  eating  grapes  more  than  any  other  fruit.  A  vine  within 
sight  of  my  place  of  business  is  almost  alive  with  the  birds  when  the  fruit  is  ripen- 
ing.   (April,  1887.    Present  fifteen  or  twenty  years.) 

From  F.  S.  Piatt,  seedsman  and  florist,  New  Haven,  Conn. : 

Last  year,  when  I  had  a  large  crop  of  very  fine  grapes,  I  found  that  the  Sparrowa 
were  destroying  nearly  all  of  them.  I  watched  these  birds  and  found  that  they 
would  pick  out  a  fine  bunch  of  fruit  and  picif  a  hole  in  nearly  every  grape.  This  hole 
would  be  so  very  small  that  at  first  it  would  not  be  noticeable,  but  very  soon  the  place 
would  begin  to  decay,  and  then  the  grape  would  be  ruined.  I  have  twenty  varieties 
of  choice  grapes,  which  they  peck  and  ruin 

From  William  Holmead,  Mount  Pleasant,  D.  C.  (suburb  of  Washing- 
ton) : 

The  Sparrows  for  the  last  two  years  have  destroyed  my  grapes  to  such  an  extent 
that  I  have  not  realized  the  expenses  of  culture.  (Novembers,  188C.  Present  about 
fourteen  years.) 

From  August  Gierscl' ner, New  Athens,  Saint  Clair  County,  111.: 

It  eats  cherries,  plums,  and  grapes  as  long  as  it  can  find  any.  •  •  *  i  think 
]>iiblic  sentiment  will  turn  against  him,  especially  on  account  of  the  havoc  he  makes 
with  cherries  and  grapes.     (October  .'),  1886.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

From  the  postmaster  at  Bowling  Green,  Warren  County,  Ky. : 

In  this  city  it  has  ruined  the  grape  crop  almost  wholly  where  unprotected.  (Octo- 
ber ."?,  iy86.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  Tiiomas  S.  Kennedy,  Crescent  Hill,  JeflFerson  County,  Ky. : 

It  eats  ripe  strawberries,  raspberries,  and  grapes.  The  last  season  it  has  been  un- 
usually destructive  and  has  torn  the  paper  bags  from  the  bunches  of  grapes  It  also 
eats  holes  in  apples  and  pears  hanging  on  the  trees.  (October  5,  1886.  Present  five 
or  six  years.) 

From  H.  H.  Miller  and  other  members  of  the  County  Farmers'  Club, 
Sandy  Spring,  Montgomery  County,  Md. : 

It  iujures  strawberries,  »  •  *  and  particularly  grapes,  some  of  the  smaller 
vineyards  being  nearly  a  failure  on  this  account.  (February  16,  1887.  Present 
about  eight  years.) 

From  E.  A.  Bowen,  Middleborough,  Mass. : 

It  is  especially  fond  of  grapes,  and  destroys  a  great  many  in  my  locality.  (Septem- 
ber 21,  1886.    Present  ten  or  eleven  years.) 

From  Samuel  S.  Lacey,  Marshall,  Calhoun  County,  Mich. : 

It  steals  peas  and  eats  Delaware  and  winter  grapes.  (November  20, 1886.  Present 
about  six  years.) 

From  David  C.  Voorhees,  Blawenburgh,  Somerset  County,  N.  J. : 

It  attacks  and  devours  grapes  greedily.  My  crop  was  damaged  10  per  cent,  this 
year.  It  seems  to  hunt  up  all  the  largest  and  best  clusters,  and  when  fully  ripe  docs 
great  damage  by  biting  through  the  skin.  (December,  1885.)  It  destroys  grapes  by 
the  ton  and  peas  to  a  great  extent.    (August,  1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 


INJURY   TO   GBAPES. 


55 


From  Samuel  N.  lihoads,  Haddonfield,  Camden  County,  N.  J.: 

It  iiijiires  tbo  grape  aadchoiry  most.  The  injury  to  the  former  is  often  great,  aud 
the  more  provoking  because  the  Sparrow  only  tastes  the  finest  of  fine  bunches. 
(September  t),  188G.     Present  about  twenty-eight  years.) 

From  Dr.  George  J.  Fisher,  Sing  Sing,  X.  Y. : 

They  eat  largo  (luautities  of  our  heat,  grapes.  (March  18,  1887.  Present  about 
twenty  years.) 

From  William  F.  Doerteubacb,  Cleveland,  Ohio : 

Ou  September  14,  183(5,  I  saw  a  Hock  of  about  150  Sparro.vs  in  a  vineyard,  and 
tlic  owner  said  they  did  a  great  deal  of  damage  to  the  grapes  by  pocking  boles  in 
them,  making  many  unfit  for  market.  (November  8,  18SG.  Present  about  thirteen 
years.) 

From  W.  13.  Ilall,  Wakeman,  Huron  County,  Ohio: 

It  feeds  upon  the  grape,  puucturing  the  skin  in  the  same  manner  as  the  Oriole,  and 
thus  giving  bees  a  chance  to  work  on  the  pulp.  (December  24,  1886.  Present  about 
five  years.)  .         .  >   ,       .iv*  ■ 

From  W.  N.  Irwiu,  South  Salem,  lloss  County,  Ohio : 

After  tlie  wheat  was  out  of  their  reach  they  commenced  work  on  our  Scckel  pears, 
then  on  the  Bartlctts,  and  then  on  the  grapes. 

Tliey  only  worked  on  one  sidn  of  the  pears,  but  took  pulp  and  seed  of  the  grapes, 
leaving  the  skins  hanging  on  the  vine.  They  seemed  to  like  the  Venango  or  Miner's 
seedling  best  of  all,  and  the  Delaware  next,  though  they  even  cleared  up  the  wild 

IVost-gnipes  in  the  woods.     (December  26,  1887.) 

.  f  '       '        '  ■'  -  .      ■     '  ' 

From  W.  B.  K.  Johnson,  Alleutown,  Pa.: 

I  (liwovered  this  last  fall  that  the  English  Sparrow  takes  ripened  grapes.  A  flock 
ol  three  hundred  or  four  hundred  Sparrows  came  into  my  vineyard  for  several  days. 
One  (l;iy  I  wiw  ouc  cut  a  grape,  and  upon  examination  I  found  that  at  least  half  a  ton 
were  ruined.  The  Sparrows  made  a  cut  in  each  grapo  about  three-eighths  of  an  inch 
long,  seemingly  to  get  a  little  juice,  going  thus  from  one  berry  to  another  until  whole 
vines  were  ruined,  always  preferring  thin-skinned  and  sweetest  varieties.  (Febru- 
iiry7,  1868.) 

From  Witnicr  Stone,  Germantown,  Pa.: 

It  frequently  despoils  whole  grape  vines  of  their  fruit,  and  backs  and  pecks  the 
buncliep  so  that  they  have  to  be  protected  by  paper  bags.  (November  9, 1886.  Pres- 
ent twenty  years  or  more.) 

From  Dr.  B.  II.  Warren,  State  Ornithologist,  West  Chester,  Chester 
County,  Pn.: 

It  eonsnnies  grapes,  strawberries,  raspberries,  and  blackberries.  »  »  •  The 
viuiety  of  grape  known  commonly  as  the  Concord,  in  West  Chester  and  vicinity,  is 
ixirtienlarly  subject  to  the  ravages  of  the  Sparrow.  Mr.  Samuel  Hannum,  of  West 
Chester,  a  thoroughly  reliable  and  close  observer,  says:  "The  Sparrows  destroy  a 
largo  proportion  of  my  Concord  grape  crop  by  attacking  the  fruit  and  destroying  the 
seeds.'    (.January,  1887.) 

The  testimony  on  this  subject  which  comes  from  Australia,  and  which 
is  i)riiitod  in  full  in  another  part  of  the  Bulletin,  sbould  be  carefully  read. 
It  i.s  sufllcient  here  to  state  that  in  the  vicinity  of  Adelaide,  South  Aus- 
tralia, where  the  English  Sparrow  has  become  very  abundant,  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  raise  grapes.  One  frui*-  grower  says:  "  In  the  worst 
l)artN  of  their  haunts  tlie  grapes  were  literally  cleared  from  the  vinee." 


■ 

I. 


56 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Another  says  that  ho  has  "a  trellis  of  vines  eighty  feet  in  length,  be- 
sides other  vines,  and  was  not  able  to  cut  a  banch  of  grapes,"  whilo 
still  another  lost  a  ton  and  a  half  of  grapes  in  ten  days. 


INJURY  TO  OTHER  SMALL  FRUITS. 

As  already  stated,  very  few  garden  fruits  escape  the  Sparrow's  notice, 
and  almost  all  small  fruits  suffer  badly.  Next  to  grapes  probably 
cherries  are  most  seriously  injured,  but  as  this  is  a  crop  which  suflfers 
much  from  other  birds,  it  is  often  difBcalt  to  say  what  proportion  of  the 
damage  is  done  by  the  Sparrow,  except  in  localities  where  there  are  no 
other  birds.  As  cherry  buds  and  blossoms  are  a  favorite  food  of  the 
Sparrow  earlier  in  the  season,  this  damage  to  the  ripening  fruit  is  all 
the  more  keenly  felt.  The  following  are  a  few  of  the  scores  of  com- 
plaints received  at  the  Department : 

From  J.  Percy  Moore,  Philadelphia,  Pa. : 

It  destroys  largo  qnautities  of  ripe  clierrics  as  long  as  this  fruit  can  be  fouud. 
June  17,  188G,  I  saw  old  birds  feeding  on  tbera,  and  also  carrying  large  numbers  to 
tbeir  youug  iu  tbe  nest.     (September  7,  1886,     Present  about  twenty  years.) 

From  F.  W.  Seaver,  Aaron,  Switzerland  County,  Ind.: 

I  have  noticed  droves  of  tbeui  in  cherry  and  other  small  fruit  trees,  which  they 
would  almost  strip  of  fruit.     (October  8,  1886.     Present  about  four  years.) 

From  John  T.  Mack,  Sandusky,  Ohio : 

It  ruins  much  ripening  fruit  here  of  nearly  all  kinds,  especially  cherries,  plums,  etc. 
(September  1,  188G.    Present  several  years.) 

From  II.  Volkcning,  Lenzburgh,  St.  Clair  County,  111.:  .;, 

This  year  it  allowed  hardly  any  of  our  cherries  or  grapes  to  get  ripe.  (October  4, 
1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 

From  W.  J.  N.  Osterhant,  Providence,  E.  I. : 

In  a  yard  near  my  house  there  are  two  cherry  trees,  and  in  the  same  yard  is  a  large  bird- 
house  which  llio  landlord  will  not  siiifer  to  be  removed.  For  several  years  the  ten- 
ants have  been  able  to  get  but  very  few  cherries  because  the  Sparrows  devour  both 
blossom  and  fruif.     (April,  188G. ) 

Strawberries,  blackberries,  and  raspberries  al.so  suffer  considerably, 
as  seen  from  the  following  reports: 

From  the  poytmaster  at  Charlestown,  Clark  County,  Ind.: 

It  injures  both  bloom  and  fruit  of  the  strawberry.  (October  13,  1886.  Present 
about  twelve  yeais.) 

From  Charles  W.  Snyder,  Hudson,  Columbia  County,  N.  Y. : 

I  have  noticed  in  some  localities  that  fields  of  strawberries  and  raspberries  havo 
been  injured  Wy  them  to  a  considerable  extent.  (■December6,  1886.  Present  about 
six  years.) 

From  George  H.  Berry,  North  Livermore,  Androscoggin  County, 
Me.: 

They  have  settled  in  flocks  on  strawberry  beds,  currant  bushes,  and  cherry  trees,  in 
some  instances  complctoly  stripping  them  of  fruit.  (August 33, 1886.  Present  about 
thre«  years. 


INJURY    TO    APPLES. 


57 


From  George  B.  Holmes,  Feruwood,  Cook  County,  111. : 
strawberries,  raspberries,  aud  blackberries  have  suffered  aiuouj;  my  neighbors,  and 
tiierries  have  also  been  damaged. 
From  A.  Ford,  Bronson,  Bourbon  County,  Kans. : 

It  destroys  berries  aud  all  other  small  fruits.  It  v.lil  clean  out;  a  blackberry  patch 
very  quickly.  They  come  into  a  garden  by  hundreds,  aud  in  a  low  days  you  have  no 
clicrries  or  other  fruit.     (October  11,  1866.     Present  about  two  years.) 

From  J.  Leouardsou,  New  Haven,  Macomb  County,  Mich. : 

It  eatsgrapcH  and  black-caps.  The  latter  suffer  most  in  this  locality,  gardeners 
losing  one  third  of  their  crop.     (Antnmn,  188.").) 

IXJUUY  TO  APPLES,    PEARS,    PEACHES,    AND  OTUEK  EKUITS. 

After  once  getting  a  taste  of  fruit  it  seems  that  they  sometimes  prefer 
it  even  to  grain,  or  at  least  add  largo  quantities  of  it  to  their  other  food. 

3Ir.  Jabez  Webster,  nurseryman  and  fruit-grower,  of  Central ia,  Ma- 
rion County,  111.,  writes : 

I  have  seen  flocks  of  fifty  or  more  stay  about  my  raspberries,  constantly  flying 
backwards  and  forwards,  taking  quarts  of  the  best  fruit,  and  coming  very  close  to 
tlio  pickers.  *  »  •  Last  year  I  observed  that  after  they  had  feasted  on  my  straw- 
berries, raspberries,  ripe  gooseberries,  and  cherries,  they  were  all  atonceflyingfroma 
stubble-field  close  by  and  alighting  in  my  early  apple  tices.  I  thought  I  would  see 
what  they  were  after,  thinking  it  might  possibly  be  in-sects,  but,  alas,  they  were  peck- 
ing holes  in  some  ripe  apples  on  the  very  tops  of  the  trees.  Some  Cornell's  Fancy  and 
lied  June,  were  from  one-fourth  to  one-third  eaten,  and  the  foli.age  aud  limbs  in  the 
tops  of  the  trees  were  white  with  their  excrement.  This  thoy  kept  np  for  several 
days,  pecking  holes  only  in  the  very  ripest  apples.  (December  21, 18^0.  Present  about 
seven  ye.irs.) 

From  a  score  of  reports  of  injury  to  irpples  we  select  the  following: 

From  A.  B.  Ghere,  Frankfort,  Clinton  County,  Ind. : 

I  have  seen  them  in  largo  numbers  feeding  on  small  fruit  *  *  »  and  pecking 
early  apples.     (August  27,  188(5.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  liell  Irwin,  Bad  A.xe,  Huron  County,  Mich. : 

I'iio  plums  and  apples  in  my  own  garden  were  attacked  by  it  and  somewhat  in- 
jured.    (September  l.'i,  188(5.    Present  about  four  years.) 

The  following  detailed  account  of  injury  to  apples  comes  from  Mr.  F. 
AI.  Webster,  of  La  Fayette,  Ind.,  avIio  watched  the  birds  carefully  at 
tiicir  work,  and  testifies  only  what  lie  ha.s  actually  seen.  Under  date 
of  August  25, 1880,  he  wrote : 

TIio  English  Sparrow  is  destroying  my  apples.  I  have  several  trees  in  my  garden, 
and  as  soon  a.sthe  fruit  gets  mellow  they  peck  holes  in  it,  and  it  either  drops  to  the 
ground  or  decays  r)n  ill',*  trees.  I  can  hardly  get  a  single  ajjple  fit  to  eat;  thoy  have 
destroyed  nearly,  if  not  quite,  three-quarters  of  this  variety.  A  neighbor  acioss  the 
way  is  troubled  in  the  same  manner. 

In  reply  to  a  request  for  further  information,  Mr.  Webster  wrote : 

1  am  not  able  to  state  now  whether  they  show  any  preference  as  to  flavor,  for  only 
Olio  variety  of  my  fruit  is  ns  yet  ripe  enough  to  tempt  them  ;  but  thoy  almost  invariably 
nclect  tho  largest  and  best  apples,  either  because  they  arc  fastidious,  or  perhaps  be- 
tuuso  they  con  better  stand  upon  them  whiloat  work.    I  do  not  think  thoy  attack  the 


I    '^i 


:  ■  if 


58 


THE    K\GLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


m 

I 


npplcH  in  order  to  get  tbo  Bceds,  as  if  that  weretlin  casv,  it  sccir.8  to  inetbcy  would 
coiitir.o  their  elVorts  to  cue  or  two  panctures,  whereas  they  often  excavate  several 
very  Khallow  cavities,  and  these  arc  often  of  considoraljlo  area. 

On  October  7,  1880,  lie  wrote  again  : 

I  mail  to-day  more  Haniples  of  Sparrow- pcflced  apples,  taken  from  the  tree  thiw 
forenoon.  They  are  of  a  different  variety  from  those  sent  before,  and  as  a  rnle  less 
(if  tboi)ulpi8  taken  than  with  tlio  other  variety,  bnt  the  Sparrows  begin  work  assooii 
a)  the  api)le8  get  mellow,  and  I  seldom  get  one  intact.  I  have  in  uiy  garden  one 
more  tree,  of  a  still  later  vr-riety,  now  loaded  withfrnil,  as  yet  uutoucbed,  which  I 
bliall  watch  with  some  interest. 

And  finally,  on  tlic  18tii  of  October: 

The  recent  high  winds  took  all  the  apples  off  the  trees,  except  from  the  one  of  which 
I  wrote,  and  yesterday  I  found  the  work  of  the  Sparrows  in  the  fruit  of  that  tree  also, 
and  send  you  samples. 

An  apple  pecked  as  above  described  and  kindly  sent  to  the  Depart- 
ment by  Mr.  Webster  is  fignred  in  the  accompanying  cut. 


From 

If  pear 
Present 

From 

It  is  vt 
which  it 


>'«.  ^■^, 


Applk  PECKKD  nv  Engmsii  Sparrows.  ,■,    - 

[From  garden  of  F.  M.  Welistcr,  La  Fayctto,  Tn<l.,  Octobor  7,  1886.1 

Peaches,  pears,  and  plums  are  also  attacked  frequently,  as  the  follow- 
ing statements  show : 

From  J.  A.  Dakin,  Tally,  Onondaga  County,  N.  Y.: 

I  have  myself  observed  it  destroying  grapes  and  pears,  and  a  fanner  told  me  Ibis 
morning  that  it  had  destroyed  §10  worth  of  bis  Bartlett  pears.  (September  10,  188G. 
Present  about  eighteen  years.) 

From  J.  M.  Dresser,  La  Fayette,  Tippecanoe  County,  Ind.: 

It  pecks  into  apples  and  pears.     (December  11, 188G.     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

From  John  B.  Tolman,  Lynn,  Mass.: 

It  injures  fruit  particularly.  My  choicest  pears,  poacbos,  grapes,  aud  Hmall  fruits 
arc  badly  pocked  and  mangled.     (February  15,  1864.) 


INJURY    TO    FRUITS. 


69 


From  Adolpb  Leue,  Cinciuutiti,  Ohio  : 

Ifpeivrs  iiro  allowed  to  ripen  on  tlio  trco  it  wWl  cat  Ibein  all.  (October  Ti,  1886. 
I'loscnl,  nioro  than  twelve  years.) 

From  L.  E.  Bentley,  Donaldsonville,  Asceusion  Parish,  La. : 

It  in  very  fond  of  plums,  and  particularly  of  thu  Mespilu^,  or  Japan  plum  [Loquat], 
wliicU  it  devours  with  evident  relisli.     (.October  30,  188G.    Present  about  five  years.) 

Mauj-  other  fruits  also  are  daniagert  to  a  greater  or  less  exteut,  aud  a 
few  examples  arc  inserted  here: 
From  William  B. Berthoud,  Barataria,  Jefferson  Parish,  La.: 

It  is  very  fond  of  grapes  and  "gs,  and  destroys  a  considerable  quantity  of  these 
fruits.    (June  27,  1887.    Present  about  four  years.) 

From  Dr.  G.  E.  Mauigault,  Charleston,  S..0. : 

Jt  attacks  garden  fruits  aud  vegetables,  eating  grapes,  figs,  etc.     (August  24. 1884.) 

From  IL  Jacobson,  Eedwood  City,  San  Mateo  County,  Cal. : 

It  feeds  on  grapes  and  figs.    (October  11,  1886.    Present  twelve  years.) 

From  W.  0.  Percy,  jr.,  Black  Hawk,  Concordia  Parish,  La. : 

They  destroy  more  tomatoes  »  »  •  than  any  other  bird.  (September  If),  1886. 
Prisent  two  or  three  years.) 

From  W.  H.  Wherritt,  Lancaster,  Garrard  County,  Ky. :  ■ 

It  injures  tomatoes  ckuA  small  fruits.     (October  IT,  1H86.    Present  eight  or  nine 

years.)  .  ,.      ,,, 

From  J.  B.  McKinney,  Newburgh,  Warrick  County,  Ind.: 

It  (iestroyselierries,  currants,  apples,  pears,  and  any  small  fruit.  (October  8,  18tf6. 
I'loseiit  about  twelve  years.) 

From  P.  W.  Parmelee,  Burton,  Geauga  County,  Ohio :  > 

I  have  seen  it  at  work  on  currants  and  raspberries;  in  fact,  it  will  eat  anything  it 
can  get  when  hungry.    (September  1,  1886.     Present  about  five  years.) 

It  u  not  surprising  that  any  fruit-eating  bird  should  attack  tigs,  and 
perhaps  we  ought  not  to  wonder  at  the  Sparrow's  eating  tomatoes,  al- 
though we  ai'o  not  aware  that  any  other  undoraosticated  birtl  touches 
tboin,  but  wLcu  we  find  that  even  currants  are  eaten  in  considerable 
qtiautities  we  begin  to  realize  that  the  Sparrow's  palate  is  peculiar  and 
Unit  no  fruit  whatever  can  be  considered  safe  in  its  vicinity. 

i'^rom  the  288  more  or  less  favor.able  reports  relating  to  fruit  wo  select 
a  few  of  the  most  definite.  ■ 

As  these  are  all  negative  reports  their  value  depends  altogether  on 
the  opportunities  for  observation  which  each  witness  hah  i'nioyed  and 
(!!i  the  manner  in  which  these  opportunities  have  been  used. 

Ill  all  except  a  very  few  cases  lack  of  time  or  opportunity  will  ac- 
count for  the  failure  to  note  anything  but  favorable  characteristics  ni 
tho  Sparrow,  yet  there  are  enough  of  these  exceptions  to  make  it  tolera- 
bly certain  that  the  Sparrows  have  not  abused  their  hospitality  in  all 
cases,  and  we  are  glad  to  give  even  this  devil  his  duo. 

Mr.  Lewis  H.  Hill,  of  Lockport,  Niagara  County,  N.  Y.,  writes: 

I  have  never  known  it  to  trouble  any  kind  of  fruit,  and  1  have  quite  a  variety. 
(Septembers,  1886.) 


^ 


60 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW  IN   AMERICA. 


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Mr.  K.  (i.  Morris,  of  Georgetown,  Quitman  Ooiinty,  Ga.,  writcH: 

1  do  uot  tbiuk  it  injurcH  gardeu  frnits  or  vegetables.  I  bave  bad  a  very  good  gar- 
den tb'iH  year,  and  tbe  Sparrows  stay  about  it  nearly  all  tbe  time.  (September  2H, 
18SC.    Present  one  year.) 

Mr.  A.  F.  Hofer,  of  McGregor,  Claytou  County,  Iowa,  writes: 

It  »)evcr  injures  fruits.  I  have  seen  it  [at  Dubuque  T]  rearing  its  young  bruo<ls  on 
pear  trees  with  the  utsts  surrounded  by  the  finest  ripe  fruit,  but  they  never  touchid 
the  pears.    (October  11,  188G.) 

Hon.  Robert  B.  Roosevelt,  of  New  York  City,  writes: 

The  robin  takes  every  cherry  our  few  trees  produce  at  my  place  [on  Long  Island], 
but  the  Sparrow  h.-is  never  been  known  to  steal  a  single  one.    (August  8,  1886.) 

Mr.  Tbonias  Chalmers,  of  Holyoke,  llampdeu  County,  Mass.,  writes: 

I  have  not  known  it  tu  injure  fruit  or  vegetables.  One  robin  and  one  Baltimore 
oriole  will  destroy  more  cherries  and  green  peas  in  a  day  than  the  whole  Sparrow 
creation  in  an  eternity.    (March  6,  1884.    Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Mr.  L.  H.  Glover,  of  CaEiopolis,  Cass  County,  Mich.,  writes: 

It  does  not  injure  fruits  or  vegetables.  It  is  thought  by  some  that  our  immense 
crop  of  fruit  is  due  to  its  presence.     (October  13, 1886.    Present  four  or  five  years.) 

Perhaps  a  half  dozen  equally  favorable  reports  have  been  received, 
and  they  will  be  found  scattered  through  the  testimony  on  this  subject. 
There  have  also  been  received  quite  a  number  of  reports  favorable  in 
the  main,  but  not  so  unqualified  in  their  support  of  the  Sparrow,  and 
of  which  the  following  are  fair  examples : 

From  G.  \V.  Warwick,  of  Sraithville,  Lee  County,  Ga. : 

No  well-sustained  facts  have  shown  it  to  be  injurious  to  fruits  or  vegetables.  I 
have  watched  it  for  the  past  year,  and  have  a  favorable  opinion  of  it.  It  is  uot  ho 
bad  on  garden  seed  as  the  brown  sparrow,  and  does  little  or  no  injury  to  strawber- 
ries.   (September  25,  1886.    Present  about  five  years.) 

From  Henry  C.  Hallowell,  Sandy  Spring,  Montgomery  County,  Md. : 

It  has  not  injured  fruit  here,  so  far  as  observed.  We  can  certainly  say  we  havo 
never  had  a  greater  abundance  of  cherries,  currants,  gooseberries,  pears,  etc.,  than 
since  the  Sparrow  came,  and  we  have  not  missed  the  fruit  which  he  has  taken, 
(July  7,  1883,  and  August  30,  1884.    Present  three  or  four  years.) 

From  William  Rotch  Wister,  Germantown,  Pa. : 

1  have  not  observed  it  to  feed  upon  grapes  or  other  fruit  to  an  exteut  worthy  of 
notice.  (March,  1886.)  It  eats  a  little  fruit,  but  uot  a  small  fraction  of  the  amount 
eaten  by  robins,  grackles,  and  other  birds.  (November  30,  1886.  Present  twenty 
years  or  more.) 

From  W.  H.  Ragan,  Greencastle,  Ptitnam  County,  Ind. : 

They  may  possibly  injure  fruits  and  vegetables.  They  are  accused  of  damaging 
the  blossoms  of  legumes,  but  having  carefully  observed,  I  am  unable  to  say  that  they 
do.  1  have  never  detected  them  eating  berries,  but  have  in  eating  dry  peas  and  other 
seeds.    (September  28, 1886.    Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

INJURY  TO  GARDEN    VEGETABLES. 

it  will  be  convenient  to  consider  the  injuries  to  vegetables  under  two 
heads:  (a)  Injury  to  garden  plants  themselves,  from  time  of  sprouting 
until  maturity ;  (b)  Ii^jary  to  gardea  seeds. 


DESTRUCTION   OP   PEAS. 


QREEN   VEQKTABLES. 


61 


The  iiiforiiiation  collected  by  the  Departmeut,  as  well  as  tbat  already 
published,  shows  tbat  the  Sparrow  does  a  great  deal  of  niiscbief  in  gar- 
dens aside  from  tbat  done  to  fruit.  In  every  stage  of  growth,  from  the 
planting  of  ihe  seed  until  another  crop  of  seed  is  gathered,  most  vege- 
tables are  more  or  less  subject  to  its  attacks,  some  suffering  most  at 
one  particular  stage  of  growth,  while  others  are  attacked  continuously. 
Peas,  corn,  lettuce,  and  cabbage  are  the  vegetables  which  appear  to 
suffer  most  while  in  the  green  state,  but  the  two  latter  also  suffer  very 
much  when  ripening  their  seed. 

Destruction  of  peas. — The  following  testimony  shows  the  Si)arrow'8 
methods  in  relation  to  peas : 

From  Henry  D.  Emery,  Chicago,  111. : 

They  attack  and  destroy  peas  as  they  appear  above  ground.    (December  6,  1884.) 

From  Thomas  H.  Shoemaker,  Philadelphia,  Pa. : 

Many  have  found  it  almost  impossible  to  raise  peas,  as  the  Sparrow  oats  them  off 
118  fast  as  they  appear  above  ground.    (May  25,  1884.) 

From  P.  D.  Miller,  Schoolcraft,  Kalamazoo  County,  Mich. : 

Village.— I  know  persons  wlio  had  to  give  np  their  pea  crop  this  year  on  account 
of  the  Sparrow.    (October  11,  1886.    Present  about  nine  years.) 

From  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y. : 

People  living  in  the  village,  and  who  have  small  vegetable  gardens,  complain  bit- 
terly of  their  inability  to  raise  peas,  on  account  of  the  depredations  of  the  Sparrow. 
The  Sparrow  attacks  the  plants  as  soon  as  they  appear  above  ground,  and  again  from 
the  time  tlie  pods  are  forming  nntil  they  are  matnred.  (1885.  Present  about  nine- 
teen years.) 

From  S.  T.  Holbrook,  JS^orwich,  Conn. : 

I  hare  seen  them  eating  the  leaves  of  young  peas  and  have  seen  them  feed  their 
younn;with  them.  I  have  also  seen  them  eating  the  leaves  of  young  lettnco.  (Au- 
gust 20,  1886.    Present  twenty  or  twenty-five  years.) 

From  E.  E.  Quellin,  Clayton,  Barbour  County,  Ala. : 

It  comes  into  the  garden  in  flocks,  eating  the  peas  and  other  tender  vegetables. 
(October  20,  1886,    Present  about  three  years.) 

From  J.  C.  S^ivetlaud,  Sparta,  Morrow  County,  Ohio : 

It  attacks  peas  when  in  bloom,  in  some  gardens  destroying  one-fonrth  of  the  crop. 
(October  18,  1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 

From  B.  L.  Swetland,  Mount  Vernon,  Knox  County,  Ohio : 

I  have  seen  them  feeding  their  young  on  the  blossoms  of  my  peas.  I  am  satisfied 
that  we  have  lost  at  least  one- third  of  our  crop  in  this  way,  and  they  destroy  other 
blossoms.    (November  15, 1886.    Present  about  ten  years.) 

From  Joseph  C.  EatliflF,  Richmond,  Ind. : 

I  saw  several  killed  while  picking  out  and  eating  peas  in  a  garden,  and  on  exam- 
ination found  the  peas  in  their  crops.     (Novembers,  1886.    Present  about  seventeen 

y«ars). 

Much  additional  testimony  on  this  head  will  be  found  in  its  proper 
place  in  another  part  of  this  Bulletin,  and  it  may  be  remarked  thatcora- 


^ 


rf 


mw 


w 


62 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


pliiiuta  of  injury  to  peas  have  come  from  every  part  of  the  world 
where  Iho  Sparrow  has  been  introduced,  as  well  as  from  tliose  countries 
of  which  it  is  a  ntitive.  The  fact  that  no  other  bird  is  Icnowii  to  pull 
uj)  young  peas  would  prevent  any  i)ossibility  of  mistake  as  to  the  au- 
thor of  the  damage,  even  if  the  real  culprit  had  not  been  caught  in  the 
act  so  frequently.  Some  few  other  birds  do  take  green  peas  from  the 
pod,  but  in  most  cases  these  birds  are  very  scaice  wh.erever  Sparrows 
are  abundant. 

Destruction  of  (jarden  corn, — Turning  now  to  the  subject  of  the  de- 
struction of  corn(raai7.e),  we  find  that  the  evidence  is  equally  strong,  and 
almost  as  abundant.  It  is  true  that  the  Sparrow  does  not  so  frequently 
pull  up  the  young  plant,  but  the  injury  to  the  grain  when  '•  in  the  milk" 
fully  makes  up  for  all  previous  neglect. 

W.  C.  Clapp,  of  Dorchester,  Suffolk  County,  Mass.,  writes: 

lloiscaugbt  pulling  llio  sprouting  sweet  tcmi,  flocks  of  tliem  aligliting  in  tlio 
patch  and  taking  almost  every  kernel,  or  tlio  tender  shoot. 

Henry  Stewart,  of  Hackeusack,  N.  J.,  writes: 

It  attacks  sweet  and  field  corn,  tearing  open  the  hnsk.  (February  5,  1884.  Pres- 
ont  about  fourteen  years. 

John  H.  Sage, of  Portland,  Middlesex  County,  Conn.,  writes: 

It  is  quite  destructive  to  sweet  corn  in  the  garden,  stripping  the  husks  and  eating 
the  kernels.     (August  IC,  1986.    Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

Dr.  A.  P.  Sharp,  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  says: 

During  the  corn  season  they  are  very  dostractivo  to  the  silk  and  top  grains,  often 
ruining  the  whole  ear.     (Februj'ry  16,  1887.) 

It.  n.  George,  of  Simpsonville,  Shelby  County,  Ky.,  says : 

It  will  often  tear  the  shucks  from  the  ends  of  the  ears  of  garden  corn,  and  cat  sev- 
eral inches  of  green  corn  or  matured  grain.  (October  15,  188G.  Present  about  seven 
years.) 

G.  W.  Daugherty,  of  Carraicbaels,  Greene  County,  Pa.,  says : 

As  regards  garden  fruits  and  vegetables,  our  gardeners  report  them  an  intolerable 
nuisance.  They  are  especially  destructive  to  early  sweet-corn,  tearing  it  open  on  the 
stalk  and  eating  the  end,  making  it  unfit  for  market  and  causing  it  to  mold.  (Feb- 
ruary 21,  1887.    Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

William  Holmead,  of  Mount  Pleasant,  D.  C,  (suburb  of  Washington) 

says : 

Sugar  and  field  corn  when  greeu  are  very  much  dariiaged  by  them.  They  tear  the 
ends  of  the  ears  and  cat  the  corn  in  the  same  manner  as  crows.  (November  8,  1686, 
Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

The  postmaster  at  Blaine,  Pottawatomie  Couut^',  Kans.,  says : 

Sweet  corn  has  been  injured  very  much  ;  it  has  been  picked  off  while  in  the  milk, 
and  the  husk  pulled  off  as  if  done  by  hand.  (October  6,  1886.  Present  se'veu  or  eight 
years.) 

More  tbaa  a  dozen  similar  reports  have  been  received  in  regard  to 
garden  corn,  and  throe  times  that  number  in  regard  to  liekl  coru. 

These  latter  reports  will  be  found  under  the  head  of  "  injury  to  grain 
crops." 


DESTRUCTION   OP   YOUNO   VEGETABLES. 


68 


Destruction  of  lettuce^  cabbage,  and  other  vegetables. — Scores  of  com- 
plaiuts  of  injury  to  the  sprouts,  young  i)lant8,  buds,  and  tender  shoots 
of  other  vegetables  than  corn  and  peas  have  been  received,  but  wo  Imve 
room  hero  for  only  a  few. 

Mis.  G.  S.  h\  Stoddard,  of  South  AVoodsiock,  Wiudhaui  County, 
Conn.,  writes : 

It  injures  fruits  and  vegetables.  1  have  known  it  to  destroy  a  l>od  of  early  lettuce. 
{.January  2'2,  1887.) 

Davi.son  Greenawalt,  of  Chambersburgh,  Franklin  County,  Pa., 
writes: 

It  picks  off  hsttuco  when  quite  sinnll ;  cubbnge,  caulillower,  aud  radish  are  eaten 
in  tlio  seed-leaf.     (Septembers,  1886.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Simeon  Zellars,  of  Palmetto,  Campbell  County,  Ga.,  writes: 

It  only  cats  off  sniull  plants  when  they  first  come  up  and  are  quite  tender.  (Oeto- 
licr  4,  188C.    Present  about  four  years.) 

Dr.  William  Weber,  of  Evansville,  Ind.,  writes : 

They  can  do  great  injury  to  young  vegetables,  such  as  lettuce,  peas,  cabbage,  etc. 
They  clean  out  beds  of  young  plants  if  the  latter  .are  not  protected  by  twigs  or  branches. 
(October  1.5,  188().    Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

E.  B.  Engle,  of  Waynesborough,  Franklin  County,  Pa.,  writes  : 

It  cats  early  cabbago-jilants,  peas,  lettuce,  and  other  early  garden  plants.  (August 
HO,  If-'SO.    Present  six  or  eight  years.) 

lluth  C.  Burton,  of  Taylorsville,  Spencer  County,  Ky.,  writes: 

It  is  very  destructive  to  young  cabbage-plants,  etc.  (October  HO,  1886.  I'resent 
six  or  eight  years.)  '  ..        , 

Dr.  H.  D.  Moore,  of  New  Lexington,  Somerset  Counry,  Pa.,  writes: 

They  destroyed  inucli  of  the  cabbage  crop  of  a  neighbor  by  eating  out  the  tender 
hoiiit leaves.    (September  13,  1886.    Present  about  eleven  years.) 

Herman  Koerner,  of  Birdseye,  Dubois  County,  Ind.,  writes  : 

They  ate  up  or  ruined  all  that  the  \7orm8  left  me  of  a  large  patch  of  cabbage.  (Oc- 
tober 7, 1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 

George  M.  Neese,  of  New  Market,  Shenandoah  Coumy,  Va.,  writes: 

This  summer  I  saw  it  eat  the  leaves  of  young  cabbages  after  they  were  set,  and  also 
beets  and  peas.  It  not  only  eats  the  leaves  of  peas  but  picks  off  the  tender  shoots. 
(August  27,  1886.     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

J.  Sparks,  of  Vanceburgh,  Lewis  County,  Ky.,  writes  : 

It  destroys  turnips  and  peas,  eating  them  off  to  the  ground.  (October  20,  18S6. 
Pri'sent  about  seven  years.) 

Prof.  D.  E.  Lantz,  of  Manhattan,  Kans.,  writes :  "" 

It  eats  tender  vegetables  when  qnite  young.  (September  27,  1836.  Present  about 
six  years.) 

J.  T.  Bodkin,  of  Patriot,  Switzerland  donnty,  Ind.,  writes: 

It  is  injurious  to  fruits  and  vegetables,  especially  tho.  latter.  Last  year  it  ate  up 
I  my  young  peas  completely,  and  also  preyed  on  lettuce,  beets,  strawberries,  etc., 
I  while  young  and  tender.     (May  24,  1887.     Present  about  three  years.) 


64 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


E.  Odliiiii,  uf  Pembroke,  Outariu,  Canadn,  writes:  - 

Th«y  are  n  positive  injury  to  ftardciiH,  hotli  flower  mid  vp^otttblp.  Tlioy  cat  almost 
nil  kiiidn  of  se«dH,  ovoii  the  ooinnion  jx'iim.  T1ic.\  tack  Hinall  slioots  of  many  kinds 
just  coming  nl)ovo  tlio  ground,  taking  noiiriy  ovtiry  lioMliy  or  pulpy  sprout.  Wo  havu 
been  forced  lo  cover  pnrtH  of  our  giirdcn  agaiimt  them.  Tlioy  almost  destroyed  our 
entire  plat  of  M\v<'et  peas.     ( August  2.'),  ISHO.     ProKOut  about  twelve  yearn.) 

B.  F.  Maxon,  of  Westerly,  R.  I.,  writes : 

It  ':at8  pea  and  pepiier  bloNsonm,  young  seed  poda  of  turnips,  cabbage,  beet,  and 
letcuce,  and  young  tender  corn-silk.  It  also  eats  into  tlio  ends  of  the  ears  of  gremi 
c  jrn,  and  eats  young  beet  aiul  lettuce  plants.  (March,  1887.  Present  about  thirteen 
J  cars.) 

Dr.  M.  C.  O'Toole,  of  Berkeley,  Cal.,  writes : 

It  baa  no  tnste  for  green  vegetables,  carrots,  parsnips,  etc.,  but  will  eat  them  when 
more  agreeable  matter  is  not  to  be  found.  (February  17,  1887.  Present  about  three 
years.) 

Thos.  Hardeman,  of  Macon,  Ga.,  writes : 

It  feeds  upon  sunflower  seed  and  green  herbs,  and  plucks  to  some  extent  the  flowers 
of  the  squash,  cucumber,  etc.     (October  11,  188C.    Present  ten  to  fifteen  years.) 

Dr.  E.  Sterling,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  writes: 

Last  summer  I  was  shown  by  a  gardener  a  huudrcd  tuberose  plants,  the  buds  on 
every  one  of  which  had  been  eaten  out  by  the  Sparrow.     (February  25,  1884.) 

UARDKN  8KKD8. 


The  injury  to  garden  seeds  is  hardly  so  severe  as  might  be  expected  in 
view  of  the  fact  that  the  Sparrow  is  so  destructive  to  green  vegetables, 
and  that  his  natural  food  is  seed.  Nevertheless,  a  reference  to  the  sum- 
mary of  evidence  on  this  point  shows  that  the  injuries  are  far  from  in- 
significant. 

Not  infrequently  the  Sparrow  scratches  up  seeds  of  various  kinds,  and 
especially  such  as  are  sown  broadcast  and  imperfectly  covered.  The 
following  examples  serve  to  illustrate  this  point : 

From  Aug.  Barthel,  Belleville,  Saint  Clair  County,  111. : 

It  destroys  all  seeds  sown  in  the  garden,  and  if  prevented  from  eating  them,  it  eata 
lettuce,  spinach,  etc.  It  also  eats  the  vines  of  peas,  etc.  (September  2, 1886.  Pres- 
ent many  years.) 

From  H.  Harris,  Union  Springs,  Bullock  County,  Ala. : 

It  will  scratch  up  seed  when  first  planted ;  it  is  as  bad  as  if  you  were  to  turn  luic  | 
a  newly  planted  garden  50  chickens.     What  it  does  r-^t  eat  when  it  is  planted  is  fin- 
ished after  it  goes  to  seed.    (September  17  and  24,  1836.    Present  about  six  years.) 

From  J.  W.  Johnson,  Meriwether,  Edgefield  County,  S.  C. : 

It  will  scratch  for  garden  seeds  as  soon  as  they  are  planted.  (August  24,  1886. 
Present  five  years. )  • 

From  Edward  T.  Keim,  Dubuque,  Iowa: 

In  one  case  grass  seed  was  planted  on  a  lawn,  and  troops  of  Sparrows  devoured  | 
every  seed.    (August  19,  1886.    Present  about  ten  years.) 


DESTRUCTION    OF   GARDEN   SEEDS. 


65 


Many  siinihir  instiinecs  will  bo  found  undor  the  head  of  injnry  to  grain. 

But  tho  destruction  of  seed  when  ripening  is  an  injury  of  still  greater 
iinportance. 

Destruction  of  Hf-cd  of  Lettuce,  Cal)l>age,  and  Turnip. — A  majority  of 
the  complaints  relate  to  tho  Koods  of  lettuee,  turnii>,  and  cabbage,  and 
the  combined  losses  from  injuries  to  tho  seeds  and  young  plants  of  these 
tiireo  vegetables  are  often  very  serious,  as  will  appear  fron)  a  glance  at 
tlie  following  examples  taken  from  the  abundant  evidence  on  thisques- 
t  ion : 

I'rom  II.  Volkening,  Lenzburgli,  Saint  Clair  County,  HI. : 

It,  ruins  cabbajjo  iind  otlier  vogiitalilos  planiod  for  Need.  (October  4, 1880.  Proaont 
iilioiit  Ihroo  years.) 

From  Pat.  W.  Floyd,  Burlington,  CoUey  County,  Kansas: 

I  liiivo  observed  lottuco entirely  stripped  (if  tlie  seed;  and  tlirough  dissection  of 
N|i('(uiiii'nH  taken  in  the  vicinity,  liavo  found  the  food  to  be  almost  entirely  vegetable. 
(Oclobcr  I'i, '188(5.     PrcHcut  throe  or  four  years.) 

I'loin  Thomas  Shroyer,  Preston,  Hamilton  County, Ohio: 

l!  in  only  by  careful  watching  that  tho  country  gardener  can  save  seeds  of  any  veg- 
cfftbles  or  ilowers.     (September  2;{,  188C.     Present  about  eleven  years. ) 

From  Elisha  Slade,  Somerset,  Bristol  County,  Mass.: 

Tlu^  (U'.struetion  of  the  seeds  of  vegetables  and  flowers  is  enormous.  It  is.  begun 
liefoK'  tlicy  are  ripe,  iihiiost  tm  soon  as  they  arc  formed,  and  continues  through  tho 
Kiasnii.  Often  i"  is  ini  'lossiblo  to  save  tho  seeds  from  those  birds  unless  tho  plants  arc 
(oveied  by  netting.     (October  19,  1885.) 

Tiic  seed  of  cabbage,  turnip,  carrot,  lettuce,  etc.,  is  attacked  before  it  is  ripe 
e;;()iigli  to  bo  gathered.     (August 20,  1886.    Present  about  twelve  years.) 

From  II.  M.  Jennings,  gardener  and  seedsman,  Rochester,  N.  Y. : 

Some  kinds  of  seed  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  grow ;  for  example,  lettuce,  cabbage, 
and  turnip.  •  *  •  The  Sparrows  got  into  our  dry-bouses  and  peck  and  destroy  if 
not  kept  away.    (February  12.  1887.    Present  twelve  years.) 

From  F.  8.  Piatt,  seedsman  and  florist.  New  Haven,  Conn. : 

They  destroy  many  Lundreds  of  dollars  worth  of  seeds  each  year.     (Ic84.) 
In  our  seed-gardens  wo  have  to  keep  a  boy  all  tho  time  during  the  day  to  keep  the 
[  Sparrows  from  wasting  turnip,  cabbage,  and  seeds  of  this  class.    (September  0,  1886.) 

From  Thomas  Chalmers,  Ilolyoke,  Ilanipden  County, Mass.: 

The  Sparrow  eats  the  seeds  of  tho  turnip,  cabbage,  rape,  flax,  and  hemp,  as  well  as 
I  the  seeds  of  weeds  and  grasses,  cultivated  or  wild.  (March  C,  1834.  Present  about 
[fifteen  years.) 

From  W.  A.  Wright,  Burlington,  Carroll  County,  lud. : 

Peas,  and  the  seed  of  r.idi.sli,  beet,  and  cabbage,  are  the  principal  vegcjtables  on 
J  which  it  feeds  in  June  and  July,  and  sunflower  seed  later  on.  (September  21,  1886. 
[Picsont  sixteen  years  or  more.) 

From  J.  C.  Allen,  Olney,  llichmond  County,  111.: 

It  strips  the  sunflower  and  liemji  of  all  their  seed.  (September,  1886.  Present  about 
[twelve  years.) 

Destruction  of  Sunflower  Seed. — The  complaints  of  injury  to  sunflower 
laeed  outnumber  those  relatinj;;  to  any  other  single  kind  of  garden  seed, 
8404— Bull.  1 6 


1 


if' 


!* 


f — ^ 


66 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


51  ud  where  Sparrows  are  abuudant  such  seed  can  not  profitably  be 
raised.    Following  are  a  few  reports  bearing  on  this  subject: 
Col.  Kandolpli  Ilarrison,  of  Richmond,  Va.,  writes : 

TLo  greatest  post  which  our  sunflower  had  was  the  Euglish  Sparrow,  which  de- 
voured the  seed  iiH  fast  as  it  matured.     (October,  1887.) 

W.  T.  Cunningham,  of  Danville,  Vermillion  County,  111.,  writes : 

It  takes  all  sunflower  seed  that  is  not  protected.  (Septcnibor  4,  1886.  Present 
about  ten  years. ) 

S.  R.  lugersoU,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  writes : 

To  growers  of  sunflower  seed  it  is  verj'  troublesome,  eating  nearly  all  the  seed, 
(September  1,  1886.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Fred.  Mather,  of  Cold  Spring  Harbor,  Suffolk  County,  N.  Y.,  writes: 

The  yellow-bird  and  the  English  Sparrow  eat  up  a  big  share  of  the  sunflower  seed 
which  I  raise  for  my  fowls.     (February  17,  1887.) 

n.  C.  Hun,  of  Meriden,  Conn.,  writes : 

I  had  about  one  hundred  sunflowers,  aud  the  Sparrows  devoured  the  seed  in  about 
two  days.     (August  31, 1836.    Present  sixteen  years.) 

Aside  from  purely  negative  statements,  unsupported  by  evidence  of 
any  kind,  very  few  reports  favorable  to  tbe  Sparrow  on  this  question 
liave  been  received.  The  usual  number  report  "no  injury  to  seeds 
observed;"  varied  occasionally  to  "little  injury  noted,"  or  "  no  damage 
of  any  account." 

More  rarely  a  definite  and  favorable  reply  has  been  received.  The 
live  following  reports  may  be  taken  as  fair  samples  of  the  evidence 
iavorablo  to  the  Sparrow  as  regards  vegetables  and  garden  seeds : 

From  John  T.  M.  Hairn,  Lexington,  Oglethorpe  County,  Ga.: 

I  have  watched  its  habits  closely  and  know  that  it  does  not  injure  fruits  or  veg- 
etables. It  picks  up  from  the  ground  any  seed,  such  as  clover  or  cabbage,  but  does 
not  unearth  any  seed,  or  take  it  out  of  the  head.  (Septembcr25, 1886.  Present  about 
four  years.) 

From  M.  I\I.  Murphy,  Ripley,  Brown  County,  Ohio : 

I  have  never  found  them  any  detriment  to  my  garden.  (November  12,  1886.  Pres- 
ent about  ten  years.) 

From  Judge  John  C.  Ferriss,  Nashville,  Tenn. : 

It  is  a  blessing  to  any  community  that  raises  vegetables.  (November  12,  188f), 
Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  John  D.  nick.s,  Old  Westbury,  Queens  County,  N.  Y. : 

It  does  not  injure  garden  fruits  and  vegetables  with  us,  except  that  it  occasionally  I 
picks  out  and  eats  the  cuds  of  some  sweet  corn  in  the  garden,  thus  in  a  small  way  in- 
juring the  oar.    (August  16, 1884.) 

From  A.  V.  Coflin,  Lc  Roy,  Coffey  County,  Kans. : 

I  have  not  observed  any  injury  to  fruits  or  vegetables  by  the  Sparro\v.  It  lias  j 
been  of  service  by  eating  the  seeds  of  the  native  sunflower,  but  it  also  oats  the  seed  | 
of  lettuce,  flax,  and  artichoke.     (October  8,  1886.     Present  about  two  years.) 

J)c8truc(ion  of  Weed  Seed  and  Grass  Seed.— This  last  exami)lo  siig- 
gest.sa  point  which  ha.s  boon  more  frequently  urged  in  favor  of  llic| 
Sparrow  in  the  Old  World  than  in  the  United  St,ato.s,  namely,  the  sorv- 


DESTRUCTION  OP  WEED  SEEDS. 


er 


ice  (lone  by  consuming  the  seeds  of  weeds.  There  can  be  no  qnestion 
that  the  bird  does  cat  many  weed  seeds,  but  it  is  very  questionable 
if  this  is  in  reality  of  any  considerable  consequence.  It  is  impossible 
to  define  the  term  ^eed  perfectly.  A  weed  is  simply  a  plant  out  of 
place.  Almost  any  useful  plant  may  become  a  weed  if  it  grows  iu  the 
wrong  place,  and  conversely  almost  any  weed  may  be  valued  as  a  gar- 
den plant  under  some  circumstances.  Our  various  grasses,  native  and 
introduced,  arc  valuable  plants  in  their  proper  places,  but  become  trou- 
blesome weeds  when  they  grow  unbidden  iu  our  gardens.  The  Sparrow 
eats  the  seeds  of  such  grasses  wherever  and  whenever  he  finds  them, 
and  the  act  is  good,  bad,  or  indififerent  according  to  circumstances.  In 
tlie  field  or  by  the  roadside  this  habit  is  of  little  account  either  way 
and  in  the  garden  but  few  grasses  are  allowed  to  ripen  seed ;  if  they 
did,  however,  and  the  Sparrow  destroyed  it  all,  most  grasses  would  still 
spread  by  the  root.  Moreover,  the  Sparrow  destroys  many  useful  seeds 
as  well.  '  ' 

Tiio  Sparrow  is  an  unquestionable  nuisance  in  eating  grass  seed  when 
sown  on  lawns  and  about  houses,  frequently  scratching  it  up,  or  pluck- 
iiifj  and  eating  the  tender  sprouts  as  they  come  through  the  gromid. 

Mr.  William  Saunders,  superintendent  of  the  garden  and  grounds  of 

the  Department  of  Agriculture,  at  Washington,  D.  0.,  testifies: 

It  is  very  difficult  to  start  grass  anywhere  about  the  gronuds,  as  the  Sparrows  eat 
llic  seed  as  fast  as  sown. 

Similar  trouble  has  been  experienced  in  the  Smithsonian  grounds  and 
elsewhere  iu  Washington,  as  well  as  iu  other  cities  where  Sparrows  are 
abundant.  The  dissection  of  Sparrows  has  established  the  fact  that 
they  eat  almost  every  kind  of  seed  obtainable,  though  certain  kinds  are 
always  preferred  if  there  is  a  choice.  Among  vegetables  we  have 
seen  already  that  cabbage,  turnip,  and  lettuce  are  preferred,  and  that 
siuifiower  seed  is  a  special  favorite.  Among  grains,  wheat  seems  to  be 
I  preferred  above  everything  else,  and  oats  stand  next  in  favor.  Among 
grasses,  those  with  largo  seeds  are  preferred,  and  the  fox-tailed  grasses 
(Setaria),  so  closely  allied  to  millet  or  Hungarian  grass,  are  much  sought 
after. 

Among  weeds,  the  genus  Polyoonum,  including  the  bind  weeds  (and 

also  the  buckwheat),  heads  the  list,  and  as  some  species  of  this  genus  are 

sure  to  be  found  in  almost  every  unoccupied  city  square  or  waste  place 

[  ill  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  the  seed  forms  a  pretty  constant  factor  iu  the 

Sparrow's  food  in  summer  and  autumn. 

Out  of  522  stomachs  of  English  Sparrows  examined  at  the  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  during  the  past  summer  (1887),  102  contained  grass 
seidand  85  contained  weed  seed.  In  nearly  all  cases  where  many  Spar- 
rows have  been  dissected  in  summer  and  full,  considerable  quantities 
of  weed  seed  have  been  found.  And  yet  it  is  very  probable  that  in 
ninety-nine  out  ofevery  hundred  cases  in  which  such  seed  had  been  eaten 
no  particular  benefit  had  been  conferred  on  anyone,  the  seed  being 


wl 


v^ 


l.-i 


68^ 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


mainly  from  roadsides  and  waste  places,  so  that  i^s  consumption  did 
neither  good  nor  harm,  except  in  so  far  as  it  served  to  divert  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Sparrow  and  prevent  it  satisfying  itself  with  other  and  per- 
haps more  valuable  food. 


INJURY  TO  GEAIN. 

In  reply  to  the  question  relating  to  injury  to  grain  crops,  750  answers 
have  been  received,  of  which  number  183  are  favorable  to  the  Sparrow, 
562  are  unfavorable,  and  5  are  of  mixed  character. 

Although  the  question  called  specifically  for  information  as  to  grain 
crops,  it  is  probable  that  some  replies  refer  only  to  the  consumption  of 
scattered  grain,  and  not  to  the  grain  in  the  field  oi-  stack ;  but  as  sucli 
informaticn  naturally  has  a  direct  bearing  on  the  latter  question,  most 
of  this  evidence  has  been  summarized,  ouiitting  only  such  parts  ;is 
refer  solely  to  the  consumption  of  waste  grain  in  the  streets,  this  latter 
point  having  been  fully  discussed  already  in  its  bearings  upon  the  in- 
crease and  spread  of  the  Sparrow. 

The  reports  submitted  came  from  31  States,  the  Territory  of  Utab, 
the  District  of  Columbia,  and  the  Dominion  of  Canada. 

The  States  sending  the  largest  number  of  reports  were: 


states. 


Miclifsan  . 
Ohio....... 

Iiidjaiin  ... 
tifvr  York 
Kpiitiu'.ky  . 
lUiuoiH 


Fnvova- 
l)lc. 

1 
Unfa-    i 
vornblc. 

65 

54 

29 
2U 

1 

States. 

Favorn- 
blo. 

7 

IT) 

i:i 
(> 
:t 
u 

Unfii- 
vorabli'. 

20 

Peniisylviniia 

28 

s 

21 

0 

12 
2'.' 

iDWil 

Ma.ss.nclMis(  tts 

10 
10 
17 

24 

ICuusim....' 

13 

Canada  sent  22  leportn;  0  favoinble,  12  uiifavorablo,  iiiul  1  irKlillVrciit. 

The  following  table  will  give  some  idea  of  the  Sparrow's  iirefercnccs 
in  regard  to  grain,  but  it  should  be  remembered  tliatasa  rule  Sparrows  | 
take  that  which  can  be  obtained  most  readily,  and  the  fact  that  in  sonic 
sections  one  kind  of  grain  is  grown  to  the  practical  exclusion  of  allotli- 
ers  will  account  for  the  appar<'>it  preference  of  Sparrows  in  that  re- 
gion for  that  particular  grain. 


Grain  injured. 

No.  of  ob. 
servers  ro- 
portinij.    t 

27.')        ! 
107        ! 
4,i 

:i4 

■M 

il     1 

'  i 

Grain  injured. 

No.  of  lib- 

serveis  re- 

portiiif.'. 

Wheat 

Rice 

H 

Oats 

U 

Itye 

Grain  or  ;;iaiii  erops,  Uindsnot  xpooi- 
il(>(| 

185 

28 
14 

H 

12 

llurlc  V 

ludiaii  eorri 

Small  urain,  \<\\\{U  not  specified 

"Millet'' 

Sordini  m 

(Ilovcr  iir  ;:raHH  .seed    

Seeds,  kinds  not  siieiitieil 

"  Milio  innize"  (variety  of  sorfilmni).  • 
Otlier  varieties  of  Ht)r;;buin 

INJURY   TO   GRAIN   CROPS. 


69 


INJUR       rO  WHEAT. 

Tliis  crop  Slitters  from  Ibe  time  of  sowing  until  it  is  stored  in  the  barn 
or  olovator,  iintl  even  then  the  Sparrows  frequently  find  a  way  to  get 
lit  iind  (le\  (uir  it.  The  period  during  which  the  greatest  damage  is  done 
Lists  IVoiii  the  time  it  is  ''in  the  milk"  until  it  is  threshed,  but  quite 
fKMliK'iitly,  as  the  following  reports  show,  considerable  damage  is  done 
on  newly  sown  fields. 

(leorge  Wyckoff",  of  Mears,  Oceana  County,  Mich,,  writes:     •'      i 

I  li;ivo  hoard  bcvcial  complaiuts  from  farinors  of  its  working  on  now-sown  wlioat. 

(Octolicr  7,  1880.    Present  abont  three  years.) 

James  P.  IMelzer,  of  Milford,  Hillsborough  County,  X.  II.,  writes: 

li  very  iduiiiilant  it  would  consume  the  grain  as  planted.  It  pulls  it  up  for  a  few 
(liiys  after  it  comes  up.     (August  28,  188G.     Present  about  ten  years. ) 

A.  U.  jMnndt,  of  Fairbury,  Livingston  County,  111.,  writes: 

It  loves  wlii-at  grains  and  many  other  kinds  which  it  scratches  out  and  eats.  (Oc- 
tdhrr  (i,  L-'Sf).     Present  five  or  six  yciars.) 

ICdward  T.  Keim,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  writes: 

Kvery  seed  that  is  not  well  covered  is  at  once  detected  and  eaten.  (August  19. 1886. 
Present  about  ten  years.) 

1)1.  A.  r.  Sharp,  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  writes: 

Fxiug  here  the  year  round  they  destroy  the  fall  sowing  of  wheat  and  other  grain, 
iiiid  are  at  work  on  the  young  grain  in  the  spring.  I  have  killed  them  in  the  fall  up  to 
l)c(.'('iiibpr,  and  have  .seldom  failed  to  liud  their  craws  full  of  wlieat,  showing  that  they 
ihii-t  destroy  niiuh  of  the  seed  wheat,  for  1  can  tbiuk  of  no  other  way  of  gett'iig  it. 
I  li;ivc  often  seen  at  least  lifty  on  a  shock  of  wheat,  as  they  go  in  flocks  when  tho 
young  arc  about  Ihrec-fourths  grown.    (February  16,  1887.) 

It  .seom.s  almost  supertluous  to  cite  here  any  instances  of  the  destruc 
lion  of  wlieat  in  the  tield,  as  the  reader  can  turn  directly  to  the  evidence 
under  the  head  of  grain  crops,  and  read  i)age  after  page  of  the  most 
positive  ])roof  that  the  Sparrow  does  injure  wheat  most  seriously.  The 
absurdity  of  the  (jlaim  that  Sparrows  are  confined  to  cities  and  largo 
towns  is  .shown  over  and  over  again  by  this  evidence,  for  scores  of  wit- 
nesses testify  tji>  serious  losses  of  grain  on  fields  at  a  distance  from  any 
large  city,  although  it  is  doubtless  true  that  the  injury  is  generally 
greatest  within  a  radius  of  ten  miles  from  a  large  town  or  city.  The 
following  exami)les  of  testimony  on  this  point  are  suggestive. 

From  (Jeorge  Sibbald,  of  Aberdeen,  Urown  County,  Ohio: 

My  farm  is  so  sit  (lilted  iis  to  be  the  nearest  feeding-groiiud.s  for  great  numbers  of 
Siiariow.s,  as  there  is  a  village  on  one  side  and  a  city  in  front.  The  Sparrows  at  this 
wiitiijg  arc  coming  by  thousands  to  feed  on  the  wheat.     (Juno  10,  1887.) 

From  Jason  E.  Nichols,  Lansing,  Mich.: 

It  leaves  the  city  in  docks,  and  eats  wheat  as  It  grows  in  the  lield.and  also  as  it 
fstiuids  in  (ho  stack  before  threshing.     (August  20,  1880.) 

From  George  P.  Lowell,  of  San  Francisco,  Cal.; 

In  the  fall  of  the  year  it  migrates  to  grain  fields  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  tho 
city.    (June,  1887.    Present  more  than  teu  years.) 


i:: 


"  *■  ,ij 


ir^ 


iir 


70 


TUE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


St 


I     r 


?• 


From  Dr.  Daniel  Berry,  of  Carmi,  White  County,  111. : 

lu  the  towu  they  organize  foraging  parties  for  excursions  into  tbo  country.  I  have 
Hcen  hundreds  of  thoni  busy  among  the  wheat  shocks.  (October  6,  1880.  Present 
about  ten  years. ) 

From  Dr.  Ormsby  Gray,  of  Shelby ville,  Ky. : 

As  soon  as  the  bead  matures  it  begins  to  visit  wheat  fields  in  large  flocks  and  eat 
tlie  grain  ;  iu  fact  it  almost  disappears  from  the  towu  for  two  or  three  days  at  a  time 
while  foraging.    (October  li,  1886.    Present  about  eight  years.) 

Fiom  Robert  D.  Camp,  of  New  Haven,  Conn.: 

I  have  noticed  for  a  number  of  years  the  diminished  number  of  Sparrows  in  tlio 
city  during  the  harvesting,  and  upon  inquiry  among  the  neighboring  farmers  I  find 
that, they  make  their  way  to  the  country  during  that  season.  (April,  1887.  Present 
fifteen  years  or  more.) 

From  J.  L.  Davison,  of  Lockport,  Niagara  County,  K  Y. : 

I  have  known  it  to  leave  the  city  by  hundreds  and  feed  upon  a  wheat  field  adjoin- 
ing Glen  wood  Cemetery.  The  estimated  damage  was  one-fourth  of  the  crop.  (Octc 
her  10,  1885.) 

From  Joseph  C.  Eatliff",  of  Richmond,  Irid.: 

It  is  very  destrnctive  to  wheat  before  aiul  after  it  is  cut.  I  saw  its  depredations 
in  wheat  fields  last  summer,  four  or  five  miles  out  of  the  city.  (Novemboi  5,  188(). 
Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

From  11.  F.  Work,  New  Washington,  Clark  County,  Ind.: 

It  injures  grain  crops,  especially  wheat;  almost  wholly  destroying  standing  crops  iu 
the  vicinity  of  large  towns,  and  preying  on  the  same  in  shock  and  stack,    (April  21, 

1887.) 

From  Dr.  George  L.  Andrew,  of  La  Porte,  Ind.: 

It  has  already  become  a  pest  to  the  grain  fields  iu  the  immediate  vicinity  of  towns. 
During  the  last  wheat  harvest  I  rode  over  the  country  around  Hamilton,  Ohio,  and 
by  carriage  to  Cincinnati,  and  all  the  fields  observed  had  sufTercl  for  a  rod  or  two 
around  the  edges,  iu  many  cases  the  jjrain  having  been  "cleaned  out"  entirely, 
(September  9,  1880.     Present  about  six  years.) 

William  N.  Ponton,  of  Belleville,  Ont.,  Canada,  writes: 

.Vhon  it  can  get  grain  it  will  not  touch  anything  else.  Wheat  especially  is  its  prey, 
and  on  my  own  farm  hero  on  the  shores  of  the  Bay  of  Qniute,  three  acres  of  fall  wheat 
were  absolutely  eateu  up  by  Sparrow.s,  and  by  Sparrows  alone.     (September  27, 1884.) 

The  habit  of  working  around  the  edges  of  a  field  seems  to  be  char- 
acteristic of  the  Sparrow,  and  is  mentioned  in  scores  of  reports.  Black- 
birds, rice-birds,  and  others  which  damage  grain  are  more  apt  to  avoid 
the  edges  of  the  fields  and  settle  in  the  midst  of  the  grain,  where  they 
are  less  likely  to  bo  disturbed,  but  the  Sparrow  scorns  to  seek  safety  iu 
the  same  way,  but  feeds  unmolested  wherever  he  chooses. 

William  McBrown,  of  Fall  IMver,  Greenwood  County,  Kans.,  writes: 

It  will  cat  every  grain  of  wheat  or  other  snuiU  grain  that  time  will  permit.  Along 
hedges  I  have  seen  wheat  stripped  of  every  grain  for  many  feet  into  the  field. 
(October  8,  1886.    Present  about  two  years.) 

Jabez  Webster,  of  Centralia,  Marion  County,  111.,  writes : 

Wheu  cloyed  with  raspberries  they  would  go  in  i?ocks  to  a  wheat  field  close  by, 
and  for  hours  fly  backwards  and  forwards  from  the  hedge  to  the  field  until  a  strip  of 
wheat  a  rod  wide  was  cleaned  out.    (December  !il,  188G.    Present  about  seven  years.) 


INJURY   TO   WHEAT. 


71 


Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher  wrote  from  Auu  Arbor,  Mich.,  under  date  of  July 

2,  1887 : 

Yesterday  while  passing  a  Binall  field  (about  two  acres)  of  wheat,  a  flock  of  about 
:'iOO  English  Sparrows  flew  out.  I  shot  one  and  found  its  throat  filled  with  the  grain. 
I  walked  along  by  the  fence,  and,  as  nearly  as  I  could  judge,  at  least  one-half  the 
grain  had  been  removed  from  the  heads. 

The  two  following  reports  are  examples  of  testimony  as  to  damage 
to  wheat  before  it  is  ripe.  Very  many  more  will  be  found  scattered 
tlirough  the  evidence  further  on. 

From  C.  S.  Plumb,  Geneva,  Ontario  County,  N.  Y.: 

It  does  great  injury  to  wheat  and  oats,  shelling  the  heads  from  the  milk  state  to 
harvesting.  It  also  works  at  the  stacks,  and  persistently  at  the  fields.  Farmers  in 
this  portion  of  the  State  complain  to  rae  that  the  Sparrow  is  of  late  becoming  very 
injurious  to  wheat  fields.     (August  28,  1886.) 

From  n.  n.  Miller  and  other  members  of  County  Farmers'  club,  Sandy 
Spring,  Montgomery  County,  Md.: 

From  the  time  the  wheat  is  in  tlie  milk  until  it  is  thrashed,  the  Sparrow  is  in  con- 
stiiiit  attendance.  In  barns,  ou  the  outsides  of  the  mow  and  to  a  depth  of  G  or  8 
inches,  not  a  head  escapes.     (February  10, 1887.    Present  about  eight  years.) 

While  the  wheat  is  in  the  milk  considerable  damage  is  done  by 
breaking  down  the  stalks,  in  addition  to  the  kernels  actually  eaten. 
As  the  grain  ripens,  however,  far  more  damage  is  done  by  shaking  and 
beating  it  out  of  the  heads,  so  that  probably  much  more  is  scattered 
on  the  ground  and  lost  than  is  actually  eaten. 

Q'his  is  equally  true  of  some  other  grains,  as  sho.vn  by  evidence  given 
a  little  further  on. 

As  the  grain  is  cut  the  Sparrows  frequent  the  stubble  and  pick  up 
some  scattered  kernels,  but  they  are  far  too  knowing  to  waste  much  time 
ou  the  ground  so  long  as  the  shocks  of  grain  are  leftstandiug  in  the  field. 
From  the  abundant  testimony  on  this  score  we  select  a  few  examples, 
and  some  of  these  show  also  how  the  Sparrow  follows  the  grain  from 
shock  to  stack  and  from  stack  to  crib,  causing  loss  to  the  farmer  at 
every  step. 

From  Prof.  B.  W.  Evermann,  Bloomingtou,  Monroe  County,  Ind. : 

Near  my  house  is  a  wheat  field  in  which  the  wheat  stood  in  shocks  for  several  weeks 
this  summer.  Hundreds  of  Sparrows  resorted  to  this  field  and  fed  upon  the  grain, 
80  that  the  outside  sheaves  had  but  little  left.  (August  2."),  1880.  Present  about 
eleveu  years.) 

From  A.  B.  Ghere,  Frankfort,  Clinton  County,  Ind.: 

I  have  seen  hundreds  of  these  birds  on  and  around  a  single  shock  of  wheat.  (Au- 
gust 27,  1886.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  J.  G.  Kingsbury,  Indianapolis,  Ind.: 

They  are  destroying  a  great  deal  of  wheat  in  this  vicinity  now.  They  bend  tho 
iieads  to  tho  ground,  eat  part  and  w;isto  tho  rest.  After  tho  wheat  is  cut  they  cover 
tho  shocks  and  eat  all  the  heads  exposed.  (.Iiino  2,'j,  1887.  Present  eight  or  ten 
years.) 


^ 


i" 


I 


■'  K^ 


72 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


iv 


From  L.  N.  Boiibam,  Oxford,  Butler  County,  Ohio: 

I  liavc  known  it  to  clean  every  grain  of  wheat  from  the  cap-sheaf  and  exposed 
heads  in  a  ten-acre  liehl  of  wheat  in  shock.  Near  the  village  it  attacks  tlio  heads  be- 
fore the  grain  is  put  in  shock.     (November  29,  18R0.     Present  abont  eight  years.) 

From  A.  T.  Keistcr,  Blacksburgh,  Montjjomery  Countj',  Va.: 

It  destroyed  for  nio  alone  six  or  eight  shocks  of  wheat  last  season.  (November  1."), 
18d().     Present  five  years  or  more.) 

From  Davisou  Grecnawalt,  Cliambersburgli,  Frankliu  County,  Pa.: 

This  summer  I  saw  six  acres  of  wheat  in  shock  which  was  completely  picked  clean 
on  top  and  sides,  as  far  as  could  be  reached,  by  the  Sparrow.  (September  5,  ItSQ, 
Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

From  Edward  Burrougb,  Mercbautville,  N.  J. : 

Clouds  of  them  gather  in  the  wheat  fields,  and  the  grain  for  a  distance  of  2.')  feet 
next  the  fence  is  thrashed  out  and  the  ground  coated  with  chatt".  (September  2,  IBciti, 
Present  about  leu  years.) 

From  Samuel  N.  liboades,  Haddonfleld,  N.  J. : 

Ah  the  young  of  the  lirst  and  second  broods  are  often  fully  Hedged  by  July,  tlie 
united  attacks  of  these  with  the  parents  on  standing  wheat  are  inevitable,  and  nciir 
(owns,  appalling.  Should  the  mow  or  wheat  staclc  bo  unthrashed,  by  midwinter  Udt 
an  exposed  head  has  a  grain  in  it,  and  the  birds,  like  mice,  will  fairly  burrow  insiilu 
several  inches  for  more  grain.  Oats  in  shock,  and  corn  in  crib,  are  also  levied  on 
heavily.     (September  1),  188(3.    Present  twenty-five  or  thirty  years.) 

From  J.  A.  Dakin,  Tully,  Onondaga  County,  N.  Y. : 

I  have  seen  largo  (locks  tearing  down  wheat  in  the  field,  and  oats  and  barley  in  tlio 
stack  and  field.  In  some  instances  several  acres  have  been  destroyed  in  this  way, 
(September  10,  188(5.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  U.  G.  Gordon,  Barrj-,  Cuyahoga  County,  Ohio: 

The  Sparrows  are  the  worst  birds  wo  have.  I  have  seen  wheat  fields  and  oat  fields 
in  the.  vicinity  of  Cleveland  whicli  were  injured  at  least  one-half.     (September  7, 

1880.) 

From  the  postmaster  at  Bowling  Green,  Warren  County,  Ky. ; 

It  has  been  observed  to  alight  on  shocks  of  grain  and  leave  nothing  but  the  straw. 
(October  .3,  188G.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  T.  D.  Barron,  Saint  Clair,  Mich.: 

I  know  fields  of  w  heat  and  oats  which  it  has  almost  destroyed.  One  small  wheat 
field  within  the  limits  of  the  city  was  one-third  wasted  by  what  was  shelled  out  bolb 
before  and  after  it  was  cut.     (October  7,  1886.     Present  eight  or  ten  years.)     , 

From  Ransom  A.  Moore,  Kewaunee,  Wis.: 

Several  in  this  vicinity  have  had  their  crops  almost  ruined  by  iis  depredations 
about  the  time  the  grain  was  ripening.  (November  8,  188().  Present  about  two 
years.) 

From  Charles  M.  Clapp,  Albion,  Noble  County,  Ind. : 

I  have  known  of  their  picking  out  of  the  head  all  (he  grain  in  sight  on  top  of 
shocks  and  stacks  of  both  wheat  and  oats.  (Oeiober  14,  188().  Present  five  or  six 
years. ) 

From  William    Holmead,    Mount  Pleasant,  District    of  Columbia 

(suburb  of  Washington): 

1.1  1832  I  had  part  of  my  farm  in  wlieat.  After  cutting  and  shocking  it  the  Spar- 
rows came  by  thousands  and  destroyed  every  head  of  grain  exposed  ;  after  it  was 


INJURY   TO   OATS. 


73 


stacked  preparatory  to  thrashing,  they  covered  the  whole  stack.  I  had  to  shoot  at 
tbeiii  two  or  three  times  a  day  to  scare  them  away,  and  upon  thrashing  my  wheat  it 
was  cstiinuteil  that  fully  oue-teuth  of  the  crop  was  destroyed.  One  of  my  neighbors 
estimated  that  one  lialf  of  his  wheat  was  eaten  by  the  Sparrows  last  year.  This 
yar  I  had  about  four  acres  in  oats.  After  the  oats  were  put  in  the  barracks  the  Held 
was  tilled  with  thousands  of  Sparrows,  and  when  they  had  cleaned  the  Held  they  at- 
tacked the  oats  iu  the  barracks,  and  I  think  they  got  every  oat  that  was  exposed. 
(N'oveinber  8,  168G.     Present  about  tifteen  ye.ars, ) 

When  wheat  or  other  grain  is  grown  in  small  quantities,  for  exper- 
imental purposes,  it  is  liable  to  be  severely  damaged  by  the  Sparrow, 
especially  if  planted  near  towns  or  cities.  VVe  append  two  or  three 
complaints  on  this  score  from  the  many  received :       • 

Andrew  Gray,  of  Willoughby,  Lake  (3»)uiity,  Ohio,  iu  a  letter  to  Hon. 
Xorinan  J.  Colman,  Commissioner  of  Agriculture,  says: 

This  is  to  inform  you  that  I  drilled  in  the  si-ed  wheat  yon  sent  me  iu  one  corner  of 
flxii  licld  that  I  sowed  to  Clawson.  I  sowed  it  on  rich,  s  ludy  soil  and  it  caiiu!  through  the 
winter  well  and  gave  prondse  of  a  splendid  crop,  especially  the  Dichl  MctlitcnaneaH, 
which  looked  the  most  promising,  although  the  Martin  amtwr  did  very  well.  15ut,  alas 
for  hmiiau  hopes!  About  four  or  live  days  before  it  was  ready  to  cut  I  went  to  see 
how  it  was  getting  along  and  found  that  the  English  Sparrows  had  harvested  the 
crop.  Their  lirst  choice  was  the  A/«rN"/(  amber;  the  next  was  the /)it'/ii  Mediterranean; 
and  the  last  theC/rt  (csoii.  I  saved  about  a  peck  of  seed  from  the  two  kinds.  I  think  Icau 
safely  say  that  I  would  have  got  as  n'uch  as  one  and  one-half  bushels  of  seed  from 
the  two  quarts  of  seed  sent,  if  the  Sparrows  had  let  it  alone.  They  are  a  nuisance! 
They  used  up  as  much  as  five  bushels  of  wheat  for  mo  this  year,  aud  as  many  oats. 
(October '25,  188G.) 

William  B.  Alwood,  of  the  Ohio  State  University,  near  Columbus, 

Ohio,  writes: 

It  never  fails  to  attack  our  wheat  fields  in  unlimited  numbers  about  ten  days  before 
ripening;  aud  each  year  we  are  compelled  to  resort  to  shooting.  On  the  plats  of  the 
exiierimeut  statiou  many  varieties  of  our  cereals  would  be  utterly  ruined  unless 
watched  witli  care.  The  Sparrows  attack  indiscriminately  wheat,  oats,  aud  barley, 
liat  they  attack  the  wheat  with  such  force  and  persistency  that  numy  times  the  heads 
are  completely  broken  down  over  rods  of  space.  (.July  Ki,  1887.  Trescut  more  than 
ten  years.) 

J.  F.  C.  Hyde,  of  Newton  Highlands,  Middlesex  County,  Mass., 
writes: 

It  is  very  injurious  to  grain  crops,  taking  nearly  or  quite  all  iu  some  cases.  I  had 
a  new  variety  of  wheat  which  I  was  growing  for  seed,  and  they  took  every  grain. 
(February  11,  1884.) 

IN.TURY  TO   OATS. 

IVt'xt  to  wheat  the  Si)arrow  seems  to  prefer  oats,  and  numerous 
instances  of  heavy  loss  to  this  crop  have  been  reported  by  our  cone- 
spondents. 

The  following  may  be  taken  as  samples  of  the  evidence  ou  this 
point: 

From  Dr.  M.  C.  O'Toole,  Berkele}',  Cal.: 

It  will  eat  every  kind  of  grain,  and  in  largo  quantities,  but  wheat  is  injured  more 
than  oats  or  barley.    (February  17, 1887.    Present  about  three  years.) 


i;i 


w 


74 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


From  Prank  S.  Piatt,  New  Haven,  Conn.: 

A  Hhort  time  a<;o  I  cradled  u  small  piece  of  oatn,  and  tbo  Sparrows  gathered  on  the 
shocks  in  such  Hocks  that  I  shot  fiftj-four  with  one  barrel  and  thirty-five  with  the 
other.    (Sopteniber  9,  I8H6.    Present  fifteen  years  or  more.) 

From  Robert  W.  Barrell,  Soutli  Betblebem,  Nortbampton  County, 
Ta.: 

I  once  saw  abont  an  acre  of  oats  almost  entirely  destroyed  by  the  Sparrows.  They 
also  do  great  damage  to  Egyptian  rice;  a  moderate-sized  flock  will  destroy  an  aero 
in  a  season.     (September.  IG,  18815.)  ,      wir^  , 

From  U.  B.  Bailey,  East  Oranpfe,  Essex  County,  N.  J.: 

It  totally  destroyed  a  Held  of  ripe  oats  back  of  onr  honse,  so  that  the  owner  cut  it 
down  for  bedding.  Others  tell  mo  they  have  witnessed  the  same  thing.  (February 
7,1884.    Present  ten  years  or  more.) 

From  Dr.  E.  Sterling,  Cleveland,  Ohio: 

The  only  instance  I  know  of  in  which  the  Sparrows  threatened  serious  injury  to 
grain  was  on  n  farm  where  a  man  killed  102  of  them  at  four  shots  into  &  small  flock 
that  was  inspecting  his  seed  oats;  and  the  owner  tells  me  that  if  he  had  not  alaugb- 
tcred  and  driven  thepi  off,  he  would  not  have  gathered  a  bushel  of  oats  from  his  acre 
and  a-half.     (February  25,  1884. ) 

From  H.  Volkening,  Leuzburgli,  Saint  Clair  County,  111. :        j 

Farmers  say  the  Sparrow  destroys  abont  five  per  cent,  of  the  wheat,  and  especially 
oats,  in  the  field.     (October  4,  1886.     Present  abont  three  years.) 

From  Elisba  Shule,  Somerset,  Bristol  County,  Mass. : 

Bird  for  bird,  or  collectively,  they  are  more  destructive  to  rye,  oats,  barley,  and 
Indian  corn,  than  crows  and  blackbirds.  The  English  Sparrows  are  enormous  eaters, 
and  so  semi-domestic  are  they  that  it  is  not  easy  to  scare  them  away  from  the  grain 
fields.  They  cling  to  the  shock  and  stack  with  grain-loving  tenacity.  (August  20, 
1886.    Present  about  twelve  years.) 

INJURY   TO   RYE   AND   BARLEY.  ' 

Altbougb  between  forty  aud  fifty  reports  of  injury  to  rye  bave  been 
received,  it  is  evident  that  for  some  reason  it  is  mucb  less  often  attacked 
tban  eitberof  tbe  grains  already  mentioned. 

The  same  is  true,  but  to  a  still  greater  extent,  witb  regard  to  barley, 
for  many  observers  state  tbat  tbe  Sparrow  will  not  toucb  barley  so 
long  as  it  can  get  anything  else.  Nevertheless,  there  are  doubtless 
times  when  these  grains  sulfers  considerably  from  the  attacks  of  the 
Sparrow. 

Hubert  L.  Clark,  of  Amherst,  Mass.,  writes: 

It  is  licre  continually  except  about  the  time  the  rye  crop  is  gathered;  it  then  visiU 
the  fields  and  does  much  damage  to  the  rye.     (October  2,  1885.) 

J.  T.  Bodkin,  of  Patriot,  Switzerland  County,  Ind.,  writes: 

It  works  on  wheat,  rye,  and  oats,  and  on  corn  while  young  and  tender.  I  have  ex- 
amined one  or  two  dead  ones  and  found  their  craws  filled  with  wheat  and  rye.  (May 
24, 1887.     Present  about  three  years.)  ,^   - 

INJURY  TO  FIELD  CORN. 

The  injury  to  garden  corn  has  already  been  spoken  of,  but  it  should 
be  noted  that  the  Sparrow  does  not  confine  it.s  raids  to  gardens,  but  at- 


INJURY    TO   CORN   AND    SORGHUM. 


7* 


tacks  aud  seriously  injures  field  corn,  especially  wbilo  in  tbe  niilli.    Tlio 
following  is  but  a  small  part  of  tbo  testimony  on  tbis  subject,  and  a 
careful  consideration  of  all  whicb  bas  been  collected  sbows  iliat  tbe 
Sparrow  tbroatens  to  bo  a  dangerous  enemy  to  tbis  crop  in  tbe  future. 
From  Dr.  Fred.  Sumner  Smitb,  West  Hartford,  Conn.: 
I  ran"  speak  from  observation  of  their  raids  on  corn,  some  oars  being  completely 
stripped  of  Itornels,  the  little  pests  hnskinjj  and  shelling  as  they  went  along,  so  that 
not  11  shock  in  the  field  escaped  them.     (November,  1S85.) 
From  J.  I!^.  Bagg,  West  Springfield,  Mass. : 

It  strips  down  green  corn  in  the  fields,  sometimes  one-third  or  moro  the  length  of 
tlio  oar,  and  is  doin<r  so  now.    (September  7,  1888.    Present  ftvo  or   'x  years. ) 

From  G.  W.  Daugberty,  Carmicbael's,  Greene  County,  Pa.: 

It  tears  open  the  shncks  of  standing  corn  so  as  to  adn)it  the  rain  or  wet,  causing  it 
to  mold  or  rot.    (Febru.iry  21,  1867.     Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

From  Dr.  B.  U.  Warren,  West  Cbester,  Pa. : 

Tlioy  greatly  damage  the  corn  crop,  tearing  open  the  husk,  devouring  the  tender 
part  (if  the  ear,  and  exposing  the  remainder  to  the  ravages  of  insects  and  to  atmos- 
plieric  changes.    (January,  1887.) 

From  Tboraas  Sbroyer,  Preston,  Hamilton  County,  Ollio : 

We  have  seen  many  fields  of  corn  bordering  its  resorts,  whore  the  ears  wore  greatly 
damaged  while  yet  soft.     (September  23,  1880.    Present  about  eleven  years.) 

From  G.  C.  Bunsen,  West  Belleville,  Saint  Clair  County,  111.: 

I  recently  saw  a  flock  in  my  cornfield  and  gave  them  credit  for  destroying  grass- 
hoppers, which  they  will  do  occasionally;  on  examination,  howovor,  I  found  they 
were  in  partnership  with  the  latter,  eating  out  tho  corn  which  the  grasshoppers  had 
laid  bare.    (Autumn,  1885.) 

From  T.  S.  VVilliams,  Dupont,  Jefferson  County,  Ind.: 

Tliey  feplit  tho  husk  on  corn  as  soon  as  it  is  in  the  milk,  and  eat  and  destroy  largo 
fiuautities  of  it.     (October  G,  188C.     Present  about  six  years.) 

INJURY  TO  SORGHUM. 

The  several  varieties  of  sorglnnn  are  known  in  different  parts  of  tbo 
country  by  so  many  different  names  that  it  is  not  idways  po.ssible  to 
tell  just  wbat  is  meant  wben  a  person  complains  of  injury  to  bis  crop 
and  gives  tbe  local  name  of  the  variety  of  grain  attacked.  In  most 
cases  tbe  names  Egyptian  rice,  Russian  millet,  pearl  millet,  chicken 
corn,  Millo  maize,  etc.,  denote  varieties  of  sorghum,  and  tbe  Sparrow 
has  proved  very  destructive  to  seed  of  this  kind,  wherevei  grown. 

W.  H.  Wberritt,  of  Lancaster,  Garrard  County,  Ky.,  writes: 

I  have  known  it  to  destroy  tho  whole  crop  of  sorghum  seed.  (October  U,  188(). 
Present  eight  or  nine  years. ) 

llutb  C.  Burton,  of  Taylorsville,  Spencer  County,  Ky.,  writes: 

It  injures  wheat  fields  and  the  seed  top  of  sorghum.  (October  30,  1886.  Presoii*. 
six  or  eight  years, ) 

H.  F.  Barren,  of  New  Providence,  Union  County,  N.  J.,  writes: 

A  few  years  since  I  had  about  one- fourth  of  an  aero  of  tho  so-called  Egyptian  rico 
destroyed  by  these  pests.    (188^).    Present  about  twenty  years.) 


■'i 


T6 


TIIK    ENGLISH    SPAUKOW    IX    AMERICA. 


Lloyd  McKiin  Garrison,  of  Orange,  N.  J.,  writes: 

111  our  noinliborliDotl  j^raiii  is  very  little  ijrown  ;  a  ncij;lil)or,  however,  has  plantnil 
Iliissiiiu  millet  lor  fodd  v  and  the  jjrain  of  this  is  devoured  by  the  Sparrows  with 
al.uiiiiu^  rapidity.     (F    iruury  11,  18"i4.     ricseut  inaiiy  years. ) 

William  SauiHlers,  superintendent  of  garden  and  grounds  of  tLe 
J)ei)artinent  o*' xVgriculture,  at  Washington,  D.  C,  says: 

The  hced  of  oriiaineiital  j^rasscs  is  taken  as  fast  as  it  matures,  and  can  only  bo  saved 
by  bagging  the  heads  before  they  ripen.  Wlion  experimenting  with  sorghum  tlij 
same  trouble  was  experienced,  aud  sonio  experiments  failed  from  this  cause  aloiif. 
(April  i;J,  1>^87.) 

Tlionias  Hardeman,  of  Macon, Ga.,  writes: 

Millo  maizo  and  millet  are  not  sulfered  to  ripon  their  seed.  (October  II,  1880. 
Present  ten  or  fifteen  years.) 

Many  other  reports  of  injury  to  "millet"  have  been  received,  and 
jjrobably  in  most  cases  this  term  is  used  to  indicate  a  species  of 
Setaria,  also  known  as  Hungarian  gra.ss. 

Mr.  E.  L.  Brown,  of  Eufaula,  Barbour  County,  Ala.,  writes: 

It  cats  millet  seed  before  it  fully  matiiros.  It  is  impossible  to  save  such  seed. 
(Sc'itember  17,  I8»i().     Presont  about  four  years.) 

Mary  Tuttle,  of  West  Windsor,  Eaton  Ccunty,  Mich.,  writes: 

Millet  lields  have  leen  quite  destroyed  by  the  Sparrow.  (October  14,  1880.  Pres- 
out  about  two  years.) 

The  late  Dr.  J.  l\r.  Wheaton,  of  Columbus,  Ohio,  wrote: 

I  liavo  seen  large  Hocks  feeding  on  the  seed  of  Hungarian  grass  iu  the  autumn. 
(April  18, 1884.     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

M.  Abbott  Frazar,  Moitnt  Auburn,  Middlesex  County,  Mass.,  writes: 

July  ;]()  I  planted  about  .^)0  square  yards  with  Hungarian  grass.  Two  weeks  of 
dry  weather  followed  and  the  grass  did  not  come  up.  From  lifty  to  two  hundred 
English  Sparrows  camped  there  during  all  this  time  aud  busied  themselves  with 
seralehing  up  seeds.  Wiieu  the  grass  did  come  up  it  was  badly  injured.  (Autumn, 
1685. ) 

INJURY  TO  KICE. 


li  El 


t  "A- 


Wherever  the  Sparrow  has  reached  the  rice-growing  districts  lie  has 
damaged  the  rice  to  a  greater  or  less  extei^.t,  but  this  crop  annually  suf- 
fers so  severely  from  the  attacks  of  rice-birds  and  blackbirds  that  the 
presence  of  a  few  English  Sparrows  is  often  overlooked.  In  the  Middle 
States  the  rice  bird  or  boboliidc  {Bolichonyx  oryzivorus)  feeds  largely  on 
the  so-called  wild  rice  {Ziznnia  aquatica),  and  ofren  the  Sparrow  may  be 
found  feeding  iu  the  same  places. 

F.  T.  Cuthbert,  of  Plainfield,  N.  J.,  writes :         ' 

It  feeds  extensively  upon  wheat,  grass  seed,  and  all  the  smaller  grains.  In  the 
wild-rice  pads  it  mingles  with  the  bobolink  and  fattens  on  the  rice.     (February, 

1887.) 

Further  South  it  has  already  attacked  the  rice-fields,  although  its  iu- 
juries  as  yet  have  attracted  little  attention,  except  in  the  rice  districts 
of  Louisiana. 


INJURY   TO    RICE   AND    RUCKWIJEAT. 


77 


W.  C.  Percy,  jr.,  of  Black  Ilawk,  Concordia  Tarisli,  La.,  writes: 

l)iiriiig  the  HiiuiiiK'i' of  1HS<)  it  (loHti'oycd  (|iiaiititit'H  of  corn,  oatH,  ami  rico.  It  is 
worse  on  coru  aixl  uatH  than  any  otlior  liinl.     (So[itniil)tT  15,  1880.     Prosont  about 

two  years.) 

Tlie  postmaster  at  Etlgard,  Saint  Jolui  Baptist  Parisli,  La.,  writes: 

It  injinvs  rico  weed  very  iiuicli  [in  the  spring],  and  annoys  farmers  very  much  when 
tlic  croji  is  ready  to  liarvcst.     (Ocfolj('r  7,  l-iflJ.     Present  two  years.) 

I'].  J.  Enginan,  of  Concession,  ria(iiien)ines  Parish,  La.,  writes: 

I  can  uot  say  when  the  Sjiarrows  first  aitpeared  liere,  but  it  is  only  within  two 
veins  that  we  have  uoticed  them  on  the  riee-lields,  where  they  eonio  in  'loeks;  and 
lire  more  destructive  than  the  blackbird  or  rice-bird  JSeing  so  tame,  they  are  very 
troublesome,  as  you  can  not  scare  them  ns  yon  can  the  ricobird.  Last  year  they 
wore  very  numerous  during  [ilanting  ami  harvesting.  This  spring  I  do  not  see  as 
many,  but  they  are  making  their  appearance  very  fast,  and  every  one  is  troubled 
more  or  less.     (April  21,  188(5.     Piesent  two  or  three  years.) 

Tlio  losses  occasioned  to  rice-growers  by  the  depredations  of  migra- 
tory birds  are  so  heavy  already  that  niaiiy  planteis  have  preferred  to 
iibandon  the  culture  of  rice  rather  than  keep  ui>  the  expensive  warfare 
which  is  necessary  in  order  to  save  any  large  [noportion  of  the  crop. 

By  early  planting  it  is  sometimes  possible  ta  harvest  a  part  of  i  lie  crop 
before  the  rice-birds  arrive  from  the  north,  but  should  the  English  Spar- 
row once  obtain  a  strong  foothold  in  the  rice  districts,  and  increase  as 
rapidly  as  he  has  done  elsewhere,  the  rice  grower  will  be  compelled  to 
figlit  a  species  which  is  present  the  entire  year,  which  multiplies  more 
than  twice  as  rapidly  as  any  native  bird,  and  wl.ich  is  so  ravenous  and 
at  the  same  time  .so  cunning  that  it  can  not  be  conibatted  successfully 
with  the  same  means  employed  against  the  native  birds. 

1N.JURY   TO   BUCKWIIKA^. 

One  other  croj)  suffers  from  the  Sparrow's  depredations  wherever  it 
is  ^rown.  This  is  buckwheat,  of  which  the  bird  is  very  fond,  attacking 
it  muler  almost  all  circumstances.  As  buckwheat  is  not  grown  exten- 
sively, however,  we  have  not  received  any  large  number  of  complaints 
as  yet;  but  the  two  following  show  that  the  Sparrow  is  true  to  his  nat- 
ure, iind  will  not  neglect  his  opportunities. 

From  A.  II.  Boies,  Hudson,  Lenawee  County,  Mich.: 

1  have  seen  largo  flocks  settle  on  buckwheat.  (August  IK,  18S().  Present  about 
eleven  years.) 

From  H.  J.  Gaylord,  Biiighamton,  Broome  County,  N.  Y.: 

He  destroys  buckwheat  while  it  is  standing  in  the  field.  Thousands  of  them  are 
ill  my  field  to-day.     (September  20,  1385.)  ,  _ -: 


^11^' 


:,:        .,    ,       NEGATIVE  EVIDENCE.  ,  ;■  ,  >,.:■: 

Tliere  is  no  side  of  this  grain  question  which  can  be  fairly  said  to 
he  favorable.  The  question  of  benefit  from  eating  weed-seed  has  al- 
ready been  discussed,  and  the  few  reports  which  claim  that  the  Sparrow 


* 


78 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROWr   m   AMERICA. 


does  not  attack  grain  crops  under  nny  circumstances  must  be  entirely 
ruled  out,  or  rather  relegated  to  tbe  category  of  purely  negative  evi- 
dence, and  labeled  « claims  not  substantiated."  There  remain, of  course, 
some  reports  which  are  only  mildly  hostile  to  the  Sparrow,  or  are  even 
favorable  as  far  as  they  go,  but  these  need  no  comment  except,  perhaps, 
the  statement  that  they  are  evidently  honest  opinions,  and  are  outitlcil 
to  re8i>«ct  as  such.  We  insert  a  few  samples,  which  explain  themselvoH. 
From  A.  P.  Farnaloy,  per  J.  13.  Nail,  editor  Farmers'  Home  Journal, 
Louisville,  Ky.: 

The  Eugliali  Sparrow  is  the  only  bird  I  know  to  be  injurious  to  graiu  crops ;  but  if 
the  ninount  ho  naves  wero  weighed  against  that  which  he  eats,  the  former  would  out- 
weigh the  latter  many  times. 

The  trouble  is,  that  the  graiu  he  eats  and  the  amouut  hu  oats  are  seen  by  all,  while 
the  amount  he  saves  the  farmer  is  not  seen.  The  destruction  of  a  few  insects  in  thi; 
wheat  fleld  during  the  fall  or  spring  might  increase  the  yield  one  or  more  bushels  pei 
acre,  yet  it  could  not  bo  seen;  but  when  the  Sparrow  takes  the  wheat  from  the  bundle 
that  lies  on  top  of  the  shock  it  issoeu  by  all.    (August  B,  188ti.) 

From  John  Allan  Terrell,  Bloorafleld,  Nelson  County,  Ky. : 

It  does  not  injure  grain  more  than  other  birds.  It  flocks  to  wheat  fields,  but  on  ex- 
amination I  iind  the  crop  filled  with  grub-worms  and  grasshoppers.  (October  6, 18ciC. 
Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

From  Howard  Kingsbury,  Burlington,  Iowa: 

All  talks  with  farmers  in  this  section  failed  tu  draw  out  any  comitlaint  of  injury  to 
grain  crops.    (December '28,  1880.     Present  sixteen  or  seventeen  years.) 

From  the  Davenport  (Iowa)  Academy  of  Natural  Science,  per  W.  U. 
Pratt,  curator: 

While  it  cats  a  great  deal  of  grain  about  the  mills  and  warehouses,  it  does  not  aa 
yet  go  into  the  fields,  and  has  probably  injured  no  crops  here.  (April  20,  1887.  PrcH- 
ent  about  seventeen  years.) 


RELATION  OF  THE  SPAEEOW  TO  OTHEE  BIEDS. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  important  branches  of  the  Sparrow  investi- 
gation, and  it  is  believed  that  the  evidence  collected  and  published 
herewith  is  ample  for  the  final  settlement  of  this  much  vexed  ques- 
tion. More  than  a  thousand  original  contributions  to  our  knowledge  of 
this  subject  have  been  received  at  the  Department,  and  all  the  available 
published  testimony  has  also  been  consulted,  and  selections  from  this 
have  been  printed.  No  pains  have  been  spared  in  collecting  evidence 
on  both  sides  of  the  question ;  and  when  it  became  apparent  that  a 
Ijirge  part  of  the  testimony  which  was  coming  in  was  against  tlic 
Sparrow,  a  special  effort  was  made  to  induce  friends  of  the  bird  to  come 
forward  with  facts  or  theories  to  offset  this  damaging  evidence.  As  a 
result,  a  mass  of  testimony  has  been  brought  together  which  it  is  believed 
far  exceeds  in  amount  and  value  anything  ever  before  collected,  and  it 
is  now  submitted  to  the  public  with  perfect  contidence  that  no  candid 


EFFECTS   ON   NATIVE   BIKDS.  79 

reader  will  ever  again  deny  that  the  Sparrow  molesU  our  native  birds, 
,iii(l  in  many  cases  drives  tliein  away  from  our  gardens  and  parks.  No 
one  shouhl  be  content  to  read  simply  the  brief  summary  presented  at 
this  place,  but  should  turn  directly  to  the  evidence  itself,  and  satisfy 
liiiiiself  that  the  case  is  as  hero  represented. 

The  nature  of  the  evidence  is  such  that  it  is  impossible  to  summarize 
it  satisfactorily,  but  the  following  brief  synopsis  of  matter  contributed 
directly  to  the  Department  will  show  something  of  its  extent. 

Total  nuniborof  oiiginal  roportu  submitted 1,048 

III  tlio  iimin  I'livorahlo  to  tho  Sparrow lOH 

111  tiio  main  uufavorablo  to  tho  Sparrow 837 

Induterininato 43 

This  would  indicate  that  about  one-Hfth  of  the  evidence  submitted  is 
favorable  to  the  Sparrow ;  but  if  we  exclude  from  the  evidence  all  those 
reports  which  consist  simi)ly  of  the  answers  yes  or  no  to  the  questions 
asked  on  the  printed  circulars,  the  percentage  of  favorable  replies  will 
bo  still  further  decreased. 

Two  hundred  and  eighty-one  reports  were  received  which  gave  little 
or  no  evidence  on  this  subject  further  than  these  monosyllabic  replies, 
wiiile  the  seven  hundred  and  sixty-seven  remaining  reports  gave  illus- 
trations of  the  hostile  or  peaceful  relations  of  the  birds,  or  at  least  men- 
tioned some  species  which  were  or  were  not  molested. 

Of  these  seven  hundred  and  sixty-seven  reports  only  forty-two  are 
entirely,  or  even  mainly,  favorable  to  the  Sparrow;  seven  hundred  and 
tweiity-flvo  of  them  containing  evidence  unquestionably  against  the 
Sparrow,  and  most  of  it  of  the  most  damaging  kind. 

This  estimate,  therefore,  which  seems  to  us  much  nearer  the  truth 
than  the  first,  shows  that  about  one-eighteCuth  of  the  reports  re- 
ceived are  favorable  to  the  S[)arrow  as  regards  its  relation  to  other 
birds,  but  it  should  not  be  inferred  by  any  means  that  therefore  even 
ouc-eighteeutU  of  the  evidence  is  favorable. 

About  one  witness  in  eighteen  has  testified  for  the  Sparrow,  but  each 
jiuor  must  decide  for  himself  as  to  the  weight  to  be  given  to  each  piece 
of  evidence.  For  our  own  part,  after  careful  consideration  of  each  bit 
of  testimony  presented,  we  believe  that  the  proportion  of  one  hundred 
to  one  against  the  Sparrow  is  the  most  favorable  estimate  which  any 
unprejudiced  person  is  likely  to  make. 


(i  y 


-  .J 


M 

wy 


i-v; 


80  THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 

LIST   OF   NATIVE   BIRDS  MOLESTED  BY  THE   SPARROW. 

The  following  table  gives  the  iiiunos  of  .species  whicii  the  Sparrow  is 
reported  to  molest,  and  the  miinber  of  such  reports  in  each  case: 


lieports. 

Bluubinl  {Sialia  niuli^) 377 

Western  bliicbinl  (Hialia  mexicana) 1 

Ti.i)\iin  {i'r,ula  migratoria)  182 

Ilcniiit  ilinisli  (Tardus  aonalaschktK pallatii) .  1 

'SVooiiihixwh  (Tardus  mustelnug) 4 

Thiuslics,  species  uot  indicated 14 

Goldon-crowued  kiuslet  (Hdjulus  mt'-apa)  ...  ;i 

UUlckaileo  (I'arus  atricapillus) i 

Titmouse,  species  uot  iudicatfcd i 

Tomtit,  species  not  indicated 1 

Wbitebcllled  nut  hatcli  (Sitta  carolinensis) ..  1 

Nut-batch,  species  not  indicated 1 

House  wron  (Troglodytes  (edon) C4 

Parkmao's    wren    (Troglodytes    cedon    park- 

mannii) 1 

Carolina  wren  (Thryothorus  ludovicianua G 

Bewick's  wren  (Thryothorus  litdovicianui  be- 

wickii) 2 

Wren,  species  not  indicated 110 

Blown  thrasher  (ITa'oorhynchus  riifus)  8 

Catl)ird  (Galeoscoptes  carUnensis) 33 

Mocking-bird  (llimus  polyglottos) 50 

Kedstart  (Sctophaga ruticlUa , 1 

Yellow  warbler  ( Dendroica  a'stlva) 11 

MjTtlo  warbler  (Vend raiea cot onata) 1 

Wai'blers,  8])ecies  not  indicated 15 

Riideyod  vireo  ( Vireo  ollraceus) 2 

WavbliuK  vireo  ( Firco  (/i7i)i(/i) 3 

Wliite-e.ved  vireo  ( Tireo  noveboracensis) 1 

Vircos,  species  not  indicated 0 

Cedar  bird,  cherry  bird  (Ainpclis  e.edrorum) . .  4 

PurpJe  martin,  block  martin  (I'rogne  subis)  ..  C5 

Martins,  specie.^  not  indicated 108 

Clift"  swallow,   mud    swallow    (Petrochelidin 

lunifrons) 2.5 

Barn  swallow  ( Chelidon  erylhrogaster) 24 

Wbitc-bcllicd   swallow,  l)lue-backed  swallow 

( Tacliycinela  bicolor) 40 

Violet-green  swallow  (Tachycinetathalasisina) .  1 

Bank  swoUow  ( Clioicola  ripa  riu ) 2 

Ivougb-winged  swal'ow   (tittlgidopteryx  serri- 

pennis)  1 

Swallows,  species  not  indicated 84 

Tanaper,  specie.")  not  indicated i 

I'idigo  bird  (rasserina  ci/aniM) 5 

I'aintcd  fiueb,  nonpareil  (ramicrina  eirin)  —  2 

flrosbe.iks,  species  not  indicated 1 

('mtVmaX  (Cardinalis  card!nnlis) 1 

liedbird,  species  not  indicated  11 

Brown  towlieo,  species  not  indicated 1 

Cbowink  (I'ipilo  crythrnphthaUnvs) 1 

Soi'ji  sparrow  (Mclokpua  fascxata) 2G 

Chipiiing  sparrow,  chippy  (Spizella  swiulis)..  72 

Field  sparrow  (SjiizeUa  ptitiUla) 2 

Troo  sparrow  [Spizella  '.iinnticvla) 5 


Beporls. 

ConiMiiin  sparrow,  spci^ies  not  indicated lo 

Native  sparrow,  species  not  indicated  ]ii 

Ground  sparrow,  species  not  indicated 7 

Other  sparrows,  species  not  indicated .'IS 

Savanna  sparrow  (A  iiniuidraiiniKsandirichen- 

sissaraniia) 2 

Grass  (inch,  ves])or  sparrow  (VooaKtes  gram- 

ineus) 2 

Grass  bird,  species  not  indicted 1 

Snowbirds  (./»nco  «^  .') 13 

GolJtincli       1 

Yellow-bird   v  (Spiiius  trislh) 32 

Wild  canary  I 

Arkansas  goldflucb  (Spiniis  psaltria) 

Redpoll  (Acanthis  Unario) 

Purple  tinch  (Carpodacus purpurcus) 

iroiise  finch  (Curpoduens  frontalis) 

other  finches,  species  not  indicated 

Linnet,  .species  not  indicated 

rurjjlo  gr.xckle  (QaucaUis  ijniscula) 2 

Crackles,  species  not  indicated 5 

Baltinioro  oriolo  ( Icterus  liallimore) 37 

Orchard  oriolo  (leteins  spurius) 4 

Orioles,  species  not  indicated 10 

Meadow-lark  (Sturnella  magna) 3 

Redwin;;ed  blackbird  (Agelaius  phoeniceus) .  1 

Blackbirds,  species  not  iuu.catod fl 

Iii>]ioy\i\k  (DoUchonyx  ori/zh'orus)  f 

Shore  lark  (Otocoris  alpestris)    1 

Blue  jay,  jay  (C'l/anocitta  cristata) 30 

Cn  .vs,  species  not  indicated    5 

lA-astjteyreo  (Empidonax  mininiiis)  3 

Wood  pewce  ( Con  topus  virens) 1 

Pbiebo  (Saynrnis  ph<ii<be) 28 

Great  crested  tty  catcher  (^Jl|iurchuscrinUus)  1 

Kingbird      1 

Boo  martin  \.  (TyranntiKtyrannitu) 17 


Bee-bird       I 

Fly-catcbers  species  not  indiciitt<l 

In.scctivorous  birds,  s])ceics  not  iii'ieated  .. 

Songbirds,  s|)ecies  not  in<licafed  

niinimin;.;-bird  (Trocltitus  c<jH(hrls) 

Chimney  swall(iW(irswil'l(C/i(('^i(rffy)('/(j(7(V(i). 
licdlieaded  woodpecker  (Melanerpes  erylhro- 

cephalus) 

Yellov,-  lullied  woodpicker  (Spliyrapicus  ra- 

rius) 

Sapsueker,  species  not  iinliealed 

Downy  woodpecker  ( Dri/alnites  pubesceiis) . . . 

Hairy  woodpecker  Driiohates  viUosus) 

Golden-winged  woodpecker,  lliiker  (Jvlaptes 

aurutus)  

Woodpeckers,  sjiccies  not  iudlcatoi' 

Yojlow-billod  cuckoo  (Ooecyzu*  ani.'ricnnus). 


Tn  addition  to  the  birds  specifically  mentioned  in  tlic  foregoing  list, 
many  other  reports  have  been  received  aUegtng  attiKtks  on  birds,  but 
not  mention    :-:  I'lO  species  m  molested.    Thus  sixty  five  reports  meu- 


NATIVE    BIRDS   MOLESTED. 


81 


tion  molestation  of  "  native  birds;"  i'orty-eiglit  reports  speak  of  "  otlicr 
birds"  being  driven  off;  seventy-eight  reports  state  that  the  Sparrow 
moU'sts  or  drives  off  "  nearly  all  species;"  twenty-eight  claim  a  similar 
ett'uct  on  "all  small  birds;"  five  claim  the  same  for  "yard  birds,"  and 
two  for  "domestic  birds." 

Ten  observers  report  attacks  upon  domesticated  doves  or  pigeons,  and 
one  each  on  hens  and  chickens. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  reports  mention  specifically  seventy 
liiiids  of  wild  birds  which  are  known  to  be  molested  more  or  less  by  the 
Spai  ow.  A  majority  of  these  birds  are  speci.  -  which  nest  .bout 
ho...st'S  and  gardens,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  crow,  jay,  and  pos- 
sibly one  or  two  others,  all  are  decidedly  beuelicial  to  the  farmer  and 
ganloncr. 

Naturally  the  birds  most  affected  are  those  whose  nesting  habits  are 
similar  to  those  of  the  Sparrow;  that  is  which  nest  mainly  in  boxes 
provided  for  them  ;  in  cavities  or  cornices  of  buildings ;  under  the 
eaves  of  barns  or  outhouses,  or  in  the  natur.d  cavities  of  trees. 

Tlius,  in  a  total  of  about  1,800  complaints,  we  lind  that  more  than 
lialf  relate  to  martins,  swallows,  wrens,  and  bluebirds,  whose  nests  or 
nesting  i)laccs  are  coveted  by  the  Sparrow. 

lUit  in  most  places  the  Sparrows  long  since  outgrew  such  accommo- 
dations and  were  compelled  to  build  nests  among  the  branches  of  trees, 
like  other  birds;  and  at  once  such  bulky  nests  as  those  of  the  robin, 
catbird,  etc.,  were  seized  upon  and  utilized  either  as  building  material 
or  as  foundations  for  new  nests.  Thus  new  quarrels  have  been  con- 
tinually originating,  and  the  Sparrow  has  been  steadily  encroaching  on 
the  territory  of  other  birds.  Although  a  large  part  of  the  trouble  with 
native  birds  has  doubtless  arisen  from  questions  over  nesting  places, 
still  there  is  abundance  of  testimony  that  the  Sparrow  molests  birds 
under  other  circumstances. 

Nearly  one-third  of  all  the  complaints  of  injury  to  other  birds  relate 
to  species  whose  nesting  and  food  habits  are  very  different  from  those 
of  tlie  Siiarrow,  and  whose  relations  with  this  bird  might  reasonably  be 
j  expected  to  be  peaceful  and  pleasant.  Among  such  may  bo  mentioned 
the  mockingbird,  chipping  sparrow,  song  sparrow,  goldfinch,  Balti- 
more oriole,  yellow  warbler,  and  vireos.  Of  course  many  of  these 
[birds,  as  well  as  those  previously  mentioned,  offer  more  or  less  resist- 
ance to  the  advances  of  the  Sparrow,  bnt  in  most  cases  the  resist- 
ance is  useless  and  the  imtive  birds  are  compelled  to  retire  from  the 
tield  sooner  or  later.  It  may  be  well,  however,  to  postpone  such  general 
considerations  and  conclusions  until  we  have  taken  up  the  charges 
against  the  Sparrow  one  y<-  a  time  and  submitted  evidence  on  both  sides 
of  the  question.  In  doing  this,  it  will  be  convenient  to  divide  the  sub- 
[jcct  into  three  parts: 

I.  The  relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  birds  which  nest  i)rincipally  in 
[cavities,  natural  or  artificial,  and  often  in  boxes  prepared  by  man. 
0401— Bull.  1 G 


i 
I 

IK 

I 


82 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


II.  The  relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  birds  which  usually  nest  in  trees, 
or  at  least  not  in  places  especially  prepared  for  them  by  man,  but  whoso 
nests  or  nesting  sites  are  often  ai)propriatcd  by  the  Sparrow. 

III.  The  relation  of  the  Sparrow  to  other  species  than  those  included 
under  the  two  i)receding  heads,  or  to  those  species  under  such  condi- 
tions that  the  question  of  nesting  has  no  direct  influence. 

EELATION  OF  THE  SPARROW  TO  BIRDS  WHICH  NEST  PRINCIPALLY 
IN  CAVITIES,  NATURAL  OR  ARTIFICIAL,  AND  OFTEN  IN  BOXES 
PREPARED  BY  MAN. 

The  birds  coming  most  naturally  under  this  head  are  the  bluebird, 
the  purple  martin,  the  white-bellied  swallow,  and  the  house  wren,  species 
which  appear  to  suffer  more  severely  from  the  encroachments  of  the 
Sparrow  than  all  others  combined. 

Strange  as  it  may  seem,  it  is  very  evident  that  some  observers  are  in 
doubt  as  to  what  consitutes  an  attack  on  a  bird,  and  many  more  are 
uncertain  as  to  the  meaning  of  the  word  molest. 

Thus  one  man  writes : 

If  the  Sparrow  molests  native  birds,  it  has  escaped  luy  observatioa.  Wrens  aud 
bluebirds  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites;  the  former  always  succeeding,  so 
far  as  1  Lave  observed ;  the  latter  seldom. 

There  can  scarcely  be  any  question  that  a  Sparrow  molests  another 
bird  when  he  takea  possession  of  that  bird's  nest  or  former  nesting 
place  and  holds  it  against  all  eflbrts  of  the  rightful  owner;  and  this  is 
precisely  what  the  Sparrow  does  in  thousands  of  places  every  spring. 

John  Bessmer,  of  ilastings,  Barry  Count}',  Mich.,  writes: 

*  *  *  I  have  had  good  opportunities  for  observation,  and  I  believe  the  facts  are 
these:  Staying  over  winter,  as  he  does,  the  Sparrow  selects  good  nesting  places,  ami 
then,  when  the  Wren,  Bluebird,  or  Martin  comes  in  the  spring,  sometimes  he  finds  his 
old  nesting  place  occupied  aud  the  fight  commences.  If  it  is  a  Bluebird,  he  will  drive 
half  a  dozen  Sparrows  away,  unless  they  should  have  eggs  or  youug,  in  which  case  they 
can  not  bo  driven.  *  *  •  Last  spring  they  tried  to  drive  a  pair  of  Sparrows  out  of 
a  bird-house  where  the  Bluebirds  had  a  nest  the  year  before,  hut  the  Sparrows  were 
breeding  then  aud  stood  their  ground  well.  Then  the  Bluebirds  built  their  nest  in  the 
other  half  of  the  same  house,  aud  afterwards  lived  in  harmony,  the  Sparrows  in  the 
north  half  and  the  Bluebirds  in  the  south,  with  only  a  partition  between.  (October?, 
1886.    Present  about  ten  years. ) 

BPARnow  versus  bluebikd  and  purple  martin. 

The  Bluebird  undoubtedly  is  one  of  the  plucki  jst  of  our  native  birds, 
and  when  it  has  eggs  or  young  the  Sparrow  has  hard  work  to  dislodge 
it,  yet  even  then  it  sometimes  succeeds.  (Jn  the  other  hand,  when  the 
Sparrow  appropriates  a  box  before  the  return  of  the  Bluebird,  in  most 
cases  it  holds  it  against  all  new  comers.  In  reply  to  the  schedule 
question  as  to  the  species  which  resist  the  encroachments  of  the  Spar- 
row, thirty-three  observers  report  the  Bluebird  as  uniformly  successful, 
and  thirty  report  it  as  successful  sometimes,  a  total  of  onl^  r.ixt^-|;lKeo 


EFFECTS    ON    THE    BLUEIUllD. 


83 


reports,  against  three  hundred  and  seventy-seven  complaints  of  moles- 
tation. 

Tlic  following'  are  examples  of  the  testimony  relating  to  the  lilue- 
bird : 

From  B.  T.  Gault,  Chicago,  111.: 

I  have  ipijoatedly  seen  the  Eiif^lisli  Sparrow  drive  Martins  from  their  boxes  and 
lilucbirds  from  their  nests,  in  both  cases  destroying  the  ejjgs  and  pulling  the  uests  to 
liifcus.     (October  29,  1H85.) 

From  H.  II.  Miller,  Sandy  Spring,  Montgomery  County,  Md.: 

I  know  of  uu  instauco  where  two  pairs  of  Bluebirds  fought  for  two  weeks  to  keej) 
tlicir  box(^s,  but  were  beaten  in  the  end;  also  of  a  case  where  the  hole  in  a  Wren's 
l)()x  was  too  small  for  the'  Sparrows  to  get  in,  and  they  pulled  out  the  nest  and  broke 
till!  eggs.    (February  Iti,  1887.    Present  about  eight  years.) 

From  John  L.  Huber,  Tell  City,  Perry  County,  Ind. : 

Tlie  liluebird  and  Martin  resisted  the  first  and  second  year,  but  the  Sparrow  proved 
\  ictoiious.  and  after  the  second  year  they  did  not  come  back.  (October  8, 188ti.  Pres- 
(Mt  about  twelve  years.) 

From  Walter  B.  Hull,  Milwaukee,  Wis. : 

1  put  up  about  a  dozen  boxes  this  year,  and  native  birds  started  to  build  in  nearly 
all.  One  Bluebird  succeeded  In  raising  a  brood,  and  that  because  so  close  to  the  house 
ilial  I  could  interfere  when  a  fight  began.  All  the  other  houses  wore  stuffed  with 
siiaw,  and  young  Sparrows  were  hatched  in  them,  the  rightful  owners  having  fled. 
(August  2;i,  1880.     Present  about  six  years.) 

From  Clarence  L.  Cat«,  Spencer,  Worcester  County,  Mass. : 

There  is  a  bird-house  on  my  hen-coop  in  which  a  pair  of  Bluebirds  have  nested  for 
llufe  years  without  being  molested  ;  but  the  Sparrow  has  at  last  driven  them  off,  iind 
iKiw  occupies  the  house.  I  know  of  one  case  where  it  has  driven  away  the  Orchard 
Oriole.    (October,  1886.     Present  about  eleven  years.) 

From  L.  Bunnewitz,  Wolcott,  Scott  County,  Iowa : 

liliiel)ir:ls  and  Martins  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting-sites.  I  had  to  kill  a 
S[iarrow  in  order  to  give  a  Bluebird  back  his  little  house  ;  Martins  can  defend  them- 
si'lvcs.     (Octobers,  188G.     Present  about  four  years.) 

From  Jerome  Tromblc}',  Petersburgh,  Monroe  County,  Mich. : 

A  pair  of  Spariows  last  spring  appropriated  one  of  my  l)ird-boxes,  occn{)icd,  the 
|iii'\  ions  year  by  Bluebirds.  When  the  latter  arrived  they  immediately  declared  war, 
ami  in  three  or  four  days  had  vanqui^!hed  the  foreigners.  (Augn.st  23,  1881).  Present 
iiliiiiit  nine  years.) 

From  Daniel  S.  Wadsworth,  Hartford,  Conn. : 

It  does  not  drive  away  our  native  birds  ;  I  have  seen  it  battle  with  Bluebirds,  but 
iiDt  succi'ssfully.  A  Sparrow  had  occupied  a  hole  in  an  apple  tree  when  the  Bluebird 
eaiiic,  but  after  several  battles  the  latter  took  possession  of  the  liolo  and  reared  its 
young  cliere.     (October  11,  18^)6.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

Other  evidance  will  be  found  ititerspersed  in  the  testitnouy  rehiting 
to  martins,  swallows,  and  wrens,  where  the  conditions  are  often  iden- 
ticiil  and  the  results  practically  the  same. 

I'l'obably  the  Purple  Martin  resists  the  Sparrow  more  siiccessfidly 
tliaii  any  other  box  inhabiting  species,  mainly  owing  to  its  size  atid  to 
till!  (act  that  it  nests  in  cominuaities,  and  hence  is  able  to  make  a  more 
equal  light j  yet  when  we  compare  the  soft,  weivk  bill,  short  legs^  ami 


84 


Till-:    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


small  leet  of  the  Martin,  with  thcso  parts  in  the  Sparrow,  it  is  Ciifficult 
to  ujulerstiuid  how  it  can  ever  sueceeil  in  a  combat  where  the  mimbera 
on  the  opposing  sides  are  nearly  equal. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  White  bellied  Swallow  {Tachycineta  bicolor) 
is  called  "  Martni"  in  some  places,  it  is  impossible  to  give  accurate  fl^^- 
ures  on  the  Purple  ^Martin,  though  there  is  little  doubt  that  in  most 
cases  this  latter  species  is  referred  to  where  the  term  "Martin"  is  used, 
and  always  when  "Black  Martin"  is  given. 

Complaints  of  molesting  the  Purj)le  Martin  were  received  from  sixty- 
five  observers,  and  (!omplaints  regarding  the  "  Martin  "from  onehuiulrod 
and  iiiuefy-eight.  Twenty  observers  state  that  the  Purple  Martin  re- 
sists the  Sparrow  with  more  or  less  success,  while  sixty-two  give  sim- 
ilar testimony  for  "Martins;"  a  total  of  eighty-two  witnesses  of  com- 
plete or  partial  victories  for  the  Martin,  against  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
three  witnesses  of  quarrels.  The  proportion  of  successful  resistances 
for  this  species  would  seem  therefore  to  be  nearly  double  that  shown 
for  the  lUuebird,  or  even  more  than  double  if  we  admit,  as  wo  must, 
that  some  of  the  comi)laints  of  molestation  undoubtedly  refer  to  tlic 
AVhite-bellied  Swallow.  For  the  reasons  already  mentioned  it  is  obvious 
tliat  the  summary  of  the  reports  on  the  White-bellied  Swallow  can  not 
be  considered  exact,  but  from  the  returns  which  unquestionably  relate 
to  this  species,  it  would  seem  to  be  fully  as  successful  as  the  Purple 
Martin  in  resisting  the  Sparrow.  The  summary  shows  forty  com- 
plaints of  molestation  and  seven  cases  of  more  or  less  successful  resist- 
ance, a  showing  scarcely  to  be  expected  in  view  of  the  fact  that  this 
species  is  much  smaller  than  the  Martin,  and  very  similar  in  structure 
and  habits.  The  following  examples  of  evidence  show  how  severe  the 
struggle  for  nesting  places  often  is  between  the  Sparrow  and  Martins. 

From  C.  Augustus  Kittenhouse,  ColleL;eville,  Montgomery  County, 
Pa. : 

All  birds  thiit  build  in  boxes  and  holes  in  old  trees  are  driven  otl",  I  have  several 
boxes  in  which  Bluebirds  and  Martins  reared  their  young  every  season  nntil  tlm 
Sparrows  Con i^ijhf  thcni  out  luid  took  Dossession.  I  have  seen  tbeni  throw  the  young  out 
of  the  nest  and  lly  to  tlio  ground  and  kill  them.  I  could  till  this  paper  with  rx- 
amples  of  this  kind.  Boxes  are  being  removed  wherever  they  build.  (August  18, 
1881).) 

From  A.  Ford,  Bronson,  Bourbon  County,  Kans. : 

It  pulls  the  Martin  and  Swallow  from  their  nests  and  throws  out  the  eggs.  (Octo- 
ber 11,  188(!.     Present  about  two  years.) 

From  II.  Volkening,  Lenzburgh,  Saint  Clair  County,  111.: 

Martins  and  Swallows  resist,  but  not  siu'cessl'ully.  I  have  built  bouses  for  the 
Martins  and  Wrens  as  have  some  of  my  ueighliors,  but  the  Sparrows  fought  them  away 
and  destroyed  the  nosts  with  the  broods  in  them.  (October  4,  1886.  Present  about 
three  years  ) 

From  W.  V.  Hardy,  Ilolman  Station,  Scott  County,  Ind.: 

In  the  spring  of  1880  four  jjairs  of  Marlins  came  to  my  boxes.  The  Sparrows  drove 
away  two  pairs,  but  by  shooting  the  Sparrows  as  fast  as  they  came  the  others  W'TD 
induced  to  stay.    (September  6,  1880.    Present  about  four  years.) 


EFFECTS   ON   THE   MARTIN. 


85 


KromS.  1'  Critos,  Elida,  Allen  County,  Oliio  : 

I  liavii  wiitclied  tbo  buttles  between  Sparrows  iiml  Martins,  by  tbo  hour.  Now 
till  re  is  uot  a  Martin  to  bo  seeu  in  the  country.     (September  4,  188G.    Present  about 

tell  years.) 

I'rt'quently  the  Sparrow  i.s  unsueeessful  in  its  first  attempts  to  (lis- 
]o(lf;e  ]\Iartins,  but  ultimately  it  succeeds.  Many  observers  testify  to 
tlie  tact  that  the  two  species  live  peaceably  in  dillerent  eompait- 
II  eiit.!i  of  the  same  box,  and  some  of  these  observer.s  have  witnes.sed  the 
strii<;gle  which  doubtless  always  i>recedes  such  a  tiuce.  Probably  in 
every  such  ease  the  contest  is  renewed  each  spring  soon  after  the  return 
of  the  migrants ;  and  the  entering  wedge  having  been  once  secured,  the 
Si)arrow8  keep  pushing  until  sooner  or  later  the  migrants  find  it  easier 
to  go  elsewhere  than  to  continue  the  fruitless  struggle. 

Dr.  F.  H.  Kimball,  of  i'ockford,  Winnebago  County,  111.,  writes: 

I'm  [lie  Martins  fonneily  nested  in  the  hollow  wdik  of  an  iron  bri(lj;(<.  The  Spar- 
rows ill  vain  attempted  to  di.sloilgt;  them,  and  now  live  in  neutrality  with  them. 
(September  28,  1886.    Present  about  eight  years.) 

Dr.  Daniel  Berry  writes  froni  Carmi,  White  County,  111. : 

III  1~7"2, 1  built  a  bn.siiuss  house  on  the  site  of  a  cliurch.  Over  the  door  of  the  eliurch 
one  (ir  two  pairs  of  Blai^k  Martins  had  a  home.  In  tht;  new  building  they  I'ounil  sii- 
liiiior  faeilities  for  lodgment,  of  which  they  availed  themselves,  and  increased 
Wdiiilerfully.  This  summer  the  colony  must  have  been  more  than  a  thoiisiiiid.  On 
tlirir  arrival  in  the  spiing  they  tiiid  their  (juarters  in  possession  of  the  .S|)arrows,  when 
the  light  for  ejectment  begins.  The  Martins  have  been  strong  enough  to  regain  pos- 
scssiiin  so  far,  but  this  is  not  always  the  casi\  When  the  Sparrows  In  force  attack  a 
]iair  of  Martins  or  Bluebirds  nesting  in  boxi's  they  invariably  drive  them  away.  (Oc- 
ti)l)pr(>,  1880.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Herman  Koerner,  of  Birdseye,  Dubois  County,  Ind.,  writes: 

I  have  a  bii(l-hous(!  with  twelvt!  aiiartments  which  was  occii))ied  in  1885  by  six 
puirs  of  Martins,  but  was  takiMi  iiossessiou  of  in  the  winter  of  188.'-'8(i  by  the  Spar- 
row. When  the  Martins  relurned  there  was  a  week's  war,  then  a  compromiso,  and 
each  took  six  rooms.     (October  7,  188().     Present  about  three  years.) 

Dr.  Geo.  II.  Jennings,  of  Jewett  City,  New  London  County,  Conn., 

writes : 

Martins  and  Bluebirds  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites  when  occupied  by 
the  Sparrow,  but  as  often  fail  as  succeed.  It  is  eonimon  to  see  a,  bir(l-br)x  occupied 
in  iiart  by  Martius  and  in  part  by  Sparrows.  Often  they  thus  settle  down  after  moro 
than  a  week  of  quarreling.  White-bellied  Swallows,  Wiens,  Martins,  and  Bluebirds 
nfti'ii  I'csist ;  the  three  latter  sometimes  etfi'ctiially.  (September  11,  1880.  Present 
niorc  than  eleven  years.) 

ilohert  W.  Curti.ss,  Stratford,  Fairfield  County,  Conn.,  writes  : 

Tlic  Sparrows  build  nests  every  spring  in  my  martin-box,  but  wlu'ii  tlio  Martins 
coinc  in  full  force  they  drive  them  out.     (October  11,  1880.    Present  about  fourteen 

;eiirs.) 

M.  S.  Lord,  of  Saranac,  i\Iich.,  writes: 

1  liave  had  a  martin-bouHO  for  the  hist  eight  years,  and  the  Martins  always  take 
posNi  >.sioii  when  they  come,  a'tiiough  thu  Sparrows  occupy  it  before  and  after.  (Oe- 
tolitr  8,  188(i.    Present  seven  years.) 


II 


86 


THE    ENGLISH    SPAIIKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


MCGATIVK    KVIDICXCE. 

A  very  few  observers  are  still  skcptiiial  about  the  alleged  attacks  on 
other  birds,  aii<l  oeeasionally  a  eorresiK)iident  appears  to  be  convineed 
that  the  Sparrow  is  innoeent  of  all  such  crimes  charged  to  it. 

Dr.  IJ.  A.  Uagen,  ot  Cambridge,  Alass.,  writes: 

I  havo  ncviT  hcl-u  it  molest  other  birds  ;  indeed  in  tlio  next  street,  in  a  lionso  witli 
ono  cutr.iuco,  Swallows  and  Sparrows  brooded  together,  and  both  had  yonnj,'.  I  havt^ 
seen  tho  Sparrow  driven  out  of  its  house  by  Bluebirds.  (Apiil  I'.i,  1884.  Treseiit 
about  eleven  years.) 

Ferdinand  Schumacher,  of  Akron,  Ohio,  writes: 

I  have  iiot\observed  it  to  molest  other  birds.  A  bird-house  in  my  yard,  occnj)io(l 
for  several  summers  by  Martins,  was  invaded  and  occupied  early  in  the  sjirini;;  by  tlii' 
S|)arrow8;  but  with  ono  or  two  individual  exceptions  they  were  driven  out  by  tho 
Martins.  Tho  remaining  one  or  two  families  occupied  the  house  jointly  and  peace- 
ably with  the  Martins.     (October  aij,  IHSO.     Present  about  eleven  years.) 

The  late  Prof.  Chas.  Linden,  of  BuOalo,  N.  Y.,  wrote  in  1885: 

I  do  not  believe  that  there  over  will  be  an  authenticated,  true  re[)((rt  of  a  battle 
between  Sparrows  and  our  native  birds,  excepting,  perhaps,  with  the  White-belliid 
and  ]?arn  Swallows.  I  have  observed  them  pilfering  the  anglewoini  gains  of  tho 
R()i)in,  which  otherwise,  like  the  aggressive  Bluebird,  is  well  able  to  take  care  of  it- 
self. 

Another  observer  is  equally  positive,  and  says: 

I  do  not  believe  the  Si)arrow  drives  away  any  of  our  native  birds.  I  speak  from 
careful  observation,  and  they  are  just  as  plentiful  heio  now  as  before  the  advent  ol' 
the  Sparrow.  I  have  never  seen  the  Sparrows  bai^d  themselves  together  for  attack, 
and  am  satisfied  they  do  not  do  it.  It  is  pair  against  pair.  The  >i.sscrtion  that  they 
attack  other  birds  in  a  body  is  sheer  nonsense;  no  such  thing  is  known  in  natuial 
history  of  any  species  of  bird. 

As  bearing  on  this  last  point,  that  the  Sparrow  does  not  attack  otlior 
birds  in  numbers,  the  following  testimony  may  be  of  interest: 
From  Jesse  G.  Case,  Peconic,  Suflblk  County,  N.  Y. : 

It  has  driven  off  our  Martins.  They  have  a  fight  every  spring,  and  the  Sparrows 
succeed  by  force  of  numbers.  Sometimes  a  dozen  Sparrows  will  surrouud  one  Mar- 
tin,   (imt.) 

From  the  postmaster  at  Jamestown,  Pussell  County,  Ky. : 

The  Bluebird  and  Black  Martin  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites,  but  are 
attacked  by  the  Sparrows  in  squads,  and  routed.  (October  27,  1886.  Present  four 
years.) 

From  li.  Harris,  Union  Springs,  Bullock  County,  Ala. : 

The  Spariov  s  will  not  singly  attack  any  bird,  but  usually  unite  in  an  army  to  do 
their  work.  I  have  known  them  to  kill  out  at  least  a  dozen  pairs  of  Martins,  yonng 
and  old,  at  a  single  attack.     (September  17  and  24,  1880.     Present  about  six  years.) 

From  .Tolin  J.  TMcDannold,  I\Iount  Sterling,  Brown  Countj',  111.: 

The  Miutin  and  Bluebird  always  try  to  reclaim  fornu'r  nesting  sites,  but  never 
succeed,  because  of  re-enforcements,  tho  Sparrows  Hocking  in  great  numbers  to  tlio 
assistance  of  a  distressed  lirolher  or  sister.  Tliough  tho  Martins  and  Sparrows  aio 
bitter  enemies,  it  is  nearly  always  some  nesting  dillicuity  that  causes  trouble  betwteu 
them.    (September  4,  188G.     Present  about  three  years.) 


EFFECTS    OX    THE    HOUSE    WREX. 


87 


From  Prof.  F.  II.  King,  Itivor  Falls,  Wis.: 

Mr.  II.  T.  Hakcr,  of  Hoiliii,  Wi.s.,  has  rclntod  lo  ni(>  IliaL  last  Htuiiiuer  ho  was  a  wit- 
iiLss  ol'  a  ciiullict  butwt'on  strnw  Eiij^li-sh  Sitairows  ami  I'lii'iilo  Martin.'*,  in  which  tho 
S|p;iiniws  were  trylnj;  to  <;ct  possession  of  hrt'oding  places  which  had  heen  occupied 
Cor  several  years  by  tin- Martins.  Tin;  Sparrows  c^onf'i'egatetl  in  a  l,'ir<;o  Hock  u]>i)n  a 
tree!  stan<ling  near  tlie  huihliiig  in  tho  cornice  nnder  the  caves  (d'  which  the  Martins 
liadtlieir  uests.  From  this  point  a  nninher  of  Sjiarrows  would  toj^etlier  attack  the 
M;iiliiis  and  then  return  to  the  tree,  to  he,  followed  by  a  similar  S(|uad.  This  metliod 
(if attack  was  followed  until  three  Martins  had  been  killed,  some  of  thejn  haviuf^  had 
tlieir  eyes  picked  out.  It  need  hardly  bo  added  that  the  Martins  were  forced  to 
leave.  'J"he  same  ;j;eutkMuan  tells  mo  that  ht^  saw  tin-  Sparrows  kill,  in  the  same  man- 
ner, a  bird,  th(>  name  of  which  he  did  not  knov,-,  in  thi^  city  of  Milwaukee.  (.Tanuary 
:!1,  H^7.) 

SPAIiiiow   versus  WItKN.S. 

Tiie  House  Wren  is  one  of  the  birds  often  attacked  by  Sparrows,  and 
it  is  claimed  tliat  in  very  many  cases  it  has  been  driven  awtiy  by  tliem. 

Most  reports  wliich  mention  "  wrens"  doubtless  refer  to  this  specjes, 
so  we  shall  probably  not  be  far  from  correct  if  w(5  state  tliiit  the  reports 
oriiiolestation  of  this  species  number  one  hundred  and  eighty,  while 
tliirtynine  observers  report  it  as  more  or  less  snceessfiil  in  resistinji'tho 
inroads  of  the  Si)arr()w.  It  would  thus  appear  to  bor  somewhat  more 
successful  than  the  bltiebird,  but  less  so  than  the  iimrtin. 

Ill  many  cases  protection  has  been  afforded  this  pufi'niicions  but  in- 
tert-'sting  litt'e  sonoster  by  sui)plying  it  with  a  box  the  entrance  to  which 
is  too  small  to  admit  the  Sparrow;  but  this  does  not  suffice  in  all  cases. 
The  evidence  relating  to  this  si)ecies  is  particularly  full  and  interesting, 
but  we  have  room  here  for  only  a  few  examples. 

Wallace  D.  Khines,  of  Constantia,  Oswego  County',  N.  Y.,  writes: 

I  iiave  .seen  Wren.s  driven  out  of  tluur  houses  and  not  allowed  to  (Miter  until  I  had 
(liiven  the  Sparrows  away  ;  but  not  being  able  to  ludi>  them  all  the  time,  they  have 
left  their  house  in  possession  of  the  Sparrows.  (August  tlW,  li;i8().  Preseiit  four  or  live 
years.) 

l']dward  lUirrough,  of  Merchantville,  Camden  County,  X.  J.,  writes: 

Tile  Wren  makes  the  most  determined  resistance,  but  is  generally  defeated.  (Sep- 
teiiilier  '2,  ISrfO.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

.1.  F.  Niesz.  of  Canton,  Stark  County,  Ohio,  writes: 

Tiio  Hluebirds  wmq  driven  away  the  first  year  the  Sparrow.«  came,  and  have  not 
ictiinied  since.  The  Sparrows  fought  the  Wrens  all  last  anmmer  in  a  sugar-tree  near 
iMv  liouse,  but  the  Wrens  hatched  a  brood  there.  Then  they  went  into  the  carriage- 
lidiwc  and  hatched  a  second  brood  there.  In  tiie  spring  they  cauu*  back  to  their sugar- 
ticc  luaiieli,  b\it  the  Sjtarrowa  tried  to  drive  tlu.iii  away,  reaching  into  the  hole  and 
trying  to  pull  them  out.  Wo  began  Bhooting  the  Sparrows  (only  while  (igliting), 
and  shot  twelve,  but  the  Wrens  were  so  harassed  that  they  failed  to  hatch  their 
ludoil.  and  left  my  farm.  I  have  only  observed  tho  Sparrows  molesting  Bluebirds, 
Willis,  and  Chipi)ies,  but  I  notice  a  scarcity  of  other  species  formerly  ab'iudant. 
(SLliteiiiber  (),  I'^tit).     I'lesent  about  three  years.) 

I'.  L.  Ong  writes  from  Hennepin,  Futnani  County,  111. : 

li  has  not  as  yet  driven  away  any  of  the  native  birds  from  this  locality,  but  it  was 
sce:i  lo  throw  tho  young,  and  to  <(immeiic(^  to  throw  the  nest  of  a  House  Wren  out  of 


B8 


TIJK    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMKRICA. 


a  Htiiinp  iH^ro  this  .simiiiHM'.  After  lieinj;  drivi'ii  away,  liowiivcr,  it  did  not  iiu)li'st  the 
QeBtu^Hin.  Tlid  yiiimj?  Wrens  wcM'e  ii^iiIaetMl.  It  tried  to  whip  H^)nl(^  n]iicl)ird»,  liiit 
wcdrovii  it  away  and  it  di<l  not  ajjaiii  molest  tluim.     (November,  lii-f). ) 

A.  II.  IMiinilt,  of  Fairbury,  Livingston  County,  111.,  writes: 

It  sometimes  drives  WrenH  and  ISIueliirdsfrom  llieirnesting  lUaees.  I  liavo  noticed 
tliom  rejieatedly  tryinj;  to  drive  tlie  Wrens  from  tlieir  lioxes,  but  llie  lioles  wore  too 
small  (o  admit  tliem.     (Octob(!r  (!,  lr<8().     I'resont  live  or  six  years. 

Kobi'rt  W.  Ilarrell  writes  from  Sontli  Bctlileliem,  Northampton  Coun- 
ty, Pa.:       . 

House  Wrens  especially  are  driven  ont  of  tlieir  liomes,  even  when  the  openings  are 
so  small  that  the  Sparrow  cannot  enter.  Under  sncdi  cirenmstances  I  have  known 
Sparrows  to  stand  in  front  of  the  entrance  and  keep  the  Wrens  off,  and  I  havti  shot 
tlio  Sparrows  whiledoing  it.     (September  U>,  ISf^iii.) 

M.  Abbott  Frazar,  ol^Mount  Auburn,  Middlesex  County,  Mass.,write.s: 

Before  the  Sparrow  made  its  ajjpearance  on  onr  place  I  had  alion^t  10  pairs  of  White- 
bellied  Swallows,  T)  pairs  of  lUuebirdH,  and  !">  jiairs  of  Wrens,  breeding  in  boxes  jiiit 
np  for  them.  Now  the  birds  are  all  gone.  The  Sparrow  breeds  so  early  that  all  t\w 
boxes  are  ocenpied,  and  very  likely  have  young  in  them  when  the  other  birds  arrive 
from  the  Sonth  ;  so  the  migrants  are  driven  ont.     (Antninn,  I88.'>.) 

J.  B.  Stockton  writes  from  Toronto,  Kans. : 

It  lias  not  been  observed  to  drive  away  any  of  onr  native  birds.  In  a  contest  last 
iipring  the  little  Honso  Wi'cn  actually  drove  the  Sparrow  ont,  and  getting  inside  the 
nest  box  kept  the  Sparrow  ont  and  linishcd  itslaying  and  incnbation.  The  Blnebinls 
also  attacked  the  Sparrows,  and  after  a  contest  lasting  six  hours  drove  them  from  a 
box  I  had  put  up  for  them.    (October  fi,  188G.     Present  al)ont  one  year.) 

William  Ilolmead,  of  Mount  Pleasant  (in  the  subnrb.s  of  Wasbingtou, 
D.C.)  writes: 

The  Wren,  IJlnebird,  Common  Sparrow,  and  Martin  were  formerly  very  numerons 
here,  and  nested  in  trees  and  houses,  but  all  without  exception  vacated  them  years 
ago.  One  casein  i)articular  which  I  remember  is  that  of  a  Wren  which  built  hermst 
in  a  box  I  had  jirepared  for  her.  The  Sparrow  destroyed  her  young  and  tore  up  her 
nest,  aTid  after  s(^veral  attempts  to  rebuild  it  she  disappeared.  (November  8,  1^80, 
Present  about  tifteen  vears. 


RELATION  OF  THE  SPARROW  TO  BIRDS  WIIIOH  USUALLY  NEST  IN 
TREES,  OR  AT  LEAST  IN  PLACES  NOT  ESPECIALLY  PREPARED  FOR 
THEM  BY   MAN. 

Under  tbi.s  bead  may  bo  included  very  many  of  onr  common  garden 
and  farm  birds,  ,su<;b  as  the  Kobin,  jMockingbird,  G()ldtincli,Phcebeaiiil 
other  liycatchers,  Vireo;s,  and  certain  sparrows  and  swallows,  especially 
the  Clitt"  Swallow  {Pctrochclidon  hinij'rons). 

SPAltUOW    ver.MIS   CMKK    swallow    AM)   ISAHN    SWALLOW. 

The  Cliff-Swallow  is  also  known  as  the  Mud  Swallow,  Eave  Swallow, 
Jug  Swallow,  and  occasionally  tis  the  Jiarn  Swallow,  though  the  latter 
name  more  properly  b.'longs  to  the  fork-tailed  swallow,  which  most 
often  nests  inside  of  btiriis,  i)lacing  its  nest  against  the  rafters  and  usiiij;' 
a  mixture  of  mud  and  strj'w  in  its  composition.  The  Cliff  Swallow,  on 
the  contrary,  usually  ne.'-ts  in  large  colonies  on  the  outside  of  buildin.us, 


EFFECTS    ON   SWALLOWS 


89 


placing  the  gourd-sliapcd  iiestH  iurows  benoatli  tlio  eaves,  and  usiiipfuo 
straw  except  perhaps  for  the  liniiijj  of  the  nest,  the  outer  shell  being 
niatl(!  entirely  of  pellets  of  nind,  plastered  together  and  to  the  building. 
Tills  nest  when  finishcMl  coninionly  has  a  projeeting  neck  like  that  of  a 
tlask,  for  entrance,  whence  the  name  jngswallow.  The  whole  strnet- 
lU'e  is  brittle,  and  rarely  if  ever  serves  the  swallow  for  more  than  one 
season,  but  the  newly-built  nests  serve  the  Si>arrow's  purpose  admi- 
Tahly,  and  lie  availshimsclf  of  them  at  every  0])portunity. 
Henry  Hales,  of  Ridgewood,  Bergen  County,  N.  J.,  writes: 

I  liiivo  scon  II  liirgo  colony  of  Eavo  Swallows  ubainlon  tliuir  nests,  tliiit  liiiii  been  os- 
tiiblislied  in  largo  (luantitios  all  along  a  barn,  rather  tban  light  the  Sparrows.  (.Inno 
18,  ltf87.     Present  abont  (iftecu  years.) 

J.  C.  Swetland,  of  Sparta,  Morrow  County,  Ohio,  writes: 

The  small  barn-swallow  that  builds  on  the  eaves  of  the  barn  [Clitf  Swallow,  I'l- 
trochdidon  Uiiii/i  Otis'],  attempts  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites.  There  are  over  fonr 
liiuiilietl  swallow's  nests  on  my  barn,  and  last  spring  the  Sparrows  began  to  tiiko 
jiossi'ssion  of  the  nests,  and  for  two  weeks  there  was  a  constant  tight  botwe»Mi  the 
SpaiTDws  and  swallows.  Finally,  tho  Spairows  took  possession  of  one  side  of  the 
liiiiii  and  the  swallows  took  theothi'r.     (October  l!^,  18B(i.     Present  abont  three  years  ) 

1)1'.  U.  D,  Moore,  of  New  Lexington,  Somerset  County,  Pa.,  writes: 

Within  tho  last  year  or  two  tho  Sparrows  have  fonnd  their  way  out  of  the  cities 
and  have  taken  up  their  abode  around  farm  buildings  all  over  the  country.  Jlost  of 
the  barns  are  what  are  known  as  "  bank"  barns,  and  underneath  the  extensions  of 
tlie.sc,  Mud  Swallows  ( /'c/r((f7i(7(V/(*;(  litiii/roun)  have  been  building  and  hatching  by 
hundreds  at  Oitch  barn.  I  saw,  this  summer,  where  one  pair  of  Sparrows  had  taken 
piwscssion  of  QUO  nest  and  driven  tho  cntirtf  colony  of  swallows  to  the  other  iMid  of 
the  barn.  Atother  barns  I  saw  where  several  pairs  of  Si)arrows  had  taken  possession 
of  as  nuiuy  nests  and  driven  the  swallows  all  away.  Farmers  generally  know  tho 
value  of  swallows  as  in.sectivorons  birds,  and  have;  Iuhmi  protei^ting  tlieui  against  cats, 
rats,  mice,  etc.,  but  this  last  enemy  is  the  worst  of  all,  and  long  and  loud  are  tho 
ciu'scs  poured  upon  the  "cuss"  who  iniporttul  the  first  Sparrows.     (Septemb(;r  13, 

1>.  C.  Townsend,  of  Bay  llidge.  Kings  County,  X.  Y.,  writes: 

As  regards  the  peaceful  relations  of  tho  English  Sparrow  to  other  birds,  my  experi- 
ence conlinns  tho  testimony  of  my  neighbor,  Mr.  J.  A.  Perry,  with  tho  exception 
of  a  single  case.  There  were  certain  swallows  building  their  mud  nests  nndiir  our 
front  porch,  which  nests  it  attacked  with  great  violence  and  destroyed,  driving  tho 
birds  away.     (March  27,  1886.) 

William  J.  Muldragh,  of  Sand  Hill,  Wayne  County,  Mich.,  writes: 

Large  numbers  of  swallows  formerly  nested  on  our  barn,  but  they  have  nearly  all 
left  since  tho  Sparrows  began  building  in  their  nests  this  year.     (August  vJ:!,  HSii. ) 

Tiie  true  Barn  Swallow  {ChcJidon  crythrofjostcr)  is  also  seriously  per- 
secuted by  the  Sparrow,  forty-nine  complaints  relating  to  these  two 
species  having  been  received,  as  against  seven  reports  of  more  or  less 
successful  resistance,  but  none  of  these  favorable  reports  give  any  de- 
tiiils  of  the  contests. 

A.  L.  Parkhurst,  of  San  Jose,  Santa  Clara  County,  Cal.,  writes: 

Clitl'  Swallows  and  Western  Ilonse  Finches  retain  their  usual  nesting  places  in  spite 
of  the  presence  of  these  noisy  neighbors.    (August,  'i7,  H'f!.    Present  al>out  five  years.) 


fK) 


TIIK    KNOIJSII    Sl'AUIlOVV    IS    AMKIMCA. 


About  eighty  observers  n-poi-t  molestation  of  Hwallows  without  giv- 
ing tlie  speeille  name,  wliile  only  six  cases  of  siicceHsfiil  resistancie  aro 
mentioned. 

Jl.  Moiiison,  of  Ithaca,  (Jratiot  County,  Mich.,  writes: 

UobiiiH,  HwnllowB,  uiul  iiativu  NparrowH  make  hoiiio  reHistuiici*,  but  with  no  Hiicccs»t; 
tlii'y  am  all  ;;()ii<i  now.  1  llavt^  .seen  a  swallow  (ijrlit  over  a  ni'sl  until  it  was  nc'irly 
kiilt'd,  8o  that  it  <li(ul  soon  at'tcr.     (October  (!,  18"ifi.     Present  Ibiir  years.) 

W.  (i.  l\laikham,  of  Kochester,  N.  Y.,  writes: 

I  have  SI  ill  half-grown  swallows  attacked  by  Sparrows  ami  drawn  IVoin  their  nests 
and  destroyed.     (.Seiiteiiiber  HI,  1887.) 

The  last  two  notes  may  refer  to  the  White  bellied  Swallow,  already 
nuMitione«l,  a  speeies  eomnioiily  ne.sting  in  holes  in  trees,  but  sometimes 
also  in  boxes  or  in  nooks  about  buildings. 

si'.\i!i!()W  V((rsiis  KoniN. 

The  intluenee  which  the  Siiariow  exerts  on  the  Kobin  during  the  ne.st- 
ing  season  may  be  inferred  iVom  the  following: 
From  E.  llradford,  Si)arta,  Kent  County,  Mich.: 

The  Kobiii  eomes  every  sjiriii};  and  tries  to  Iniild  nests,  Init  is  driven  away.  (Octo- 
ber, IHtff).     Present  about  six  years.) 

From  Edward  T.  Keim,  Dubuque,  Iowa: 

I'or  many  years  a  pair  of  Kobins  nested  in  an  apple  tree  hero,  and  shortly  after  the 
introduction  of  the  Sparrow  tliey  wen;  attacked,  but  with  man's  assistance  the  Spur- 
rows  were  kept  ol)  for  two  seasons.  Force  of  numbers,  however,  finally  prevailed,  and 
the  Robins  have  not  been  seen  now  for  year.s.  (Aui.;ust  ID,  188().  Present  about-  ten 
years.) 

From  F.  J.  C.  Swift,  Falmouth,  Barnstable  County,  ^lass.: 

Last  sprinj;  1  observed  a  female  Sparrow,  uiia?sisted  by  flic  male,  fref|n(uitly,  lor 
two  days  eiiiiaj^e  in  lattle  with  a  male  and  female  JJobiii  for  possession  of  the  liobiii's 
completed  nest,  and  at  the  expiration  of  tluit  time  she  drove  them  from  the  premise.'* 
and  occupied  their  nest.     (Autumn,  LHSo.) 

From  Dr,  A.  I>.  McCrea,  Berwick,  Columbia  County,  Pa.: 

Dnrinp;  the  past  season  I  knew  an  instance  where  the  Sparrows  attacked  a  pair  ol 
Hobins,  broke  their  e<>ys,  and  literally  destroyed  their  nest.     (September  1,  188,').) 

From  IJ.  A.  Koch,  College  Hill,  lliunilton  County,  Ohio: 

I  noticed  one  ca.se  in  the  sprinj^  of  1884,  w  hero  a  pair  of  Hobins  had  a  iiest  eontuin- 
iiig  <'j;si^  iu  a  poplar  tree  near  a  house;.  A  pair  of  .Sparrows  drove  the  female  away, 
tipi>ed  out  the  egjjs,  and  built  a  nest  of  their  own  on  top  of  the  Robin's,  and  itsooi: 
after  contained  five  e<;g8.     (Anj^ust  2"),  188.").) 

From  Dr.  11.  L.  Walker,  Manstield,  Allegheny  County,  Fa.: 

A  friend  tells  me  he  found  a  dead  young  Robin  on  the  sidewalk,  and  on  looking  np 
into  the  tree  which  stood  alongside,  ho  saw  the  Sparrows  busy  trying  to  throw  out 
the  other  young  Robins  and  tear  up  the  nest  in  the  absence  of  the  old  birds.  (.July, 
1887.     Present  about  live  years.) 

Many  similar  instances  have  been  reported  and  will  be  found  in  full 
in  their  proper  place.  In  all  one  hundred  and  eighty-two  complaints  of 
molestation  of  the  Robin  have  been  received,  against  twenty-eight  re- 
ports of  more  or  less  successful  resistance. 


KFl'KCTS    ON    THE    MOC'KIXGHIKD. 


ni 


Wc  iipixMul  one  or  two  ilhiNtiatioiis  of  tlio  lattor  cliiss: 
Iroiii  F.  ]>.  Kicli,  South  Hicliliuul,  (Xswc^jo  County,  N.  Y.: 

I  liiivc  Hrcii  llic  Sjiairow  drivi-  oil'  IJliicUirds,  hut  I  1i!i\t  (iIsd  known  a  l{<il)in  to  hnild 
its  nest  ami  rai.so  jonii;;  within  I  t'lM't  of  a  binl-hoiisn  inliabited  l>y  a  lot  of  Knjfiisli 
S|i!in'owH.     (1^'H^). ) 

I'loiu  .1,  \y.  Pearson,  Newton,  ^liddlesex  County,  Masa.: 

l,ii-.t  year  two  Spuirow.s  coniincncfd  to  linild  a  nest  under  onr  porch  in  front  of  iho 
Ikjiisc,  anil  wliilii  they  wc^ro  at  work  upon  it  two  Hobiiis  canio  anil  drovo  thtjin  away, 
iiiid  took  posHi'SMJon  of  till)  ixtrcli  and  hnilt  a  nost  for  tiicnisidvcs,  whihi  tlio  Sparrows 
Weill  lo  a  pear  tree  just  in  l'ri)nt  of  the  lionsfi  and  linilt  a  nest  anil  reared  live  yonnj; 
iMMN.  Doesthis  look  like  Sparrow.silriving  away  other  hinls?  (April,  1884.  I'reseiit 
>'vcn  years.) 

HPAHKOW   Versas   MOCKIXCilUIJl). 

Ill  tlie  Southern  States  the  Mocikinj-bird  is  iRMjuently  interfered  with 
h\  the  Sjjarrow,  and  in  spite  of  its  coiuaoeous  resistance  it  is  often 
iililiucd  to  yielil  to  superior  niimhers.  Fifty  reports  of  siicli  trouble  have 
liccu  received,  ajjainst  twelve  reports  of  more  or  less  sueeessful  resist- 
iiiit'i'.  Thus  in  about  one  case  in  four  this  niaj;iiiticent  son>;ster  now 
liolus  its  f^round  against  the  Si)arrow,  but  as  the  enemy  becomes  more 
iiiiiiicrous  less  favorable  results  niiiy  be  looked  for. 

Tiic  followiii<j  are  a  few  samples  of  eviden(!e  submitted  : 
From  Charles  L.  Deiuly,  Ilamiltou,  Harris  County,  (ia.: 

'file  Mockin<;bird,  like  the  Sparrow,  [>rcfor.s  for  its  habitation  the  everjj;reeii  shrnb- 
liciy  aronnd  dwcllinjrs  and  yards.  'I'lio  Ibrnior  is  the  larfj;er  bird,  and  eo'ild  inoro 
tliiiii  hold  liis  ownsinjile-handed,  but  he  linally  succiinibs  to  persistence  and  nninbers. 
lSi'|iteiiil)er  8,  188ti.     I'resent  live  or  six  years.) 

I'lom  the  postmaster  at  Marion,  Crittenden  County,  Ark. : 

The  sparrow  drives  otf  tbo  Wren,  Mockingliird,  and  all  smaller  birds.  »  *  »  j 
;i:ii  s;itislied  that  onr  favorite  soii;;ster,  the  Mo(kiiiu.bird,  will  have  to  ;;o.  (Septein- 
licr  H,  lf'>(l.     Present  about  four  years.) 

From  J.  B.  Stacy,  Pulaski,  Giles  County,  Teiin.: 

It  drives  olF  all  song-birds,  and  especially  the  Mockingbird.  (September  1,  188G. 
I'leseiit  about  three  years.) 

From  Charles  E.  Xesmith,  Donaldsonviile,  Ascension  Conuty,  La.: 

The  Siiarrows  drive  off  native  birds.  I  have  seen  them  lake  from  the  nest  and  east 
ell  Die  ground  the  young  of  woodiieckers,  Mockingbirds,  yellow-birds,  and  other 
fiiiiiill  Idrds.     (188(1.) 

From  Abel  A.  NViiglU,  (irilliti,  Spaldinj?  Comity,  (ia. : 

Miickingbirds  will  not  give  way  to  it,  hnt  retain  their  old  haunts,  where  they 
build  and  hatcl;  every  season.  1  have  not  observed  it  to  molest  or  drive  olV  other 
birds,     (October  5,  1880.) 

From  the  ])0stmaster  at  Athens,  Limestone  County,  Ala.: 

1  huve  seen  Mockingbirds  wliii)  the  Sparrow  and  drive  it  from  my  premises.  I  do 
ii^it  ihiiik  the  Sparrow  drive;-  oil  any  of  onr  native  birds.  (September  18,  l88o.  Pres- 
ent  aliniit  six  yi'ars.) 

Many  people  have  expressed  doubt  as  to  the  possibility  of  the  Spar- 
rows driving  away  birds  of  ilie  size  of  the  Robin,  or  s[»ecies  as  pugna- 


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THE    KNCJMSH    SPAlMiOW    IN    AMKUICA. 


cious  HH  the  Mocliiii^ibinl  iiiul  Catbinl,  hut  in  most  oises  these  doubters 
h)se  sight  of  the  faet  that  many  birds  are  more  readily  driven  away  in 
small  annoyanees  often  rei)eated  than  by  a  single  strong  attack, and  al 
though  almost  all  birds  «lefend  theiryoung  valiantly,  they  are  very  apt 
tode.sert  nests  which  are  in  process  of  construction  if  disturbed  while 
at  work,  or  before  any  oggs  are  laid.  Even  the  INuple  Gracklo  or  Cr(t\v 
niackbird  is  not  exempt  from  the  Sparrow's  attacks,  and  the  followin;' 
testimony  shows  that  it  does  not  always  resist  these  attacks  success 
fully: 
Dr.  J.  F.  Detweiler,  of  Wadsworth,  Metlina  ('ountj',  Ohio,  writes: 

The  bont-tiiiled  liluckhirti  [I'mplc  Gruckle]  hiiH  loostecl  and  nested  for  iniiny  jcnri 
in  Nome  liii'}{(!  jiines  in  a,  ni'ijjhbor'.s  yard  acnisH  tlu'  street,  but  lust  year  tin;  Sparnnvs 
drnvc  tlicni  away,  ami  (iceui>ied  tlic;  trees  with  their  nests,  a  hundred  or  more  in  ninih 
her.    (I)eceniher  10,  1887.     rrcsent  abcnit  tliirtetui  years.) 

si'AUHow  versus  viitr.o.s. 

Many  of  the  smaller  birds  which  use  varioussoft  materials  in  the  con- 
struction of  their  nests  are  continually  robbe<l  by  the  Sparrow. 

Dr.  D.  H.  Warren,  of  West  Chester  Pa.,  has  given  a  graphic  acconiit 
(published  el.-sewhere)  of  the  destruction  by  Sparrows  of  the  ne.'<t  and 
young  of  a  AVarbling  Vireo;  and  the  (bllowing  notes  relating  to  otiicr 
vireos  were  received  recently  from  George  II.  IJerry,  of  North  Liver- 
more,  Me. : 

At  Ilolyoke,  Mass.,  on  Juno  .'>,  1*;84,  I  found  a  set  of  e;?gs  of  the  White-Eyed  viicn, 
and  also  another  set  lie<.nin  witli  two  e<fjj;s.  On  .June  7  this  last  nest  was  forsiikcn, 
and  in  a  box  in  the  trees  two  iiairs  of  English  Sparrows  were  i)uildin<^  their  nests,  (in 
.June  ti  I  saw  a  fight  between  a  jiair  of  liinls,  but  could  not  tell  what  thoy  were,  so 
fired  and  shot  them.  One  was  a  female  Eiie;lish  8|»arrow,  the  other  a  male  Wliiti- 
eyed  \'ireo.  On.Iuno  I'J  I  loiiiid  an  Enj^lisli  S|iiurow  a|ii>ro[iriatiii^  (he  nest  ef  ii 
vireo,  and  earryin^away  (o  her  own  nest  the  material  of  which  it  was  coaiposed.  On 
the  14th  of  .Iiiiie.  I  found  two  emiity  vireos'  nests,  partially  destroyed,  probably  liy 
either  the  English  .Sp:irrow  or  Kinj;binl. 


RELATION  OF   THE  SPARIIOW   TO   OTIIEU   lUUDS  l^NDER   ."^UOII   CONDI- 
TIONS   THAT   THE    1,>UE«TI()N    OF   NE.STIN(i    HAS   NO    DIRECT    INFLl 
ENCE. 

Nearly  all  the  species  already  mentioned  have  occasional  enconiifers 
with  the  Si)arrow,  even  at  times  when  all  have  good  nesting  places; 
but  it  is  probable  that  the  ill  fi'cling  which  prompts  these  (piarrels  wns 
originally  engendered  by  conHicts  over  nests  or  nesting  placi-s.  Tliero 
are  many  species,  however,  which  appear  to  l)e  very  unfavorably  affected 
by  the  presence  of  the  Si>arrow,  yet  which  do  not  seem  to  come  in  coii- 
tlict  at  all  as  regaids  nesilng  places.  In  some  cases  the  trouble  may  he 
caased  by  comi)etifion  for  food,  but  in  very  many  cases  it  is  diflicult  to 
account  for  the  (luarrcl  except  on  the  ground  that  one  of  the  comliat- 
unts  is  naturally  pugnacious  and  has  made  an  unjirovoked  attack  ou 
the  other. 


EFFECTS    OV    THE   ClIIPriNCJ    SPARROW. 


O.'i 


KXOI.ISII   srAKUOW   VcrMllH  CUII'PIXG   HI'AUIIOW. 

One  of  the  birtUs  wLicli  .siilVfrs  most  is  tlio  Cliipiiiiig  Sparrow  (Spi:cUa 
,v((( /((//■«),  which  in  some  loealities  seems  to  have  been  driven  completely 
iiwiiy  by  its  foreign  relative. 

Niitiirally  coiiliding  in  its  disposition,  it  was  aeenstonuMl  before  the 
iulvciitof  the  Knjjlish  Sjiarrow  to  pick  np  the  crumbs  abont  onr  door- 
vanlsand  to  build  its  little  hair-lined  nest  in  the  rose  and  ;ilae  bushes 
uiidtr  our  windows.  But  already  this  is  ii  thing  of  the  past  in  most 
towns  an«l  cities,  and  there  is  no  escape  from  the  conelusiou  that  the 
Kni^lish  Sparrow  is  mainly  responsible  for  the  change. 

More  than  seventy  observers  testify  to  the  attacks  on  the  "  (Jhii)py," 
,111(1  Itnt  two  reports  have  been  received  which  mention  even  partial 
.success  in  resisting.  . 

J)i'.  A.  P.  Sharp,  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  writes: 

1  liMVf  ItecMi  11  cl»).st!  iiliscrvcrof  the  Kii;.;li.>li  Siiairow.s  sinci'  tlicy  first  mailo  their  ap- 
lifiiriiiirt!  on  my  platt^  in  K<Mit  I'onnty,  Md.  1  am  a  ;;ifat  admirer  of  the  litth*  wrenM, 
niiii'tins,  and  llouisfl  SpiinuwH,  as  w»  call  tlioni  (S.  Hocialix),  and  felt  an  intereNt  in 
tiu'in,  Ifav  in}.;  martin  lioxes  near  the  house,  as  well  as  hoxes  for  the  Wrens  and  Hliio- 
liirds,  I  had  a  j^ooil  ehaiiee  to  watch  tho  new-eomers,  and  ean  say  without  he.silation 
lliat  I  think  they  art)  the  jj;reatest  nuisance  ever  introduced  in  our  country.  Xotwith- 
>tatiiliiij;  I  have  lieen  for  veais  sh(iotin<r  them  whenever  I  can  y;et  a  chanee,  they  have 
iiLiirJ.v  exterminated  tin;  Wrens  and  Sparrows,  and  lessened  the  number  of  Martins 
luid  IJluehirds.  The  younj;  ^^  leiis,  Sparrows,  and  IJluehirds  are  destroyed  as  soon  as 
llicy  iiie  hatched.  While  the  |iarents  are  looking  for  food,  the  Kn<;lish  Sparrows  will 
!;ii  til  till!  boxes  and  )iull  out  the  youn;;,  featherless  birds  and  kill  them.  With  the 
llmisr  [Chii>piiig]  Sparrow  I  have  known  them  not  only  to  kill  theyomifr  tho  lirst  day 
tliry  were  hatched,  but  to- tear  up  tht!  ne.sts  in  a  few  minutes,  l-'or  years  I  have 
iiii'i)iiia};ed  the  little  Chipp.y  to  build  her  lu'st  in  my  honeysuckle,  but  last  year  1  had 
nut  a  sinj^le  nest  near  the  house.  I  had  two  in  l-iS"),  and  tried  every  way  to  protect 
ilii'iii,  but  the  yoiinjj  wore  destroyed  as  soon  as  hatched,  and  the  nests  were  torn  to 
[lii'ii's.     (I'Vbrnary  K!,  1SH7.) 

V.  If.  Welsh,  of  IMiiiadelphia,  J'a.,  writes : 

On  tlu!  17th  instant,  I  noticed  live  Eu<;lisli  Sjiarrows  peckiiij;  at  a  yonn>;  Chipping 
S|iai'iiiw.  The  latter  was  al)le  to  lly  (as  1  subseiiuently  ascertained)  about  twenty 
Minis  at  a  time.  Thi!  Chii>pin};  S|iarrow  would  oti'er  a  feeble  le.sistaiice  and  then  lly 
uvDiir  three  feet.  The  Eiij^iish  .Sparrows  would  follow  and  take  turns  in  iieckinii;  at 
if.  They  had  pulled  out  about  one-third  o(  the  feathers  on  its  head,  which  was  bleed- 
iiii,'sliiihtly.  There  was  also  a  small  bare  place  on  its  back.  The  Chippie  invariably 
iiifil  its  enemies  until  he  had  received  several  pecks  and  then  llcw  otf  to  one  side. 
.M;iiiy  other  Eiifrlish  Sitarrows  were  in  the  trees  near  by,  but  took  no  notice  of  tho 
iiil.ci-.  As  .soon  as  I  went  up  to  the  yonuf^  bird  the  jiarents  came  lliittering  round, 
iinibalily  iittracted  by  its  cry.  While  the  F.n<;lish  S|)arrows  were  about  I  did  not  hear 
ii  siimul  iVom  it.  Another  yonn;;  Chippit',  about  tifteen  yards  otf,  hail  nearly  all  of  its 
li'iiil  I'lathers  and  a  few  of  its  body  feathers  pulled  out.     (An;;nst  'J,  1887.) 

it  is  scarcely  surprising  that  after  such  treatntent  as  this  the  Chipping 
Spaiidw  is  not  as  abundant  as  formerly  about  our  houses  and  gardens 


Till',   Si'AUItOW  "  MOnill.NU  "  OTIIKIt    HIltDS. 

The  Ilobin  is  often  attacked  iind  robbed  of  his  food  by  the  enterprising. 
SiMirow,  as  is  shown  l»y  the  testim  ny  of  many  witnesses. 


94 


THK    ENGLISH    SPAUKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


Chailes  11.  Fuller,  of  Portland,  IMi'.,  writes: 

I  Imvo  rept-atiMlly  seen  tin-  Himridw  follow  llir  Koliiiis  ami  roli  tlifiii  of  .such  food  as 
they  uiu'ailliL'd ;  can  not  Hay  wliat  (lio  food  was.  (May  :il,  ICiil.  Picsont  ti-n  years 
or  mon'. ) 

Dr.  F.  II.  Kimball,  of  l{ockl()r(l,  111.,  writes : 

I  liavc!  HtMMi  flit;  Koliiii  niori'  fi<'(|ii(iilly  niolcstcd  hy  the  Sparrow  tlinii  any  other  liinl, 
chielly  in  tlu;  way  of  heinj;  driven  from  its  food  or  having  its  food  stolen.  (Septemlpcr 
28,  188(5.    Present  .alicnit  ei^ht  years.) 

A.  C.  White,  of  Jeflersoii,  Ashtabula  (Joniity,  Ohio,  writes: 

I  have  ohserved  that  it  follows  Hohins  and  HlneMrds  ind  lakes  from  them  Wdinis 
and  insects  which  they  find.     (Septemher  li,  18rf().     Presuit  alioiit  s.  veil  years, ) 

Soiueliines  the  attack  is  entirely  unprovoked  intl  without  aiiyapiiai 
ent  object,  as  in  th'>  following;  case  sent  by  W,  J.  N.  Osterhaut,  of  I'rovi- 
deuce.  It.  I. : 

March  HO,  11^84,  heard  ii  Kohin  for  the  tlrst  time  caroliiif^  his  moiniiifjsonR  in  a  jiiiii' 
tree  near  tho  honso.  1  went  out  to  watch  him,  and  had  not  been  slandinjjlonj;  waii  L- 
iug  him  when  at  least  a  dozen  Sparrows  llcw  np  into  tho  tree  and  jiitched  into  him. 
Poor  Robin  was  driven  from  tree  to  tree  and  h:idly  whipped.  There  were  no  nesis  df 
tho  Sparrows  near  and  they  evidently  fonyhl  tire  Robin,  who  was  jieaceably  enjovin;' 
himself,  from  puro  hatred  of  any  intruder,  ^uch  instances  are  innumerable  and  aiu 
constantly  occurring.  The  Robin  referred  to  in  this  instance  disappeared  and  I  liavi' 
uot  seen  him  since.    (April,  hScti.) 

Native  birds  are  freiiuently  driven  iiway  or  "crowded  out"  without 
any  actual  attack,  the  Sparrows  siin[)Iy  following  them  iibont  and  threat- 
enins  them  until  they  become  uneasy  and  leave. 

The  reader  should  turn  to  the  testimony  of  Mrs.  Olive  Thorne  Miller, 
of  IJrooklyn,  N.  Y.,  and  read  her  aci-ount  of  this  method,  which  has  In'i'ii 
termed  "  mobbing."  Similar  testimony  will  he  found  under  the  head  ot 
Washington,  1).  C,  and  in  other  places  among  tho  evidence.  Even  tlie 
Kingbirtl  is  thus  "mobbed"  and  som'etimes  is  actually  attacked. 

(Jeorge  B.  Holmes,  of  Fernwood,  Cook  ('ounty,  III.,  writes: 

I  have  known  Sparrows  to  chall('ni;e  a  Kingbird,  but  tliijy  wei'e  always  whiiiiii.!, 
(August  27,  18!^().    I'rescnt  about  five  years.) 

William  F.  Doertenbach,  of  Cleveland,  Ohio,  writes: 

In  .Inly,  18815,  a  Kingbird  was  allaeked  by  two  Englisli  Sjiarrows,  but  ho  resistid 
and  iinally  drove  them  olf.  In  abciul  one  minute,  however,  lu!  was  attacked  by  a 
dozen  or  more  Sparrows  from  dill'ercut  points.  He  llew  straight  uj)  into  tho  airlur 
about  one  hundred  feet  and  then  swiftly  to  the  southward.  This  happened  in  front 
of  my  house.     (Novembers,  188(5.     Present  about  tliirt(U'n  years.) 

The  list  of  species  actually  attacked,  without  n'giird  to  nesting  con- 
troversies, is  a  very  considerable  one,  but  we  shall  only  mention  a  lew. 
Owen  Durfee,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  writes : 

I  saw  a  pair  of  Golden-crested  liinglets,  November  19,  1883,  and  when  first  secu 
about  two  doziMi  English  Sparrows  were  attacking  them. 

P.  B.  Loomis,  of  Jackson,  Mich.,  writes: 

My  carpenter,  a  man  ()f  veracity  and  close  ob.scrvation,  says  lit;  has  seeu  it «».     )'"  I 
emivllcr  song  sjiarrows.     (-July  *,>0,  1884.     Prt^sent  about  eight  years.) 


SPARROW   VERSUS   NATIVE    KIRDS. 


95 


Dr.  Edgar  A.  Meanis,  of  Iligtiland    Falls,  Orange  Comity,  N.  Y. 

wrilt's: 

It  rn(|iuMitly  ivttftc'kH  ami  drivcH  away  tlio  native  birils.     It  lias  liccn  H<'<>n  to  kill 

II  V(  llow-lu'llied  Wooditptker  in  a  back  yard  at  ',Vi  J'ark  avenue,  Now  York  City,  and 
also  a  Htibin  in  Washington  Sijuan!,  New  York  City.     (February  '27,  1884.) 

J.  Tercy  Moore,  of  Pliihulelpliia,  Pa.,  writes: 

•  "  •  Tlie  Sparrow  is  certainly  very  iMinnaeious,  and  I  liavt>  often  Rcon  it  attack 
ami  dia^io  oven  MUfii  a  liirt^e  l)ird  as  tlie  domestic  iii<;;eoi\  (October  115,  l"id,">) ;  and  iu 
.Inly,  1"'^:?,  two  were  seen  to  attack  and  put  to  llij;lit  a  Crow.  I  have  also  seen  tlieni 
atlai  U  tlie  Knby-throatcd  UnininiiiKbird  (.September  10,  IHSJ)  and  Chipping  Sparrow 
(Outiilicr  7,  H-^'i).     (October  l.'i,  Irir^'t.     Present  nineteen  years  or  more.) 

Ht'iiiy  Stewart,  of  Uackeiisack,  N.  J.,  write.s : 

It  attacks  my  young  cliickons  and  drives  thuni  from  their  food.  (February  5, 1884. 
I'nsiiit  aboitt  fourteen  years.) 

SIMMAUY  OF  THE  QUE.STION   OF  SrAIlUOW   ver.SUS   NATIVE  IHRDS. 

The  loivgoiiig  examples  of  evidence  have  been  taken  exelusively  from 
orijjinal  eontribiitions,  although  mimerous  ecjiially  strong  testimonials 
will  be  found  among  the  material  reprinted  from  various  publications 
and  Irom  both  American  and  foreign  .sources.  Tiiere  seems,  then,  to  be 
11(1  iM»ssibIe  escape  from  the  conclusion  that  the  Sparrow  exerci.ses  an 
important  and  most  harmful  influence  on  our  native  birds.  It  is  not 
t'laiined  that  in  all  cases  where  native  birds  have  become  less  abundant, 
(ir  have  entirely  disappeared  from  town  or  farm,  the  Sparrow  is  the 
cause.  On  the  contnuy,  we  know  positively  that  there  have  been 
iiiarUed  chaMgis  in  the  numbers  and  kinds  of  birds  visiting  certain  dis- 
triets.  under  such  circumstances  that  it  is  impossible  to  attribute  these 
changes  tothe  influence  of  the  Sparrow.  The  .settlement  of  a  country  fre- 
quently cau.ses  great  changes  in  its  bird  life.  Therai»id  growth  of  towns 
and  cities,  without  a  corresponding  increase  in  parks  and  gardens,  has 
ildiicmuch  to  diminish  the  number  of  birds.  Cats,  small  boys,  feather 
liuiiters,  and  similar  agencies  have  aided  in  the  war  of  extermination. 
The  llobolink  breeds  much  less  abundantly  in  New  England  now  than 
it  tliil  twenty-five  years  ago,  but  this  is  well  known  to  be  due  partly  to 
tiio  introduction  of  mowing  machines  and  the  cutting  of  hay  much  ear- 
lier in  the  season  than  formerly,  and  partly  to  the  wholesale  destruction 
of  till'  species  during  its  migrations.  But  the  fact  that  all  disappear- 
ances of  native  birds  from  town  or  country  can  not  be  charged  to  the 
Spaiiow  in  no  way  lessens  its  responsibility  for  such  changes  as  it  un- 
"liu'stionably  has  caused. 

On  the  other  hand,  many  of  the  most  stalwart  champions  of  our  native 
hinis  are  not  altogether  free  from  blame  for  their  partial  disappearance. 

III  iiow  many  cities  of  the  Union  were  native  birds  carefully  protected 
and  encouraged  to  build  their  nests  before  the  introduction  of  tne  Si>ar- 
row  .'  It  is  certain  that  in  many  cities  hundreds  or  even  thousands  (»f 
ItDxes  were  provided  for  the  introduced  Si)arrows,  where  scarcely  a 
dozen  had  been  given  to  native  birds. 


i)C 


Till-:    EiNGLISn    Sl'AKllOW    IN    AMKKICA. 


Ill  iiiiuiy  civses  tirs  supeijibmuliinc.e  of  nesting  places  so  stuUlenly  i)ro. 
vitlcd  will  ji(!connt  lor  the  actiiiil  increase  of  native  birds  in  spite  oftiie 
presence  of  the  Sparrows;  and  such  cases  have  naturali.y  misled  iiiaiiy 
candid  observers,  who  recognize<l  the  facts  without  considering  all  the 
conditions.  As  bearing  on  this  point  we  cite  a  part  of  Dr.  J.  A.  Allen's 
reinaiks  before;  the  Xiittall  Ornithological  Club,  at  aineeting  held  in 
Cambridge,  INlass.,  early  in  1.S7.S.  All  of  Dr.  Allen's  remarks  were  of 
great  interest  and  value,  and  should  bo  read  with  care  by  every  one 
interested  in  the  Sparrow  (iiiestioii.  We  quote  her«!  from  the  report 
printed  in  the  Boston  JCvening  Transcrij)!  of  i^Iarch  1!),  1.S7H,  but  select 
only  the  parts  referring  to  tin'  S[»arrow's  relations  to  native  birds: 

Jlr.  J.  A.  Alk'ii  Htiitcd  tliiit  ulthoii^h  In;  liad  IiitliiTto  purposely  ki-pt  out  of  iliu 
Sparrow  coiitroviTHV,  it  liiitl  not  been  fn»m  uiiy  Inck  of  iiitert'st  in  tlio  snliji-ct.  Ili' 
had  licliovcil  t1iiM|Ucstioii  to  bo  not  so  oiic-sidcd  as  many  liavo  assnniud — tbat  ilic 
Sparrows  arc  not  <niiti<  such  iiniiiiti<;ated  [tests  as  thoy  have  sDint'tiiues  been  representctl 
t(>  be,  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  cpiite  so  nnalloyud  a  beiiefaetion  as  some  bavo  chiiiiicd. 
Whihi  they  Inive  some  jiood  points,  they  arc  certaiidy  not  hickiiij;  in  bad  ones.  Uefdre 
taking Miih's oil  a  (lueslionof  so  iiiiieh  iniporiaiiee,  lie  had  waited  for  tlieaeeuiniihitioii  of 
evidene<>;  in  other  words,  till  the  Spari'ows  had  so  increased  in  nninbors  that  our 
knowledj;**  of  their  jirodivities  would  enable  us  to  ,juil;;e  of  tlio  results  of  an  cx- 
jierinieut  that  at  lirst  secuied  j)raisewortliy.  Tlii!  Sparrows,  it  is  true,  came  to  iin 
with  a  bad  name,  and  many  a  wise  one  on  tlitt  other  sidt;  of  the  Atlantic  had  warinil 
nB  of  the  conse(|uences  of  what  they  had  termed  an  act  of  folly.  *  *  '  llaxiii;; 
had  his  attention  eallcfl  of  late  rather  stron^-ly  to  the  subject,  Mr.  Allen  had  been  lid 
not  only  to  collect  his  own  observations  on  this  subject,  but  to  seek  inforinalioii 
from  localities  beyond  his  own  immediate  vicinity ;  and  on  wcif^liinj;  the  evidtnci' 
had  biMii  rather  .suritriscd  at  the  preponderance  of  facts  unfavorable  to  the  Spar- 
rows.    »     •     » 

The  dcwlruction  of  a  few  caterpillars  he  re<;arded  as  almost  the  sole  good  that  laii 
be  adduced  in  their  favor.  Their  presence  in  small  numbers,  and  especially  in  \\  in- 
ter, is  indeed  cheery  and  jileasant  ;  but,  when  iu  force,  their  harsh  chatter  becoiiics 
a  positive,  nuisance,  and  even  in  summer  rcntUirs  the  notes  of  other  birds  singiii^r  iu 
neighboring  trees  almost  indistinguishable.  In  regard  to  the  nnfavorable  side  of  the 
Hcore,  the  list  of  charges  is  a  long  one,  and  the  greater  part  are  too  well  attested  tu 
admit  of  reasonaldt^  doubt. 

First  in  tiie  list  is  their  nnfavorable  inlhienco  upon  our  native  birds.  Ordinarily, 
so  far  as  his  observati<nis  extend,  hi^  believed  that  they  were  not  violently  aggressive, 
but  reailily  became  so  wlieuever  there  was  a  contli3t  of  interest  and  occasionally  willi- 
ont  provocation.  The  little  Chipping  Sparrows  commonly  associate  with  then;  on 
terms  of  intim.icy  and  harmony,  and  rarely  had  he  seen  them  pursue  or  attack  other 
birds  when  meeting  with  them  at  a  distance  from  their  own  domiciles.  But  that 
they  do,  by  their  abundance  and  pctnlance,  tend  to  crowd  ont  and  supplant  our 
native  birds  seems  nearly  unqi'estiouable,  since  the  latti^r  disappear  wherever  tlw 
House  Sparrows  become  abundant.  Upon  such  sp<'eies  as  have  a  preference  for  nest- 
ing sites  similar  to  their  own,  they  do  exert,  however,  a  most  positive  intluciici'. 
These"'^are  Bluebirds,  White-bellied  Swallows,  Purple  Martins,  and  Wrens — binN  of 
attractive  ways,  agreeable  notes,  and  highly  insectivorous  in  their  diet.  When  the 
Sjiarrows  were  hrst  introdnci'd  into  Cambridge,  probably  at  least  a  dozen  bird-hmisi!! 
were  put  np  to  each  pair  of  Sparrows.  The  result  was  that  the  native  species  ,iii»t 
mentioned  fcnnid  al)undant  nesting  places,  and  at  once  became  more  numerous  iliau 
formerly.  As  the  Sparrows  rapidly  increased,  they  very  n;iturally  possessed  tluiu" 
Belves  of  the  bird  boxes  and  forced  their  former  occupants  elsewhere.     He  cited  the 


SPARROW   VERSUS   NATIVE   BIRDS. 


97 


fdllowing  instances  as  having  fallen  under  kls  observation :  Three  years  ago  no  lesa 
thiiM  throe  pair*  of  Wrens  and  as  many  pairs  each  of  Bluebirds  and  White-boUied 
Swallows  raised  their  young  in  boxes  in  sight  of  his  windows.  Tho  following  year 
about  one-hulf  disappeared,  and  lust  year  not  one  of  these  nine  pairs  of  native  birds 
had  a  ropresoutative  left  within  this  small  area.  Not  that  all  tho  boxes  were  occupied 
by  Uio  Sparrows,  but  they  claimed  possession  of  all,  and  by  force  of  numbers  re- 
taiiii'd  it.  In  most  cases  tho  former  occupants,  Unding  their  homos  already  in  the 
poKsrsMJon  of  their  enemies,  appeared  to  make  no  struggle  to  regain  them,  a  recon- 
naissance of  the  field  apparently  satisfying  them  of  the  hopelessness  of  any  such 
iitli'Mipt;  in  other  cases  they  were  not  given  up  without  long  and  and  hard-fought 
battles.  On  inquiry  he  found  that  similar  incidents  have  been  observed  in  neigh- 
liuriiig  parts  of  Cambridge.  Besides  this,  instances  of  uncalled-for  aggression  had 
come  to  his  notice,  one  of  which  he  himself  had  observed.  Last  year  a  colony  of 
Sparrows,  not  content  with  three  times  as  many  boxes  a"  they  had  use  for — to  gain 
iiossi'ssion  of  which  they  had  dicpossessed  wrens  and  swallows— attacked  a  pair  of 
Uiiblns  that  very  unwisely,  as  it  proved,  had  chosen  a  nesting  site  in  an  elm  close  to 
this  pugnacious  colony,  by  which  tlu?y  were  so  persistently  harassed  that  they  had  to 
abandon  their  completed  nest  and  its,  to  them,  precious  contents. 

One  error  into  which  many  observers  who  are  not  oriiithologi.sts  have 
fallen  lies  in  the  failure  to  discrituinate  between  the  abundance  of  birds 
ill  towns  and  cities  in  time  of  migration  and  in  the  breeding  season. 
Thus  such  a  visitor  to  the  national  capital  during  tho  first  week  in 
Apiil,  1887,  would  have  been  struck  at  once  with  tlie  number  of  Kobins 
iu  all  the  parks,  and  might  have  come  to  the  hasty  conclusion  that  there- 
fort^  the  English  Sparrow  had  no  serious  influence  on  them. 

Tlii'ie  were  undoubtedly  many  thousands  of  Hobins  in  the  city  of 
Washington  at  that  time.  On  the  grass  ground  in  front  of  the  Smith- 
sonian Institution,  on  the  lawns  of  the  Capitol,  and  in  many  of  the  other 
parks,  hundreds  wore  in  sight  at  once,  and  they  seldom  appeared  to  bo 
!nolo.sted  by  the  Siiarrows.  But  no  sooner  had  those  migrating  flocks 
passed  northward  and  tho  intending  settlors  arrivoil  in  smaller  num- 
lieis  from  the  South  than  the  Sparrows  began  to  show  their  natural 
disposition,  and,  as  a  result,  the  Kobins  which  remained  and  nested  in 
the  beautiful  parks,  numbering  hundreds  of  acres,  i)robably  did  not 
average  one  pair  to  every  ton  acres  of  suitable  ground. 

One  other  egregious  blunder,  for  which  there  is  still  less  excuse,  is 
the  claim  so  often  put  forward  that  in  other  countries,  notably  iu  Eng- 
land and  Germany,  the  Sparrows  live  in  peace  with  all  birds,  whereas 
if  tliey  were  tho  terrible  foes  represented  they  would  liavo  expelled  all 
these  birds  long  ago.  In  general,  such  statements  may  bo  set  down 
at  once  as  totally  untrue  as  regards  the  facts.  The  Sparrow  in  Europe 
is  veiy  much  the  same  bird  as  in  the  United  States,  certainly  no  bet- 
ter. And  wherever  there  is  any  marked  difference  in  habits  such  a  dif- 
ference is  usually  attributable  to  the  fii  that  the  conditions  of  ex- 
istence are  entirely  unlike.    On  this  point  Dr.  Elliott  Cones  says: 

In  Kiirope  these  birds  are  part  and  parcel  of  tho  natural  fauna  of  the  country. 
Tbcv  are  not,  as  I  understand,  petted,  pampered,  and  seduously  protected  from  their 
uatiiial  enemies,  as  they  are  hero.    They  shift  lor  themselves,  tiud  oortaiu  sources  of 
8404— Bull.  1 7 


98 


THE   EMQLISU   SPAUliOW   IN   AMKKICA. 


\t. 


food  supply,  bavo  a  fair  share  of  natural  cuemies,  and  are  kept  uitliiu  due  boundH  of 
inultiplicntioD  by  natural  causes;  so  that  the  "  balance  of  power,"  to  use  a  politii.il 
phrasu,  adjusts  itself.  In  short,  tlu\v  have  their  useful  part  to  play,  and  they  play  it; 
thoy  have  their  natural  checks,  and  their  increase  is  naturally  checked.  (Anieriian 
Naturalist,  Vol.  XII,  p.  500,  Aug.,  1878.) 

lu  niauy  parts  of  Europe  bounties  have  been  paid  on  tlic  Sparrow 
from  time  to  time  for  centuries,  antl  today  in  many  sections  of  England 
the  farmers  are  flghting  this  pest  as  bitterly  as  in  any  section  of  the  New 
World.  If  any  one  doubts  that  the  Sparrow  attacks  other  biids  iu 
Europe,  let  him  turn  to  the  evidence  given  before  the  select  cominii- 
tee  of  the  British  Parliament  in  1873,  and  read  the  statements  which 
support  the  testimony  of  Col.  Champion  liussell  with  regard  to  the 
relations  of  the  Sparrow  and  the  martin.  Ilis  conclusion  is,  "  If  pio- 
pie  will  neither  protect  the  martins  from  the  Sparrows  nor  let  thcui 
build  near  their  doors  and  windows  for  protection,  we  shall  lose  these 
beautiful  and  most  useful  birds;  indeed,  we  are  losing  them  fast.  Un- 
like most  other  birds,  they  will  not  uiJike  their  nests  far  from  our  dwell- 
ings j  if  not  allowed  to  build  there,  they  disappear." 


EELATION  OF  THE  SPAEEOW  TO  INSECTS. 


GENERAL  SUMMAEY  OF  EVIDENCE. 

The  vexed  question  of  the  insect  eating  habits  of  the  Sparrow  is  one 
of  the  most  important  ones  to  be  decided,  and  on  the  decision  many 
l)ersons  would  rest  their  arguments  for  or  against  the  bird. 

It  has  been  shown  that  the  Sparrow  is  decidedly  injurious  to  grain, 
seeds  of  various  kinds,  and  fruit;  that  it  causes  a  decrease  in  the  niiin 
ber  of  native  birds  in  gardens  and  on  farms,  as  well  as  in  cities  and 
towns ;  and  that  it  is  a  serious  nuisance  in  many  ways.  But,  if  it  cotihl 
be  shown  that  it  habitually  consumes  large  numbers  of  injurious  in- 
sects, there  might  still  be  some  ground  for  continuing  to  protect  it,  or 
at  least  for  reiraining  from  its  wholesale  destruction. 

In  the  effort  to  obtain  sufficient  evidence  to  settle  this  question  no 
trouble  has  been  spared,  and  every  scrap  of  testimony  submitted  has 
been  carefully  considered. 

Particular  pains  have  been  taken  to  obtain  every  possible  fact  favor- 
able to  the  bird,  and  the  utmost  care  has  been  taken  to  exclude  no 
item  of  this  kind,  while  in  doubtful  cases  the  Sparrow  has  always  bceu 
given  the  benefit  of  the  doubt.  Yet,  unfortunately  for  this  bird,  the 
result  shows  plainly  that  it  is  not  a  habitual  insect-eater,  that  it  does 
not  prefer  insect  food,  and  that  it  seldom  produces  any  perceptible 
effect  on  the  numbers  of  any  species  of  injurious  insect. 

We  are  well  aware  that  these  conclusions  will  be  questioned  by  some 
friends  of  the  bird,  either  too  busy  or  .oo  prejudiced  to  examine  the 
evidence  for  themselves,  but  we  believe  that  no  candid  person  can  ex 


INSECT-EATING   HAHITS. 


99 


amino  carefully  all  the  evidence  printed  herewith  and  fail  to  bo  con- 
vinced of  the  justice  of  the  verdict.  Much  favorjiblo  evidence  has  been 
siilnnitted,  and  it  leaves  no  doubt  that  Sparrows  generally  carry  some 
iiist'cts  to  their  young;  that  the  young  after  leaving  the  nest  continue 
to  eat  insects  for  a  time,  and  occasionally  even  when  fully  adult.  In- 
stances are  given  where  the  Sparrow  has  done  good  service  by  destroy- 
in;;  large  numbers  of  the  army  worm,  cabbage-worm,  canker-worm  and 
otiier  span-worms,  as  well  as  grasshoppers,  and  some  other  insects;  but 
tlu'.se  are  exceptional  cases,  readily  accounted  for  when  all  the  circum- 
stances are  known,  and  showing,  in  most  instances,  not  that  the  Spar- 
row is  habitually  insectivorous,  but  that  it  follows  the  rule  which  Prof. 
S.  A.  Forbes  has  indicated  for  many  other  seed-eaters,  viz,  that  when 
suitable  insects  are  extraordinarily  abundant  these  birds  substitute  in 
sect  food  to  some  extent  for  their  more  natural  diet  of  seed  and  grain. 

Except  when  feeding  the  young,  Sparrows  can  scarcely  be  said  to 
liave  any  habit  in  relation  to  insects.  Certain  individuals  may  acquire 
a  taste  for  certain  in^tects,  or  even  for  insects  in  general,  and  many 
Sparrows  seem  to  delight  in  chasing  large  winged  insects,  such  as  but- 
terllies,  grasshoppers,  and  cicadas,  and  when  their  clumsy  efforts  in 
this  direction  are  successful  they  usually,  though  not  always,  eat  or 
take  to  their  young  the  insects  captured ;  but  as  a  rule  aiUilt  Sparrows 
which  are  not  feeding  young  do  not  hunt  for  insects,  and  if  they  catch 
them  at  all,  it  is  only  because  they  chance  to  come  in  their  way  while 
seeking  other  food. 

Tlie  following  facts  should  be  borne  constantly  in  mind  while  study- 
ing this  question.  In  the  first  place,  there  are  many  beneficial  as  well 
as  injurious  insects,  and  tho  Sparrow  does  not  appear  to  discriminate 
between  them. 

Again,  the  injurious  insects,  such  as  span-worms  and  smooth  cater- 
pillars, which  the  Sparrow  sometime/i  destroys  in  numbers,  are  pre- 
eisely  such  insects  as  are  always  acceptable  to  other  birds ;  while  there 
are  many  other  injurious  insects,  such  as  hairy  caterpillars,  which  tho 
Sparrow  never  touches,  but  which  some  other  common  birds  devour 
greedily.  As  almost  all  these  native  birds  have  been  lessened  in  num- 
bers, or  entirely  driven  away  from  places  where  Sparrows  are  abundant, 
the  bearing  of  these  facts  is  obvious. 

Finally,  there  is  no  species  of  injurious  insect  that  the  Sparrow  has 
been  known  to  destroy,  even  in  small  numbers,  which  is  not  much  oftener 
devoured  by  native  birds.  Thus  tho  Sparrow  does  no  kind  of  beneficial 
work  as  an  insect  destroyer  which  would  not  be  much  better  done  by 
native  birds;  while  its  presence  prevents  other  birds  from  accomplish- 
ing' many  kinds  of  work  which  the  Sparrow  does  not  nndc.take  at  all. 

The  reply  bo  often  made  to  this  argument,  namely,  that  native  birds 
never  would  stay  in  towns  as  tho  Sparrow  does,  shows  the  most  pitiable 
i;i!iorance  of  facts.  In  most  towns  where  there  is  vegetation  subject  to 
thf  attacks  of  iusectSj  native  birds  are  sure  to  be  ibuud  unless  drivei) 


100 


THE   ENGLISH    8PAHHOW   IN   AMERICA. 


away  by  the  S[)}\rrowH.  If  there  bo  but  one  or  two  trees  In  the  heart  of 
a  city,  there  is  no  need  to  depend  upon  birds,  native  or  imported,  to 
keep  them  free  from  hiseuts;  if  tlierc  are  many  trees,  then  many  native 
birtls  will  nest  there  if  they  are  properly  encouraged.  Had  one  tenth 
the  care  been  devoted  to  native  birds  in  Boston,  Philadelphia,  and  New 
York  that  was  wasted  on  the  imported  Sparrows,  it  is  not  probable  that 
the  span-worm  would  ever  have  stripped  the  trees  in  those  cities,  or  that 
the  hairy  larva  of  the  tussock-moth,  or  the  equally  destructive  web- 
worm,  would  have  followed  when  the  span-worm  was  lessened  in  num- 
bers. 

That  the  steady  and  alarming  increase  of  these  hairy  worms  is  largely, 
if  not  mainly,  due  to  the  presence  of  the  Sparrow  and  the  consequent 
absence  of  better  birds  is  not  open  to  doubt.  The  testimony  of  Prof. 
C.  V.  lliley,  Entom  ologist  of  the  U.  S.  Department  of  Agriculture,  of 
Prof.  J.  A.  Lintner,  State  Entomologist  of  New  York;  and  of  Dr.  John 
L.  LeConte,  of  Philadelphia,  is  conclusive  on  this  point.  A  part  of  this 
testimony  is  given  a  few  pages  further  on,  and  the  remainder  will  bo 
found  in  Professor  Riley's  report  which  follows. 

Before  proceeding  further  with  this  discussion,  it  will  be  well,  as 
under  previous  sections  of  this  Bulletin,  to  give  a  brief  r<5sum6  of  the 
evidence  collected,  and  on  which  the  conclusions  as  regards  the  Spar- 
row's relations  to  insects  are  based. 

This  evidence  may  be  roughly  divided  into  two  classes : 

I.  Evidence  derived  mainly  from  study  of  the  contents  of  Sparrows' 
stomachs. 

II.  Evidence  derived  mainly  from  observation  of  the  bird,  without 
subsequent  examination  of  the  stomach. 

EVIDENCE  DEniVED  FROM  STUDY  OF  THE  CONTENTS    OF  SPARROWS*  STOMACHS. 


h 


Under  this  head  is  included  all  available  published  data  derived  from 
dissection  in  both  Europe  and  America,  and  representing  in  all  about 
two  thousand  five  hundred  stomachs. 

Of  this  number,  about  eleven  hundred  are  from  European  sources  and 
the  remainder  from  the  United  States  and  Canada.  With  the  excep- 
tion of  data  relating  to  upward  of  five  hundred  stomachs  examined  at 
the  Department  during  the  past  year,  very  few  of  these  records  are  as 
complete  as  could  be  desired,  and  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  tabu- 
late the  results  of  all  the  dissections,  but  it  may  be  stated  that  among 
two  thousand  four  hundred  and  fifty-five  stomachs  only  three  hundred 
and  forty-five,  or  about  14  per  cent.,  showed  any  insect  remains.  In  the 
case  of  five  hundred  and  twenty-two  stomachs  examined  at  the  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  all  necessary  data  were  obtainable  and  the  results 
have  been  carefully  tabulated.  The  insect  remains  contained  in  these 
stomachs  were  critically  examined  under  the  direction  of  Prof.  0.  V. 
Bilc^,  who  has  kindly  prepared  a  report  upon  the  sabjeot,  and  has  added 


INSECT-EATING   HAIIITS.  101 

tlioruto  the  results  of  bis  study  of  published  data  of  other  dissections  and 
of  Ilia  own  large  experience  with  Ihc  Sparrow. 

This  valuable  report  of  Professor  Kiley  covers  tlie  ground  so  thor- 
oughlj',  that  there  is  no  excuse  for  our  entering  into  any  extended  dis- 
cussion of  the  facts  brought  out  by  these  dissections,  and  we  shall  merely 
touch  on  one  or  two  points  to  give  eu)phasis  to  some  of  our  remarks 
later. 

KVIDENCK   DEniVED   I'llOM   OnSKKVATION   OF  THE   niUD. 

That  part  of  tho  testimony  which  is  based  mainly  on  observation, 
witli  only  an  occasional  dissection,  is  much  less  positive  as  a  whole  than 
that  based  solely  on  dissection;  but  some  parts  of  it  are  extremely  val- 
imblo  nevertheless. 

In  reply  to  tho  schedule  questions  sent  out,  and  by  subsequent  cor- 
respondence with  all  persons  willing  to  contribute  information,  reports 
were  received  from  live  hundred  and  ninety-one  persons.  The  contents 
of  these  reports  may  be  roughly  classified  as  follows : 

Mainly  favurablo  to  tbo  Sparrow 207 

Mainly  unfavorable  to  tho  Sparrow 138 

About  equally  divided 60 

Indefinite,  or  of  no  practical  value 126 

Total 591 

Of  the  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  reports  counted  of  no  practical 
value,  seventy-eight  consist  simply  of  tho  statement  that  tho  Sparrow 
eats  insects  only  when  forced  to  do  so  by  the  absence  of  other  food. 

As  a  majority  of  all  observers  were  naturally  unable  to  discriminate 
between  injurious  and  beneficial  insects,  all  reports  which  credit  the 
Sparrow  with  eating  insects  of  any  Mnd  have  been  considered  (in  this 
mmmnry)  favorable  to  the  Sparrow,  though,  in  view  of  Professor  Eiley's 
examination  of  insects  actually  eaten,  this  is  far  from  being  really  the 
case. 

The  following  table  shows  the  insects  which  tho  Sparrow  is  said  to 
eat  and  the  number  of  observers  reporting  each  insect.  With  tho  ex- 
ception of  single  reports  on  six  or  seven  species,  it  does  not  record  re- 
sults of  dissection,  but  merely  the  observations  of  those  who  report 
having  seen  tho  Sparrow  taking  insects  for  itself  or  young.  In  this 
list  there  are  no  repetitions,  that  is,  the  same  insect  is  not  entered  in 
two  separate  categories.  For  example  "  worms,"  fifty-six  reports,  does 
not  include  cut-worms,  canker-worms,  earth-worms,  etc.,  which  are  re- 
corded just  as  reported. 


102 


TnE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 
LM  of  iuBeoU  iiatd  to  be  eaten  by  the  Sparrow, 


KludoriDM-ct 


ADtl: 

Il.d 

Wlnsed 

Klnilnut  speclttoU 

Anld-essa 

Apliidee 

Applo-troo  tortus 

Army-worm 

lia({- worni 

llcello: 

Tljtor  ( Cieindelai 

OoldHniith 

IlrpllpH:  Kind  not  HpovlQvd'.. 

DIonr  tly 

llot-fly 

Itorera 

Itiill'nio  moth 

lUiHH : 

From  elm  bark 

I'Voin  cliorry  I  roo 

Kiuil  not  npurillud 

IliittertI V  ((umM«) 

Iluttorlly: 

VunrHHa 

Yellow 

niitterllipx,  kind  not  spooiflod 

lliitterily  liirvw 

l-'abbngti-Viuttcrliy 

( 'abbii;:o-niotli 

Oabbngo-worma 

Ciiuk(!r-worm 

Carabidm 

Onrabid  larvw 

Caterpillur : 

Kftll 

Grnpo-vino 

Smooth 

Tent 

Troo 

Kind  not  spcciCcd 

Cherrv-lree  worms 

Obiucli-bng 

Clear-winged  flies  from  grnpo. 
Cicudn: 

Seventeen- year 

Kind  not  apcciflcd 

OoccinfUidcB 

Codling- worm 

Codling-moth 

Coleoplora  (larva) 

Crickets  

Curculio  of  plum 

Currant  uioth 

Currant  worm 

Cutworm : 

Bronzy 

Kind  not  specified 

Dragon-flies 

Dung-insects 

Earthworms 

Flea-bags 

Plies: 

Horse 

House 

Stable 

Small,  block 

Kind  not  specified 


1 
1 
4 

1 

a 

8 
9 

1 

1 
1 

10 
2 
4 
1 
1 

1 
1 

18 
1 

1 
1 

14 
1 
2 
2 
39 
20 
I 
1 

1 
1 
3 
3 
3 
53 
1 
1 
1 

11 
0 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 
1 
4 

1 
0 
2 
2 
7 
1 

2 
3 
1 
1 
2S 


Kind  of  insect. 


Onats 

OraiMhoppern,  kind  not  specified 

Uriibs  orlarviD,  kind  not  specified 

Uarpalus  tagant 

Honey  bees 

Uvphantria  (moth) 

lluphantria  (larva) 

Ichneumon  flies 

losecti: 

Un  maples 

Ou  trees 

In  wheat 

Kind  nolspocificd 

InHi'ct  eifgs 

June-bug 

Juuo-bug  (larva) 

Katydid    

Larva)  of— 

Uonse-fiy 

Stable-fly 

Varions  flics 

Moths 

Loafrollersof  plum 

Loaf-rollers,  kind  not  spoclflt  d 

Locust« 

Maggots  from  dead  animal 

May-bug 

May-bug  LtrriD 

May-flies 

Measuring-worms 

Measuring- worm  moth 

Melon  bugs  of  all  kinds 

Mosquito 

Moth,  (una 

Moth,  Oeoropia 

Moths  or  millers,  kind  cot  Rpociflod 

Muieidm 

Orgyia  {moth) 

Orgyia  ( larvte) 

Orthoptera 

I'otalO'bug 

Potato-bug  larva 

Koao-bug 

liose-sliigs 

Scale  insecis 

Sings 

Sphinx  Carolina 

Spiders,  kind  not  specified 

Sq  iiasli-  bugs 

Tobacco-worm 

Troe-lico 

Wasp 

Weevils 

White-ants  (Termet) 

Worms  on — 

Fruit-trees 

Elm 

Linden  

Maple 

Pear-tree 

Worms : 

Red 

Small  green 

Tree 

Kinds  not  specified 


60 


118 


In  this  list  there  are  a  dozen  or  more  items  which  are  conspicuous 
from  the  number  of  witnesses  reporting  them.  Thus  armyworins, 
canker-worms,  and  cabbage- worms  aggregate  seventy- four  reports; 
caterpillars  alone  are  mentioned  in  sixty-four  r<  iports,  and  "  worms," 


INSECT   DIET   OF   YOUNO. 


103 


many  of  which  are  undoubtedly  catcrpilltirs,  in  eighty-eight  more.  Fifty 
observers  speak  of  grabs  or  htrvos;  flfty-two  of  gra88hoi)i>er8;  and  then 
we  iiaVe  moths,  millers,  and  butterflies  with  flftyniuo;  flies,  thirty-two, 
boi'tles,  twenty-seven,  and  spiders,  twenty-six;  while,  lastly,  one  hnn- 
(Iri'd  and  eighteen  reports  state  that  the  Sparrow  eats  "  insects,"  but 
fail  to  specify  the  kinds. 

Unquestionably  the  information  in  many  of  these  reports  is  of  little 
consequence.  It  is  assumed  to  bo  in  most  cases  the  result  of  personal 
observation,  but  many  of  the  reports  contain  internal  evidence  that  the 
information  is  derived  from  other  sources,  while  still  others  appear  to  be 
liavSty  inferences  from  entirely  insufficient  data.  But  the  same  might 
be  said  for  many  of  the  reports  relating  to  the  Sparrow's  relations  to  na- 
tive birds,  ViivA  the  difference,  however,  that  the  names  and  habits  of 
insects  are  less  commonly  known  than  those  of  birds,  while  the  small 
size  of  many  insects  is  apt  to  lead  a  careless  observer  to  believe  that 
the  Sparrow,  when  searching  on  the  ground  and  picking  up  anything 
too  small  to  be  readily  seen,  is  always  eating  insects. 


AKOUMENT  FHOM  ALL  AVAILABLE  DATA. 

The  fact  that  more  than  a  hundred  observers  state  that  they  have 
never  seen  a  Sparrow  touch  even  a  siugle  insect  is  certainly  surprising, 
and  can  only  be  e;cplaiued  by  one  of  two  hypotheses:  either  they  are  not 
close  observers,  or  their  opportunities  for  observation  have  been  lim- 
ited. Certainly  when  suitable  insects  are  abundant.  Sparrows  usually 
take  considerable  numbers  to  their  young;  yet  it  is  equally  certain  that 
in  our  large  cities  thousands  of  Si>arrows  are  reared  annually  without 
ever  tasting  insects.  When  bread,  cooked  meat,  or  other  soft  food  is 
obtainable  the  old  birds  are  content  to  give  the  young  such  food,  and 
even  when  insect  food  is  fairly  abundant  it  is  not  always  utilized. 
Tims  Colonel  Russell  states  that  in  England  ho  once  examined  the 
stomachs  of  forty-seven  nestling  Sparrows  taken  at  one  time  from  one 
farm  yard,  and  found  the  remains  of  but  six  small  insects  in  the  entire 
lot,  the  crops  in  most  cases  being  flilled  with  green  peas  and  grain.  On 
the  other  hand  Dr.  Schleh,  professor  in  the  College  of  Agriculture  at 
Herford,  Germany,  after  examining  "the  crops  of  a  large  number  of  nest- 
ling Sparrows  sent  to  him  from  different  parts  of  the  country,"  finds 
that  "while  in  the  nest,  and  for  a  week  after  leaving  it,  their  food  con- 
sists entirely  of  insects,  grubs,  etc.  Two  weeks  after  leaving  the  nest 
their  food  still  consists  of  forty-three  per  cent,  of  animal  food;  a  week 
later  of  thirty-one  per  cent.,  and  after  that  age  of  only  nineteen  per 
cent,  of  animal  ingredients. "  Unfortunately  we  do  not  know  the  num- 
ber of  dissections  on  which  these  figures  are  based,  but  they  arc  far 
nioro  favorable  to  the  Sparrow  than  any  others  we  have  seen,  and  can 
scarcely  be  regarded  as  nearer  the  average  than  the  above  figures  of 
Colonel  Eussell,  which  perhaps  indicate  the  other  extreme. 


1; 


104 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


il 


ii:i|ii 


In  this  connection  some  of  the  data  afforded  by  the  five  hundred  and 
twenty-two  dissections  made  at  Washington  during  the  past  summer  are 
of  interest.  Three  hundred  and  thirty -eight  were  the  stomachs  of  birds 
taken  on  the  grounds  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  almost  all  of 
them  shot  between  noon  and  2  o^clock  p.  m.,  and  when  not  engaged  ia 
searching  the  driveways  for  refuse.  These  grounds  consist  of  about 
thirty-five  acres  of  grass,  shrubbery,  trees,  and  gardens;  and  form  one 
section  of  the  unbroken  series  of  parks  which  extends  from  the  Capitol 
to  the  "White  House,  a  distance  of  more  than  a  mile.  Here  at  all  times 
during  the  summer  large  numbers  of  insects  were  to  be  had  without 
any  particular  search,  and  hence  these  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight 
stomachs  ought  to  contain  a  larger  percentage  than  usual  of  such 
food.  The  rem.'iinirg  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  stomachs  came  from 
various  places  at  a  distanoo,  and  the  data  accompanying  them  are  not 
complete  in  all  cases,  but  many  were  collected  in  places  where  insects 
were  abundant.  Three  hundred  and  seventy-six  of  these  stomachs  were 
from  adult  birds,  and  fifty-four  of  them,  or  fourteen  and  two-tenths  per 
cent.,  contained  remains  of  insects.  One  hundred  and  two  were  from 
birds  classified  as  "immature  " — that  is,  they  were  at  most  only  two  or 
three  months  old,  but  were  fully  fledged,  and  no  longer  under  the  care 
of  the  parents.  Twenty-two  of  these,  or  about  twenty -one  and  one-half 
per  cent.,  contained  insect  remains.  Forty-four  were  either  nestlings  or 
at  least  still  under  the  care  of  the  parents,  and  seventeen  of  these,  or 
thirty -eight  and  six-tenths  per  cent.,  contained  some  insect  food.  This 
confirms  in  great  measure  the  generally  accepted  theory  that  young 
Sparrows  eat  many  more  insects  than  adults,  but  it  should  be  remarked 
that  very  few  of  these  five  hundred  and  twenty  two  stomachs  contained 
any  large  number  of  insects.  Certainly  the  average  percentage  of  iu- 
sect  food  would  not  exceed  one  or  two  per  cent.,  while  even  in  the  forty- 
four  young  birds  not  more  than  ten  per  cent,  of  the  entire  food  was 
insects.  Moreover,  in  one  or  two  cases,  young  Sparrows  taken  from  the 
nests  contained  no  trace  of  insect  food,  but  did  contain  crushed  or  soft- 
ened grain,  probably  from  horse  droppings.  Dr.  B.  H.  Warren,  at  West 
Chester,  Pa.,  and  Mr.  C.  J.  Maynard,  in  Boston,  had  similar  experiences, 
and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  insects  are  not  essential  even  for  feed- 
ing the  young.  Many  persons  suppose  that  when  Sparrows  are  busy  at 
horsf  dropj)ing8  in  the  streets  they  are  looking  for  insects,  but  of  course 
they  are  really  picking  out  the  partially  digested  grain,  and  this  grain 
is  perfectly  adapted  to  the  wants  of  young  Sparrows,  even  when  just 
hatched.  An  occasional  insect  may  be  picked  up  in  the  same  places,  but 
such  insects  are  usually  small  dung-beetles  which  are  useful,  or  at  least 
not  harmful  specnes.  It  is  probably  safe  to  say  that  as  a  rule  nine- 
tenths  of  the  food  of  city  Sparrows — so  long  as  they  remain  within  city 
limits — is  derived  from  horse  droppings,  and  most  of  the  remainder  is 
house  refuse.    In  the  parks  or  on  the  outskirts  of  cities,  in  small  towns, 


SEASONAL   VARIATION  IN  INSECT  DIET. 


105 


and  in  the  country,  Sparrows  undoubtedly  take  more  grain  or  seed,  fruit, 
and  iusects;  and  all  careful  observers  whose  observations  have  ex- 
tended over  considerable  periods  in  such  localities,  agree  that  the  Spar- 
row destroys  insects  more  or  less  according  to  their  abundance. 

SEASONAL  VAniATIOX  IN  THE  INSECT  FOOD  OF  THE  SPARROW. 

It  has  been  claimed  often  that  Sparrows  take  much  the  larger  part 
of  their  insect  food  in  sprin:,^  or  early  summer.  While  this  may  be 
true,  we  have  not  the  data  as  yet  to  prove  it,  ana  it  seems  to  be,  in  part 
at  least,  a  hasty  inference  from  two  principal  facts.  These  are,  first, 
the  assumption  that  the  young  are  fed  mainly  on  insects,  and  that  the 
most  young  are  hatched  in  spring  and  early  summer;  second,  the  sup- 
position that  as  grain  ripens,  Sparrows  naturally  neglect  all  other  food. 
Undoubtedly  both  these  points  have  considerable  weight,  but  there  are 
two  other  points  that  tend  to  oflFset  them,  and  these  are  too  frequently 
overlooked.  Although  doubtless  more  Sparrows  are  hatched  in  May 
or  June  than  in  July  or  August,  yet  we  do  not  know  how  n  any  more. 
It  has  been  shown  already  that  at  least  three  or  four  broods  are  hatched 
each  year,  and  during  the  last  week  in  August,  1887,  stump-tailed  young 
just  out  of  the  nest  were  not  at  all  rare  about  the  grounds  of  the  De- 
partment of  Agriculture.  If  nearly  as  many  young  are  reared  in  Au- 
gust as  in  May,  probtibly  as  many  insects  would  be  fed  to  them  in  Au- 
gust as  in  May,  for — and  here  is  the  second  point — insects  are  certainly 
more  abundant  in  midsummer  and  early  autumn  than  in  spring. 

In  England,  according  to  Mr.  Gurney's  tables,  the  Sparrow  eats  more 
insects  in  August  than  in  any  other  month;  and  Dr.  William  Brodie, 
at  Toronto,  Canada,  found  that  of  85  stomachs  taken  in  September,  G3, 
or  about  74  per  cent.,  contained  insects. 

Tlie  following  table  gives  the  results,  as  regards  the  number  of  stom- 
achs containing  iusects,  of  the  522  dissections  made  at  the  Department 
of  Agriculture,  arranged  by  months.*  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  as 
many  birds  were  not  killed  each  month  as  in  August,  but  this  was  im- 
possible, although  it  is  hoped  it  may  bo  done  hereafter. 

'  Tor  information  as  to  the  manner  in  which  these  examiuatious  wore  made,  see 
pago  133. 


106 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Tabh  showing,  by  »m>m(/i»,  the  numb  r  and  percentaifea  of  Sparrows  ooniaining  insects,  in  a 

total  of  522  diiisculioiia. 


mm 


'   "                                                         "    •  ' 

d 

d 

n 
a 

.2 

1 
.2 

% 
o 

2 
0 

17 
0 

21 

1 

24 

1 

in 

1 

4 
1 

24 
3 

20 

7 

15 
0 

24 
U 

15 
0 

R 
0 

i 

a 
2 

I 
p 

"a 

Jnniinrv: 

0 
0 

0 
0 

0 
0 

1 

0 

11 

5 

43 
12 

37 
U 

213 
53 

^9 

2 

1 
U 

> 

2 

0 

1 

u 

2 
17 
21 
25 
2} 
47 
61 
233 
44 
25 
17 

0 

Cuiituiuuii  JDACCta  .....  ....................  ......    ............  ■•-... 

0 

'"  0 

0 

I'Vbrnnry: 

Contaiued iuaect 8 

0 

March : 

KxAnilnotI              .......................   .. 

1 

4.8 

April: 

£xnTn1iie(1               ............   .........  .,...■.....•>.............• 

Contained  insects 

May: 

Exnminod 

4. 

Coiitniued  iiiHBctH  ..  ...   .. 

s 

'J8  C 

June: 

Examined , 

13 

27.7 

July: 

Contaiued  mscots 

g 

14.8 

August : 

Kvaiinnpd               ...  ......        .          .   .     ....     .   ........         ..^ 

60 

i;5.8 

September: 

£xaiiiinc>d    .  .....................     ............................. 

Contained  insects --.-.- 

2 

4.5 

October : 

Kxaniinrd  .- 

0 

"o 

92 

0 

Novetnlier: 

KxAniitU'd 

Con t (lined insects  .................... ....... 

u 

l)(cenib<r: 

Examined , 

0 

Totals 

bll 

17.6 

\^M. 


These  results,  unsiitisfiictory  as  they  are,  show  couclusively  that  be 
fore  any  general  rule  can  belaid  down  respecting  the  insect  food  of  the 
Sparrow  in  its  relation  to  season,  it  will  be  necessary  to  examine  liiucli 
larger  numbers  of  stomachs,  and  to  note  particularly,  in  addition  to  tlie 
date  and  locality,  such  facts  as  the  age  of  the  bird,  the  time  of  day  when 
killed,  the  character  of  the  place  where  killed,  as  well  as  the  apparent 
abundance  or  scarcity  of  food  of  any  particular  kind. 

Among  the  five  hundred  and  ninety-one  reports  which  are  not  based 
on  dissection,  probably  there  are  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  more  which 
have  been  carefully  prepared,  give  the  results  of  actual  observation, 
and  hence  contain  valuable  information. 

In  Professor  Riley's  report  will  be  found  a  list  of  some  of  the  most 
vaUiable  and  suggestive  of  these  contributions,  which  should  be  read  in 
full  in  order  to  appreciate  the  facts.  At  least  two-thirds  of  them  con- 
tain facts  more  or  less  favorable  to  the  Sparrow,  but,  as  stated  alreatly, 
these  arc  readily  accounted  for  when  all  the  circumstances  are  known. 


LINTNER  ON  CATERPILLAR  PROTECTION. 


107 


.a 

s.  t 

0 

0 

4.8 

i 
3 

...„. 

'"28.'C 
"27.' 7 

IJ     0 

4.5 


0 


0 
17.6 


RKLATION  OK  THK  SPAKROW  TO   CATKHriLLAUS. 

Professor  Eiley,  iu  bis  report,  Las  called  attention  to  several  points  of 
interest  in  these  contributions,  .and  has  also  gi\  en  an  interesting  letter 
of  Lis,  written  to  Dr.  Cones  in  1878,  relating  to  the  agency  of  the  En- 
glish Sparrow  in  increasing  rather  than  diminishingthe  numbers  of  hairy 
caterpillars,  especially  of  Orgyia  and  Eyphantria,  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington. 

In  the  annual  report  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture  for  188G,  we 
pnblished  similar  conclusions  as  regards  Orgyia,  derived  from  the  inde- 
pendent observations  of  Prof.  J.  A.  Liutner,  State  Entomologist  of  New 
York.  We  again  publish  these  extracts  from  Professor  Lintner's  report, 
ii8  they  are  of  great  interest  and  importance,  especially  as  they  mention 
some  of  the  native  birds  which  undoubtedly  held  the  Orgyia  in  check 
liefore  the  advent  of  the  English  Sparrow. 

Relation  to  the  caterpillar  of  the  Tussock  Moth. — Professor  Lintner  says : 
"The  extraordinary  increase  of  the  Orgyia  leucostigma  is  owing  to  the 
introduction  and  multiplication  of  the  English  Sjiarrow. 

"This  may  seem  a  strange  statement,  in  consideration  of  the  fact  that 
the  Sparrow  was  imported  from  Europe  for  the  express  purpose  of  abat- 
ing the  'caterpillar  nuisance'  in  New  York  and  some  of  the  New  Eng- 
land cities.  .  .  .  T'»:  increase  of  the  Orflfj/ia /cMcosi/r/ma  commenced 
iind  has  continued  to  progress  with  that  of  the  Sparrow. 

"A  remark  made  to  me  that  the  caterpillars  had  been  observed  to  be 
very  numerous  in  localities  where  the  Sparrows  also  abounded  induced 
me  to  undertake  to  verify  or  disprove  the  idea  that  had  suggested  itself 
to  me,  that  the  Sparrow  afforded  actual  protection  to  the  caterpillars 
and  promoted  their  increase. 

"In  a  locality  in  the  city  of  Albany,  N.  Y.  (intersection  of  Broadway 
and  Spencer  street),  which  I  hud  traversed  daily  during  the  preceding 
year,  I  had  been  interested  iu  watching  the  habits  of  a  large  company 
of  Sparrows  which  had  established  themselves  iu  quarters  evidently  iu 
every  way  suited  to  their  tastes  and  wants  among  the  vines  and  leaves 
of  a  large  woodbine  {Ampclopsis  quinquefolia),  which  covered  with  a 
dense  matting  nearly  the  entire  side  of  a  large  dwelling.  Here  I  had 
observed  a  greater  number  of  the  Sparrows  than  elsewhere  in  the  city. 
Tliey  were  still  local  and  far  from  being  generally  distributed. 

"  Upon  visiting  this  locality  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned,  I  found 
upon  the  other  side  of  the  building,  and  on  an  adjoining  one,  three  other 
large  woodbines  not  before  noticed  by  me,  making  five  in  all.  On  a  tall 
liolo  standing  between  the  two  buildings  a  very  large  Sparrow  house 
« itli  niauy  compartments  had  been  erected,  and  many  smaller  ones  had 
been  placed  among  the  branches  of  the  trees.  The  woodbines  seemed 
alive  with  the  Sparrows.  Hundreds  were  issuing  from  them  and  drop- 
ping down  to  their  favorite  stercoraceous  repasts  in  the  streets,  and  the 
air  was  vocal  with  their  chattering.    It  was  a  rare  bird  exhibition. 


1^^ 


108 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


m 


m 


Here  certainly  was  a  test  case  of  the  insectivorous  nature  of  the  Spar- 
row. 

"  On  the  sidewalk  in  front  of  the  two  buildings  two  largo  spreading 
elms  ( Ulmua  AmericanuH),  standing  between  some  maples,  showed  every 
leaf  eaten  from  them,  disclosing  the  nesting-boxes  among  their  branches, 
and  their  trunks  and  limbs  dotted  thickly  or  clustered  with  the  easily 
recognized  egg-bearing  cocoons  of  the  Orgyia.  Hundreds  of  immature 
caterpillars  were  traveling  over  the  trees,  fences,  and  the  walls  adjoin- 
ing. No  better  evidence  of  the  almost  perfect  immunity  aflForded  to  tie 
cfiterpillars  from  their  enemies,  whether  birds  or  insects,  by  the  presence 
of  the  Sparrows,  could  possibly  be  given. 

"A  portion  of  liroadway,  between  Clinton  avenue  and  the  Central 
Bailroad  crossing,  was  also  known  to  abound  in  the  Sparrows,  the  citi- 
zens resident  there  having  fed  them  most  generously,  not  only  during 
the  winter  season,  but  also  in  the  summer  months.  Nesting-boxes  had 
been  placed  for  them  in  most  of  the  trees.  Here  the  trees  presented  a 
pitiable  sight.  Many  of  the  elms  and  horse-chestnuts  were  entirely 
stripped  of  their  foliage ;  the  naked  ribs  of  the  leaves  of  the  latter 
seemed  ghastly  in  their  suggestion  of  fleshless  fingers.  Nowhere  else 
in  the  city  had  I  seen  such  ravages. 

"  Passing  thence  to  Pearl  and  State  streets,  the  same  association  of 
Sparrows,  caterpillars,  and  their  destructive  work  was  seen.  Clinton 
Square,  where  the  Sparrows  had,  in  their  introduction  into  the  city,  been 
specially  taken  under  the  care  and  protection  of  the  residents  on  the 
east  side  of  the  park,  afi'ordcd  another  excellent  test.  It  was  evident 
that  the  Sparrows  were  in  full  appreciation  of  their  privileges  from  tbe 
almost  incredible  numbers  sporting  about  the  trees.  Their  prot<5g(5s 
were  also  in  full  force.  Caterpillars  and  their  cocoons  met  the  eye 
everywhere,  while  hanging  from  the  rails  and  caps  of  the  iron  fence  sur- 
rounding the  park  were  the  dead  and  decomposing  bodies  of  caterpillars 
killed  by  the  recent  heavy  rains  (often  so  ftital  to  insect  larvaj),  in  such 
numbers  that  they  tainted  the  air  in  their  vicinity. 

"  It  seems  unnecessary  to  extend  this  record  further  than  to  add  that 
in  other  sections  of  the  city  observations  made  were  in  accord  with  the 
above. 

"How  the  Sparrows  protect  the  caterpillars. — That  the  Sp-^rrows  decline 
to  eat  the  Orgyia  caterpillar  is  not  a  charge  against  them.  They  coxiU 
not  eat  them  with  impunity.  The  diet  would  doubtless  prove  fatal  to 
them.  The  charge  to  which  they  an^  amenable  is  this :  By  the  force  of 
numbers,  united  to  a  notoriously  pugnacious  disposition,  they  drive 
away  the  few  birds  that  would  feed  upon  them.  Of  these  we  know  but 
four  species,  viz,  the  Eobin  {Merula  migratoria),  the  Baltimore  Oriole* 
{Icterus  galbula),  the  Black-billed  Cuckoo  {Coccygus  erythropthalmus), 
and  the  Yellow- billed  Cuckoo  {Coccygus  americanus). 

*  This  bird  has  been  seen  with  its  head  throat  into  the  web-nost  of  the  tent  cater* 
pillar,  eagerly  devoaiing  its  oconpants. 


EFFECT    ON    SPAN-VVOliMS. 


109 


"The  above  species  seem,  in  the  ordering  of  nature,  to  have  been  as- 
signed to  us  for  protection  from  an  unduemultiplicationof  a  large  num- 
ber of  hairy  caterpillars  of  injurious  luibits.  •  •  •  One  of  them,  the 
Yellow-billed  Cuckoo,  is  known  to  shave  ofif  the  hairs  of  the  Orgyia 
kucostigma  caterpillar  before  swallowing  it.  The  following  account  of 
the  operation  is  from  Dr.  LeBaron,  former  State  Entomologist  of  Illinois: 
'My  attention  was  attracted  to  a  Cuckoo  regaling  himself  upon  these 
caterpillars,  which  were  infesting  in  considerable  numbers  a  larch  grow- 
ing near  the  house.  My  curiosity  was  excited  by  seeing  a  little  cloud 
of  lialr  floating  down  upon  the  air  from  the  place  where  the  bird  was 
standing.  Upon  approaching  a  little  nearer  I  could  see  that  he  seized 
the  worm  by  one  extremity,  and  drawing  it  gradually  into  his  mouth, 
shaved  off  as  he  did  so,  with  the  sharp  edge  of  his  bill,  the  hairy  coating 
of  the  caterpillar  and  scattered  it  upon  the  wind.' "  (Second  Eeport  on 
the  Injurious  and  other  Insects  of  the  State  of  New  York,  by  J.  A. 
Lintner,  Albany,  1885.) 

lichition  to  the  caiikervcorm  and  other  span-icorms. — As  early  as  1874  Dr. 
John  L.  LeConte,  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  published*  the  following  in  re- 
gard to  the  disappearance  of  the  span-worm  in  that  city  and  its  replace- 
ment by  another  species : 

"  In  Philadelphia,  and  probably  in  other  cities,  the  Geometride  [En- 
nomos  siibsignaria),  which  was  very  injurious  to  the  shade  trees  growing 
ill  the  streets,  has  been  exterminated  by  the  European  Sparrows,  intro- 
duced for  that  purpose.  With  the  disappearance  of  the  Geometride  a 
Xoctiiide,  Orgyia  leucostigma,  commenced  to  increase,  and  has  now  in 
some  streets  become  almost  as  great  a  nuisance  as  the  Ennomos  had 
been.  The  larvaj  of  the  Orgyia,  whether  protected  by  some  disagree- 
able odor,  or  more  probably  by  the  stift"  hairs  with  which  they  are  cov- 
ered, are  not  eaten  by  the  Sparrows,  and  therefore  increase  without 
molestation." 

We  must  demur  somewhat  to  the  above  statement  of  Dr.  LeConte 
that  the  English  Sparrow  exterminated  Ennomos  in  Philadelphia.  That 
the  Sparrows  contributed  their  mite  to  this  end  there  is  no  doubt,  but 
otber  span-worms  have  disappeared  in  the  same  way  from  towns  and 
villages  where  there  were  no  Sparrows,  and  it  is  now  known  that  such 
ilisapi)earances  are  of  more  or  less  regular  occurrence,  and  may  be  due 
to  various  causes,  uch  as  the  multiplication  of  the  insect  parasites  of 
the  worms,  the  prevalence  of  disease,  or  even  in  part  to  the  very  fact 
of  the  extreme  abundance  of  the  worms  themselves. 

Ill  New  England  the  span-worm  which  defoliated  the  elms  of  the  cities 
ami  the  apple  orchards  of  the  country  was  the  canker-worm  {Paleacrita 
vcrnnta),  and  from  different  parts  of  New  England  unimpeachable  tes- 
timony has  come  as  to  the  good  work  done  by  the  Sparrow  in  feeding 
oil  this  worm.    We  ourselves  have  seen  thousands  of  these  worms  ^  lii- 


•  Troo,  A,  A.  A,  S„  Vol.  XXIII,  p.  44. 


w^ 


110 


THE    KNULISU    HPAUROW    IN    AMKKICA. 


1 


4^*1 


tied  off  by  the  Sparrows  every  day,  yet  are  bound  to  say  tbat  there 
was  no  appreciable  diminution  in  the  number  of  worms,  and  earlier  in 
the  season,  when  the  M'iugless  moths  were  depositing  the  eggs  for  this 
devastating  army,  the  Sparrows  were  never  detected  eating  the  moths 
at  all,  though  the  robins  fed  on  lljcm  constantly.  Moreover,  the  nature 
and  habits  of  this  worm  make  it  not  only  possible,  but  easy  to  com 
l)Ietely  prevent  or  control  its  dei)ri'd;itions,  (See  ^Vofessor  Riley's  let- 
ter to  Dr.  Coues  in  the  report  which  follows.) 

Furthermore,  the  female,  being  wingless,  does  not  wander  far  after  is 
suing  from  the  pupa,  and  the  worms,  when  very  abundant,  after  strip 
ping  one  orchard  or  row  of  trees,  are  too  small  to  travel  far  in  soarcli 
of  more  and  yet  too  small  to  complete  their  transformation  without  more 
food.  Thus  this  state  of  affairs  frequently  brings  about  the  extinction 
of  almost  the  whole  army 

It  has  been  remarked  frequently  by  observant  persons  that  the  disap. 
pearance  of  the  canker-worms  and  similar  caterpillars  is  very  sudden, 
One  year  an  orchard  or  park  may  be  overrun  by  them,  and  the  next 
season  it  may  be  impossible  to  find  any  at  all.  It  is  a  well-known  faiit 
that  excessive  multiplication  often  weakens  an  entire  race,  and  then 
wlien  attacked  by  the  multitudes  of  parasites  which  have  increased 
with  it,  or  by  disease  which  has  been  slowly  advancing,  it  is  unable  to 
resist,  and  a  wholesale  reduction  in  number  is  the  result.  A  few  days 
of  heavy  raiu,  an  unusual  period  of  drought,  a  few  hours  of  excessive 
heat  or  cold,  should  these  conditions  occur  at  the  critical  point  in  the 
career  of  a  species,  may  so  reduce  its  abundance  that  it  will  not  regain 
its  formei  numbers  for  a  dozen  years  or  even  more  ;  and  if  meanwhile 
this  turn  of  Fortune's  wheel  has  given  another  species  the  ascendant  in 
the  same  district,  the  subsequent  struggle  may  be  prolonged  indefinitely, 
We  do  not  Jcnow  that  any  such  crises  were  imminent  in  Philadelphia  at 
the  time  the  Sparrows  were  first  introduced  there  in  numbers,  but  with 
our  present  knowledge  of  the  Sparrow's  habits  we  believe  that  the  re 
suits  there  are  far  more  likely  to  have  been  reached  through  some  such 
combination  of  circumstances  than  through  the  comparatively  insigiiifi 
cant  number  of  worms  devoured  by  the  Sparrows. 

The  following  report  by  Professor  Eiley  on  the  insect  food  of  the  &  mr 
row  is  a  most  valuable  contribution  to  our  knowledge  of  the  food  habits 
of  the  species,  and  a  careful  study  of  this  report,  and  of  the  tables  wliich 
follow  it,  will  do  much  to  dispel  the  illusions  of  those  who  class  the 
Sparrow  among  beneficial  birds  ou  account  of  its  insectivorous  habit:j. 


INSEOTIVOEOTJS  HABITS  OF  TEE  ENGLISH  SPABBOW  (I'asscr  .lomrsticns) 

By  C.  V.  RiLKY. 
REPORT  OF  MATERIAL  EXAMINKD  IN   1887. 

The  facts  contained  in  this  report  are  i'-ascd  upon  the  stomach  con- 
tents of  the  English  Sparrow  submitted  by  Dr.  C.  Hart  Merriam  for 
examination  and  opinion,  these  having  been  separated  by  hira  from  a 
much  hirger  uumber  (522  in  all)  examined  in  the  Ornithological  Divis- 
ion and  found  to  contain  no  insects.  By  stomach  contents  is  included 
not  only  what  is  taken  from  the  crop,  but  also  that  taken  from  the  gul- 
let and  the  mouth.  I  have  first  given  a  list  of  the  specimens  examined 
according  to  Dr.  Merriam's  card  catalogue  uumber  and  including  the 
insect  material  examined  and  identified.  Next  1  have  given  a  succinct 
statement  of  the  habits  of  the  insects  concerned,  arranged  according 
to  orders,  and  finally  a  summarization  of  the  results,  and  a  survey  of 
other  work  in  the  same  line  both  in  Europe  and  America. 

My  method  of  examination  has  been,  first,  to  have  the  material  care 
tiilly  examined  by  some  one  of  my  assistants  according  to  their  special 
knowledge,  and  particularly  by  Mr.  Otto  Lugger  and  Mr.  Th.  Pergande, 
and  then  to  verify  their  determinations  and  to  study  and  determine 
more  closely  whatever  was  questionable  or  undeterminable.  In  this 
way  the  accuracy  of  the  determinations  has  been  fully  assured,  and  I 
have  not  been  under  the  necessity  of  appealing  to  specialists  outside  of 
tlic  Division.  A  determination  is  sometimes  based  on  a  mere  fragment, 
and  ill  all  cases  where  an  interrogation  still  remains  it  is  because  of  the 
imperfect  condition  of  the  specimens,  which  would  make  specific  refer- 
ence little  more  than  guesswork.  To  the  gentlemen  mentioned,  as  also 
to  Mr.  Barrows  and  Dr.  Fisher,  of  the  Division  of  Ornithology,  I  take 
this  occasion  to  express  my  thanks  for  aid  and  interest  shown  in  the 
work. 

SrOMACH  CONTENTS. 

No.  16.— Young  male;  July  7,  1885,  Sing  Sing, N.  Y.  Contents:  Two  clirysomolid 
larva)  (small  larvaj  of  unrecognizable  species). 

No.  97.— Adult  female;  July  25,1885,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  Contents:  One  snout-beotlo 
{Sphenophorus  zece) ;  wings  of  a  small  Cbrysomeliil,  and  jaws  of  a  caterpillar. 

No.  ia3.— Adult  female ;  July  28,  1885,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  Contents:  Remains  of  a 
small  hymenopterous  insect  and  pieces  of  one  Jphodiua  ap. 

No.  152.— Young  male ;  August  4, 1885,  Sing  Sing,N.  Y  Contents:  Tbreo  llynien- 
o\)tcTii {MyzineQ-cincta);  one  large  locust  {Caloptenus  differentiaJia) ;  twopupte  of  small 
locusts  (Caloptenus  sp.). 

No.  195.— Adult  male;  August  10,  1885,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.,  tbrce  young  Ortboptora, 
viz,  Xiphidium  sp.,  Caloptcnu8  ap.,  Teitixap.,  one  Colaspis  flavida. 

No.  196.— Young  male;  August  10,  18a'),  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  Contents:  Two  snout- 
bt't'tles  (Sitotiea  sp.). 

No.  201.— Adult  female;  August  10,  1885,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.  Contents:  Very  small 
pieces  of  a  curoulionid  beetle. 


112 


THE    I'NGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Y.    Contents:   Pieces  of 
One  Aphodim 


No.  202.— Young  nmlo;  August  10,  1885,  Sing  Sing,  N. 
*wo  buoiit-beetles  {Sphenophorm  zea). 

No.  2l«.— Fenialo;    August  10,  1885,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.    Contents: 
graiiariuB. 

No.  289.— Young  male;  August  20,1885,  Sing  Sing,N.  Y.  Contents:  Small  pieces 
of  a  Lcuiipterous  Insect. 

No.  1552.— Female;  May  9,  1885,  Taunton,  Mass.  Contents:  One  elytron  of  Jpho- 
dius  gianarius. 

No.  1593.— Male;  June  Iti,  168.'),  Taunton,  Mass.  Contents:  Four  large  lurvuj  ofa 
Lachnoaterna  sp.  and  two  small  snout-beetles  (two  beads  and  tip  of  one  elytron). 

No.  2131.— Adult  fem^  > ;  August  3, 1886,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  One  snout 
beetle  {Sphcnophorua  parvulus). 

No.  2132.— Adult  female;  August  3,  18S6,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One 
urctiid  {IJyjyliantria  cunea)  with  eggs;  two  pairs  of  jaws  of  cut-worms  (fum.  Noc- 
tuido)). 

No.  21.33. — Adult  female;  Augusts,  188G,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  Oue  snout- 
lieetle  {Sphenophorua  parvulua). 

No.  3360. — Male ;  March  19,  188C,  Sugar  Grov^  Ohio.  Contents :  Broken  pieces  of 
Aphodiua  fimelariua. 

No.  5523.— Adult  female;  May  2,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Piece  of 
legs  of  an  Ichneumonid;  one  snout-beetle  {Sphenophorua  parvuha). 

No.  5520.— Young  male  ;  May  16,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Part  of  the 
leg  ofa  Lachnoaterna ;  one  Hymenopteron  {Tiphia  sp.). 

No.  5528.— Young  female ;  May  20,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents  :  Sevct'il 
pieces  of  Lachnoaterna,  apparently /u«ca. 

No.  5529— Young  male;  May  20,  1887,  Washington,  D. 
pieces  of  Lachnoaterna,  apparently /usca. 

No.  5532.— Young  male ;  May  28,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
{Tarentula  sp.) ;  one  snout-beetle  (/S^pAenop/iorus  jjari'u^ua) ;  two  ants  {Solenojma  sp.); 
one  Hymenopteron  (Tiphia  sp.) ;  one  minute  Hymenopteron  {XyJaspia  sp.). 

No.  5533.— Adult  male  ;  M  ay  28,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  One  suout- 
hoetie  {Sphenophorua  par  vidua);  one  spider  (Xiycosa  acutellata). 

No.  5536. — Male;  June  2,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  inout-boetle 
{Sphenophorua  parvulua) ;  Ave  flea-beetles  {Chwtocnema  denticulata). 

No.  5537. — Female;  June  2,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contpi.c8:  Two  spiders 
(legs),  not  recognizable ;  two  snout-hcetlea  {Sphenophorua  parvulua) ;  two  flea- beetles 
{Chwtocnema  denticulata). 

No.  5538. — Female;  June  2,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Several  speci- 
mens of  snoat-beetles  {Sphenophorua  parvulua). 

No.  5542. — Female;  Juno  2, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  Two  pupro  of  tlio 
blue-bottle  fly  {Musca  casaar). 

No.  5544. — Female ;  June  2, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  One  snout-bectlo 
{Sphenophorua  parvulua);  pieces  of  the  larva  ofa  Homopteron,  apparently  2iVj/</iio- 
neura. 

No.  5545. — Young  male;  June  3,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Pieces  of 
numerous  spiders;  three  snout-bcotles  {Sphenophorua parvuha);  one  Hymenopteron 
{Tiphia  ep.). 

No.  5548.— Young  male;  June  7,  lo87,  Washington,  D.  C. 
of  a,  Lachnoaterna  ;  oue  snout-beetle  {Sphenophorua parvulua). 

No.  5549.— Adult  female;  June  7,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
beetle  {Sphenophorua  parvulua). 

No.  5036.— April  21,  1887,  Rockville,  Conn.  Contents:  Eomains  of  two  beetles 
{Diplotaxia  sp.  and  Jphodiua  Jimetariua). 

No.  5662.— Young  female;  June  15,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  flea- 
bootle  {ChcBiocnema  denticulata) ;  traces  of  an  Hymenopteron,  apparently  Tiphia, 


Contents :    Several 


Contents :  One  spider 


Contents :  Small  pieces 


Contents:  One  snout- 


No.  .')945.- 


RILEY   ON   ITS   INSECTIVOROUS   HABITS. 


113 


Contents:  One  IlyniiMi- 
Contonta:  Six  lionHu* 
Contents:   Oii(>  llv 
Eleven  llea- 
One  Hy- 


No.  riCOr).— Young  male ;  Jnn  <  16, 1887,  Wasliington,  D.  C. 
optiion  (only  very  small  pi.     -s). 

No.  &<570.— Adult  female;  Juno  21, 1887,  Wa«binj{ton,  P.  C. 
lilcN  {ilusca  dumeatica),  with  numerous  eggti. 
No.  5(il)3.— Young  female;  July  12,  18»7,  Waahlngtoii,  D.  C. 
nj   ini'n()i>teion  (only  very  small  pieces,  apparently  of  Tiphiu), 

No.  5701.— Adult  female ;  July  13, 1887,  Washington,  U.  C.     Contents  i 
lit'i'tics  {ChcBtocnema  denticuJata) ',  one  Colaapia  flavida. 

No.  5705.— Young  female  ;   July  13,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.     Contents; 
nicnopteron  {Myzine  6cincta). 

No.  5712.— Young  female;  July  14, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  leg 
of  a  longicoru  beetle  (Ziio/>u»  sp.);  parts  of  a  Hynienoploron  {ilyzine  ficinota);  legs 
of  a  minute  Hymenopteron ;  one  leg  of  a  spider. 

N(i.  5713. — Younjj  female;  July  14, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Vrr.v  siniiil 
pieces  of  a  Hymenopteron  (My::ine  {j-cincta)  ;  several  flea-beetles  (Cli(elooiiema  dent'ini- 
lata). 

No.  5720. — Young  female;  July  15, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Nuniorous 
pieces  of  Hymenoptera  {Myzine  &-cincta) ;  traces  of  a  Heteropterou. 

No,  591G. — Adult  female;  August  9, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Two  snout- 
bcetles  {Sphenophoiua parvulua). 

No.  5917. — Adult  female ;  August  9,  1887,  Wash  ingtou,  D.  C.  Contents :  Two  snout- 
hevt\cH  {Sphenophorua  parvulus). 

No.  59'24. — Yonng  male;  August  9, 1887,  Washington,  D.  G.  Contents:  Many  liea- 
beotles  {Chatoonema  dentioulala) ;  lugs  of  a  suout-beetle  (Sphenophorus  parvulas). 

No.  5940.— Young  male;  August  11,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  tlea- 
lieetlo  {Chwtoonema  dentioulata) ;  traces  of  a  Hymenopteron  (Myzine  li  ciiicla). 

No.  5941. — Young  male;  August  11, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hymen- 
opteron (Myxine  6-oincta). 

No.  .'')945. — Young  male;  August  12, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  One  Hymen- 
opteron (Myzine  6-cincta).  , 

No.  5946, — Youugfemale;  August  12, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Two  small 
Noctuid  larva;  1  snout-bootle  (Sph.  parvulua);  5  flea-beetles  (Chwtocnema  dvniivu- 
lata);  1  Myzine  Q-ciucta. 

No.  5951.— Young  male;  August  12,  1887,  Wa.shington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  snout- 
beetlo  (Sph.  parvulua) ;  1  Hymenopteron  (Myzine  Gcincta). 

No.  5953. — Adult  female;  August  12, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hymen- 
opteron (Myzine  6-cincta). 

No.  5954.— Young  male;  August  12, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  leuf- 
liopper  (Erythroncura  sp.) 

No.  5'JG7.— Adult  female;  August  13, 1887,  Washington,  D  C  Contents  :  One  leiif- 
liopper  (Erythoncura  sp.);  2  ants  (Brachymyrmex  heeri,  female). 

No.  5970. — Female;  August  13,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Three  llej;- 
bcetle8(C/i.  dentioulata) ',  3  Hymenoptera  (Myzine  6-cincta). 

N  ).  b971.— Female;  August  13,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Two  llymen- 
o\>tevi  (Myzine  6-cincta)',  remains  of  1  ant. 

No.  r)97-2.— Male ;  August  13, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  Pieces  of  the  leg 
of  Lachnoaterna;  2  Hymenoptera  (Myzine  6-cincta). 

No.  5973.— Young  male;  August  13, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  leg  of 
mole-cricket  (Gryllotalpa  sp). 

No.  5975.— Young;  August  15, 1887,  Washington,  U.  C.  Contents;  Four  ants  (Mo- 
nomorium pharaonia);  several  Hymenoptera  (Myzine  6- cincia). 

No.  .5976.— Young ;  August  15,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Five  ants  (ilfo- 
nomor  I  urn  pharaonia);  1  Hymenopteron  (Myzine  6-ciHcla). 

No.  5977.— Young  male;  August  15, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.    Contents;  Small  pieces 
of  geveral  Hymenoptera  (^Myzine  6-oinota), 
8404— Bull.  I 8 


114 


THE   ENOLIKH   8PAItU0W   IN   AMEUIL'A. 


Three  speci- 


No.  r)982.— Female:  AugiMt  15,  iaS7,  WashlDgton,  D.  C.    CoutaaU:  Ons  Hymen- 
optcroii  {Myzine  6-chicta). 

No.  UOUO.— Youug  fvuialo;  August  1(>,  1887,  Washington,  U.  C.  Contents:  One 
Hyiiionoptcron  {Mytine  ii-cincta). 

No.  0004.— Auiilt  male;  Aiigimt  17,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Small 
pifcuB  of  a  fow  antH;  species  not  recognizable. 

No.  G007.— Young  malo;  August  17, 1887,  Washington,  D.C.  Contents:  VeryBmslJ 
pieces  of  a  llymcuoiitoron. 

No. 6010.— Female ;  August  17,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hymen- 
optiTon  {Mijeine Q-cincta). 

No. G0I2.— Female;  August  17,  1887,  ^ '-whlngton,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hymcn- 
opteron  {MyzineG-cincIa);  and  5  jaws  of  some  cut-worm  (Noctuid  larva). 

No.  G015.— Adult  ftmiulo ;  August  17, 1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents :  One  Lrpi- 
doptoron  (UinihaHtria  euncii). 

No.  601m.— Foiiiule ;  August  17,  1887,  Washington.  1).  C.  Contents:  Two  snout- 
beetles  (Spheiioplioma  pnrviilitH);  tarsus  of  a  LnoliiKislerna. 

No, 60:^1. — Male;  Aiij;ust  If,  1687,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hynu'iiop- 
tcron  {Miisiiied  ciiicUi,  male). 

No.  eOSiT).— Female;  August  18,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.     Contents: 
mens  of  bee  {TlalivlnH  sp.);  one  Hymenoptcrtni  {Mijzine  6  cincta). 

No. 6026. — I'Vmale;  August  18,  1887,  Wiishin^jton,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hymen- 
optoron  (Tiphiaf). 

No.  6087.— Male ;  August  ID,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Couteuts:  Legs  of  Hymin- 
opteron  (ichnoumonid  f ). 

No.  6088.— Young  male;  August  ID,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Many 
specimens  of  Hymonoptera  {Myzine  Q-nncla). 

No. 6081).— Adult  femfile;  August  19,  1887,  Washington,  D.  «.  Contents:  One 
snout- beetle  {Spheiiophorua  parvulua);  two  small  jaws  of  caterpillar? 

No.  6090.— Female;  August  19,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Two  Buiall 
bees  ( HalicluH  sp. ), 

No. 6091. —Female;  August  19,  1837,  Washington,  D.  C. 
opteron  ( Tiphia  sp. ). 

No.  6092.— Female ;  August  19,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
optera  {MijiineQ-ducta). 

NO.G093— Ft-male;  August  19,  1887,  Washington,  D,  C. 
opteron  {TipJna  sp.);  one  ant  (not.  vccognizaUle). 

No. 6108.— Young  female;    August  20,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Noctuid  larvai  {Lnphiigma  frugipcrda). 

No. 6109.- -Young  female;   August  20,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Hynienoptorou  (^MyzuieG  cincta) ;  one  /'uooMSsp. 

No. 61 10. —Young  female;  Augnct  20,  1887,  Washington.  D.  C. 
Hy:ueuopteron  ;  one  fleA-bootle  {Chwiocnema  denticuJata), 

No.  6112.— Fiiui.ilo;  August  20,  1887,  Washington,  U.  C.    Contents: 
opteron  {Myzine  Goincla), 

No.  6134.— Young  female;  August  22, 1887,  Washingtoy,  D.  C.  Contents:  Remains 
of  several  locusts  iu  pnpa  state  {Caloptenns  sp.);  remains  of  «»ne  Hymenopteron 
(M>itiiie6-iiiicta). 

No.  6141.— Male;  August  23,  1887,  Washington,  D,  0. 
teron  {Myzine  G-dncta). 

No.  6151.— Male;  August  24,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
(Chailocnema  denticulaia). 

No.  6153.— Male;  August  24,  1887,  Washington,  D.  C. 
teron  ;  vony  small  pieces  of  elytra  of  a  Heteropteron. 

No.  6161.— Female;  August  84,  1837,  Washiugton,  D.  C.  Coutents:  One  Hymen- 
opteron (^j/rtne6-o{ncto). 


Contents 


Contents 


Contents 


One  Hymen- 
Two  Hymon- 
Ome  Hymen- 
Contents  :  Three 
Contents:  Oi>e 
Contents :   One 
One  Hvmen- 


Contents:  One  Hyraenop- 
Contents :  One  flea-btetif 
Contents:  One  Hymcnop- 


RILEY   ON    ITS   INSECTIVOROUS   HABITS. 


115 


No.  (!l(3'2.— Female;  August  W4,  18S7,  WaHbin;{tou,  D.  C.  ('oiiteuts:  One  I<'iii(li»i>t«r- 
0U8  lurvii  (Cruwhiia  Hp.). 

>o.  (iIG;!.— Feinule;  Aiifjiist  lit,  ld87,  VVushiiiKtoii,  D.  C.  Contents:  I'artH  uf  one 
Hjiiif!  optcron  (Mi/iine  (i-cinrta), 

N(  :i;i.— Feumlo ;  An^fiist  24,  1837,  WnsIiitiRton,  D.  C.  ContcntH:  One  }Iyn»»Mi- 
optoion  {Tiphia  H\).). 

No.  (WtiJ. — Young  female;  August 'J6,  1867,  WaHliiutrton,  D.  C.  ContentH:  One 
Nnctiiid  liTva  {Lamphiiijma  frugipcrda) ;  One  Pirliil;  one  Psocns;  four  small  anU 
( ilumimorium  pliaiauniti). 

No,  (i-Ji'.t.— Female;  Angii«t  29,  lt.'87,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  One  Hynieu- 
(ipteroii  {Tiiiliia  sp.);  one  tloii-lieotlo  {Chwtocnema  denticuhila). 

No.  i;,'.'itj.— Female ;  Se|»tenilMir  3,  18-J7,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Very  nu- 
iiioroiis  specimens  of  flea-beetles  {Clttvlociirmn  di'niiculata). 

Xo.(iJ()7. — Female;  Sfptemhcr  5,  ld87,  Washington,  D.  C.  Contents:  Remains  of 
bevciiil  small  locusts,  the  species  not  recognizable. 

HABITS  OF   THE  INSECTS  CONCERNED. 


Order  Hymknopteha. 

« 

n.\i.iCTU8  sp. — Contained  in  Nos.  (5025  and  (iO90. 

ThiTo  are  numerous  species  of  these  small  bees  (fam.  Andrenid<:B)  throughout  the 
Uiiitf  (1  States.  They  excavate  cells  in  the  soil  of  grassy  fields,  which  cellsare  reached 
liy  a  perpendicular  burrow  from  mI.k  to  twelve  inchits  in  depth.  Each  cell  is  filled  by 
a  lump  of  poUea  the  size  and  shape  of  a  pea,  upon  which  a  single  egg  is  deposited. 
The  transformations  take  place  within  this  cell.  The  mature  insects  feed  upon  pollen, 
are  aj;tuts  in  fertilizing  flowers,  and  therefore  ratlu  r  beneficial  than  harmful  to  man. 
Ah  tliey  are  quite  slow  in  their  motions,  e8i)ecially  in  early  morning  or  after  a  rain, 
they  are  readily  captured. 

Tu'iiiA  sp.,  without  much  doubt  JHOcna/a  Suy. — In  ten  stomachs,  viz.,  Nos.  552G, 
.'ioS'i,  5515,  r)662,  5693,  6026,  6091,  6093,  6164,  and  6229  occur  the  remains  of  a  ripltia, 
family  SioUidie.  All  the  remains  are  in  such  a  condition  that  the  species  can  not  be 
recognized  with  certainty,  especially  as  they  are  separated  on  very  trifling  characters. 

The  life-history  of  T.  inuniata  is  recorded  by  me  (6th  Rep.  Ina.  Mo.,  123).  The  black 
and  rather  hirsute  wasp  frc(|uents  flowers  in  open  places.  The  females  are  enabled 
by  their  strong  legs  to  dig  into  the  soil,  which  they  do  in  search  of  food  for  tlic^ir  ott- 
spring.  This  food  consists  of  the  larvio  of  May-beetles  (fam.  Scarabajidio),  the  so- 
called  "white  grubs,"  that  ot  Laohiiosto-iia  fusca  being  particularly  attacked.  An 
egg  laid  upon  or  near  the  grub  soon  produces  the  wasp  lari-a,  which  bodily  devours 
its  victim,  leaving  only  the  brown  and  horny  bead,  which  is  almost  invariably  found 
fastened  to  the  outside  of  a  tine  silken  cocoon  of  a  gold-brown  color,  and  composed  of 
inaiiy  layers,  made  by  the  mature  larva  for  transformation.  Tlphia  is  therefore  bene- 
ficial to  man,  and  from  the  fact  that  it  burrows  in  open  places,  snch  as  lawns,  gardens, 
and  meadows,  it  is  easily  discovered  by  birds. 

Mv/.IXK  8KXCIXCTA  Fab.— Tills  brightly  colored  wasp,  a  member  of  the  family 
ScoludiC,  occurred  in  the  contents  of  many  of  the  stomachs.  The  identification  was 
made  easy  by  the  fact  that  the  birds  had  chiefly  taken  the  males  which  have  a  pecu- 
liar an.il  armature,  consisting  of  three  strong  chitinous  spines,  too  hard  to  be  ground 
np  or  broken  by  the  numerous  pebbles  almost  always  present  in  the  stomachs.  In  no 
les,s  tlifiu  thirty  cases,  viz,  Nos.  152,5705,  5712,  5713,  5720,  5940,  .5941,  .5945,  5946,  5951, 
Wf):?,  r)070,  5971,  5972,  5975,  5976,  5977,  5932,  6000,  6010,  6021,  6025,  6088,  6092,  6109, 
''il2,  ()134,  6141,  6161,  and  6163,  either  one,  two,  or  several  specimens  wore  fouud. 

This  species  of  Mijzine  is  very  common  thronghoiit  the  Atlantic  States  and  is  usually 
seen  (lying  low  over  sandy  places.  Its  life-history  has  not  been  recorded,  but  wo 
may  safely  infer  for  it  a  parasitic  habit  siniilur  to  that  of  Tiphia. 

Olio  reason  why  the  Sparrows  have  been  able  to  secure  so  many  specimens  of  this 


w 


116 


THE   KNOMoU    <tPAUK()\V    IN   AMEIUCA. 


ill 


m 


waHp  in  to  be  fouml  iu  a  ixciiliar  huUit  wliic'.i  llie  lutter  poHHeHacs.  During  rainy  or 
dark  dayH  and  alHo  towardH  oveiiiii);,  many  HixtcitnciiH  cdiigrcguto  and  nUwp  togttilK^r 
upuu  ateuis  of  low  hcrbucuoiiH  pluiits  l>y  H«-uiirc]3' ruHtcniiig  their  niaiidililcH  into  the 
atoms,  and  iu  thiM  condition  tb«y  aru  onsiiy  w^ciired. 

Ants. — In  eight  stotnaclis  HpociinonH  of  varioiiH  Hpui-icH  of  ants  wers  found. 

No.  &5;J2  contuinnd  2  ants  bolouj^iiiK  to  the  j;oiiuh  Solennpnin,  family  Afyrmiviilir. 
Thesu  sniali  ants  live  in  open  pliiceN,  fonniii^  mc^hIm  of  vaiioim  sizes  below  the  surtan' 
of  the  soil,  in  which  they  store  food,  nsunlly  the  seeds  of  various  kinds  of  grasHcs. 

No.  5y(i7  contained  '2  females  of  the  minute  livwUijiniirmex  heeri,  Forol,  family  For- 
mioidm.  These  ants  are  always  found  under  stoiii'.i  and  the  feiuales  were  probably 
caught  while  swarming  and  away  from  their  nest. 

Nos.  5975,  5970,  and  (>093  contained,  to^etlKT,  thirteen  specimens  of  the  very  sinull 
yellow  ant  {Monomorium  pliaraonii  Linn.),  family  Mjirmividw.  These  ants  are  very 
often  troublesome  iu  our  houses,  but  are  found  as  well  iu  open  places,  in  gardens,  or 
tiolds.  They  are  almost  omnivorous,  and  eat  all  kinds  of  food  found  iu  the  house  and 
field,  thus  causing  injury,  though  more  freijueiitiy  great  annoyance,  as  it  is  very  dilli 
cult  to  eradicate  them  if  once  domiciled. 

Nos.  5971,  G004,  and  C09:)  contained  each  the  remains  of  one  ant,  too  much  broken 
and  distorted  to  enable  identification. 

IcuNKUMONiDS. — Tho  stoniachs  Nos.  55'i3  and  6087  contained  each  the  broken  legd 
of  a  hymeuopterous  insect  apparently  belonging  to  the  family  of  Ichieumonidce.  The 
pieces  are  too  small  to  enable  one  to  even  judge  tho  genus.  The  Jchneutnonid(B  are 
well  known  to  check  tho  too  rapid  increase  of  plant-feeding  insocls. 

Hylaspis  sp. — In  No.  5532  was  found  on  of  these  very  peculiar  and  minute  in- 
sects. It  is  a  member  of  tho  family  CynipidcB  and  of  tho  subfamily  Figitina,  and  is 
closely  allied  to  Ilylaspis  ai,;cricana  Aslnn.  This  little  Hynieuopterou  belongs  to  the 
X)arasitio  Cynipidce;  it  has  uovet  been  raised  from  its  host,  but  is  very  likely  parasitic 
upon  the  larva)  of  a  Sawlly. 

Undetekmined  Hymenoptera. — In  the  stomachs  of  Nos.  123,  5665,  5712,  6007, 
GUO,  and  6153  wore  found  the  remains  of  as  many  Hymenoptera.  These  remains 
consist  of  very  small  pieces  of  tho  legs  or  abdominal  segments  too  much  broken  or 
ground  up  by  the  accompanying  sharp  gravel  to  permit  identificatioa. 

Order  Coleoptera. 

DiPLOTAXis  sp. — In  stomach  No,  5636  were  found  small  pieces  of  a  beetle  belong- 
ing to  this  genus,  allied  to  the  chafers  and  destructive  to  vegetation.  The  species 
of  Diplotaxia  are  never,  however,  very  numerous.  Nothing  is  known  of  the  life-history 
of  the  genus. 

Aphodius  KIMKTARIU8  L.— Three  specimens  of  this  beetle  were  found  in  stomachs 
Nos.  123,  3360,  and  5636.  The  species  is  common  to  Europe  and  North  America,  and 
both  larva  and  perfect  beetle  feed  in  the  excrement  of  various  animals  and  may  be 
thus  considered  beneficial.  The  female  beetle  also  stores  some  of  the  dung  in  bur- 
rows and  deposits  an  egg  upon  the  same,  the  larva  hatching  therefrom  developing  on 
the  food  thus  stored  up. 

Aphodius  granarius  L. — Two  specimens  of  this  beetle  were  found  in  stomachs  21(1 
and  1552.  This  common  species  also  occurs  in  Europe  and  North  America,  and  has  a 
very  similar  life-history. 

Lacunosterna,  evidently  fusca. — In  the  stomachs  of  5526,  5528,  5529,  5548,  5972, 
and  6018  were  found  pieces,  usually  joints  of  legs,  of  the  above  beetle,  and  in  stomach 
1593  occurred  four  large  larvae  of  this  beetle.  It  is  not  possible  from  the  character  of 
the  fragments  to  determine  the  species  of  this  rather  difficult  genus,  but  as  some  of 
the  Sparrows  were  killed  in  the  grounds  of  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  whore 
fusca  abounded  at  the  time,  and  tho  parts  otherwise  correspond,  the  probabilities  are 
all  in  favor  of  their  belonging  to  this  common  species. 

These  beetles,  produced  from  the  well-kuowu  Whito-grubs,  are  sometimes  very  inju- 


RILEY    ON    ITd    INSKCTIVOROIJ.S    IIAIUTH. 


117 


ridim  to  onr  foroHt  itiul  hIiikIu  trccH,  obiully  tlio  oiikH,  und  in  ocrtutn  years  Htrfp  thoin 
uatiit'ly.  The  grciitci  (luiiut}{o,  liowuver,  is  done  by  the  Inrvn  to  Htriiwlierry  plantH, 
Iftw.i'^,  and  niitndows.  An  tlio  hcoMus  retire  during  tlie  day  iii  t\ui  ground  and  are 
utU'u  Init  sligbtiy  vovoiod  with  Hoil,  they  are  ouL'ily  oaiitnrud. 

LioPUS  sp. — Tbe  Kg  of  onit  ttpouinieu  of  this  Lon^icorii  bitotlo  wax  found  in  Htouiacb 
'iTI'J,  not  Hufficient  to  di'tcnniuo  the  H|)<)cil^■4.  All  tliti  spocicM  livo  in  the  Huialler  diMid 
liraiH'iifs  and  twigi  of  various  forest  trees,  cliielly  of  hiidioiy  and  oak  Tli«>y  arn  not 
fdinid  in  hoalthy  and  living  wood. 

C'oi.ASl'lS  BKUNNKA  Fab. — Two  specimons  of  this  beetle  won)  found  in  Htonnjebs  l'.tr> 
aiul.'>70l.  It  is  very  abundant  throughout  tbo  Atlantio  region  of  the  United  Stutits 
itiid  extends  as  far  southwest  as  Ari/ouu.  It  orcurs  in  various  forms,  some  of  which 
liiivi)  been  distinguished  by  name.  The  variety /ari(/a  is  distinctly  distingui.sbe<l  by 
jtit  brigbt-yeHow  color  and  i!r(nniuent  elevated  ridges  between  the  deeply  pnnelnred 
siitiin's;  coatliwiinis  is  a  soiitheru  form  und  lias  the  ridges  tinted  with  metallic  green. 
It  ridilles  the  leaves  of  the  wild  and  cultivated  grape-vine,  greedily  devours  the 
leaves  of  strawberries,  and  is  found  upon  a  multitude  of  wild  plants  bucIi  as  the  I'o- 
fentilla.  Its  life-history  is  recorded  in  my  Third  Aiiiiual  Report  on  the  luscttsof 
Missouri  (1871,  pp.  61-ti4)  aud  Fourth  do.  (1872,  p.  'M).  the  larva  feeds  on  straw- 
berry roots,  among  which  it  can  be  found  all  through  the  fall,  winter,  and  spring 
iiioiitlis;  asHuniPS  the  pupa  state  iu  Juno,  and  the  beetles  appear  during  that  month 
and  eoiiliuue  to  isiiue  in  decreasing  numbers  till  toward  fall. 

C'HkYSOMEUD. — Very  young  larvus,  not  recognizable  with  certainty,  were  found  in 
Btoiniich  16. 

Cn.KTOCNKMA  DENTicui.ATA  111. — Specimens  of  these  beetles  (about  40)  were  found 
in  V^  ditlereut  stomai-.hs,  viz  .  5533,  5537,' 5G62,  5701,  5713,  5924,51)40,  5916,  5970,  6)10, 
(iir.l,  nnd6'*;i9. 

Tbis  beetle  is  very  common  iu  grassy  places,  and  is  found  upon  all  kinds  of  low, 
beil)aci'ous  plants.     Its  life-history  is  not  known,  but  we  are  justified  in  assuming 
thaltlie  larva  is  either  a  leafniiuer  or  subsists  npou  roots.     From  the  fact  that  the 
k'L'tle  is  numerous  and  that  its  life-history  has  not  yet  been  discovered,  it  can  hardly  • 
be  classed  among  noxious  insects. 

Wings  and  legs  of  a  small  chrysomelid  were  found  in  stomach  97,  but  not  of  sufll- 
cicnt  size  to  determine  the  species. 

SiTON'ES  sp. — Stomach  I9i3  contained  two  mutilated  specimeus  of  a  snout-beetle  of 
the  above  genus  too  much  broken  to  identify  specitically  This  genus  occurs  all  over 
the  Northern  Hemisphere,  and  the  specits  are  very  dilllcnlt  to  classify  if  notperfectly 
fresh.  Many  of  the  North  American  species  occur  also  in  JOurope,  and  are,  perhaps, 
iutrodiiced.  The  life  history  of  several  of  these  insects  is  known  in  Europe  and  the 
larvre  of  some  of  them  are  said  to  make  a  cocoon  like  that  made  byPhytonomus;  but 
the  larvte  of  most  of  them  lead  a  subterranean  life,  and  chiefly  about  tbo  roots  of 
clover  and  allied  plauts,  sometimes  doing  more  or  less  damage.  The  life-history  of 
Sitones  flavescena  Allard  is  recorded  by  Mr.  Webster  in  my  last  Annual  Report  (for  lUrH]) 
as  United  States  Entomologist  (p.  580.)  It  occurs  in  autumn  in  the  beetle  state  perfora- 
ting the  leaves  of  White  Clover.  The  larva,  of  the  usual  Curcnlionid  shape,  is  found 
among  the  roots  of  White  Clover,  and  also  bores  iuto  the  crown,  thus  checking  the 
growth  of  the  plant  or  killing  it  outright.  The  pupa  is  found  iu  a  snug  little  cell 
amongst  the  roots. 

Spiii;xopiiouuh  PAKVi'LL'S.— Quito  a  number  (at  least  25)  of  the  remains  of  this 
species  were  fonnd  in  19 different  stomachs,  viz  :  Nos.  2131, 2133,  5523, 5532, 5533,  5535, 
o537,  rw38, 5544, 5545, 5548, 5549, 5916, 5917, 5924, 5946,  5951,  6018,  and  6089. 

So  f;ir  as  known  the  species  all  burrow  in  the  steins  or  roots  of  plants  and,  if  nu 
mennis,  do  much  damage  to  young  corn.    The  life-history  of  S.  parvulua,  according 
to  Mr.  Luggrr's  observations  and  my  own  unpublished  notes,  is  as  follows:    Tlie 
inotlicr  beetle  always  selects  the  flower-stem  of  grasses  and  lays  one  or  more  eggs 
just  above  the  second  knot,  which  at  this  place  is  very  soft  and  tender.    The  slit 


I 


118 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


DiadB  for  tlio  reception  of  theejjg  ]ool<Mas  if  inado  with  a  saw,  and  particles  of  tli, 
torn  fiber  usually  adlu'io  to  tlu!  spot.  The  plant  liecomes  dwarfed  and  usually  dries. 
'I'lio  larvio  feed  on  and  transfoiin  to  perfi^ct  beetles  anioiifj;  the  nnitted  roots.  The 
life-historv  of  the  larger  Hjieeies,  as  S.  I'.i punctatiis  and  S.  sciilptilis  (stomachs 20J  and 
1)7  contained  15  of  this  speeies)  and  S.  rohustiin,  are  given  in  my  reports  (Ins.  Mo.,  Ill, 
p.  60, /.and  Rep.  U.  S.  Ent,  for  lSril-'8-.i,  p.  l:W, /). 

Unrecognizable  pieces  of  several  small  snout-beetles  were  found  in  stomachs  201  and 
151)3.  In  the  latter  two  heads  and  the  tip  of  one  elytron  could  be  recognized;  in  the 
former  only  snuill  piece's  of  elytra. 

Order  I.KPIDOPTKRA. 


IlYPirANTKiA  CUNKA. — A  single  Specimen  of  this  species  was  found  in  each  of  the 
8tomach821l!2  and 001.5.  Thecaterpillar,  nsnally  called  the  "Fall  Web-worm,"  i.s  one 
of  the  worst  defoliators  of  our  city  shade  trees,  and  is  fnlly  treated  of  in  my  last  An- 
nnal  Ri^tort  (for  lySG)  and  in  Ihillctin  No.  10  of  the  division. 

Lapiivg.ma  FHUGIPKUDA. — Larvie  of  this  species  were  fonml  in  stomachs  Nos.  (5108 
(which  contained  IJ}  and  (J'201  (which  contained  1). 

It  is  sometimes  very  abundant,  and  because  of  its  resemblance  to  the  genuine  Army 
Worm  was  named  the  "Fall  Army  Worm"  in  my  Third  Report  on  tho  Insects  of 
Missouri  (1870).  It  is  a  very  general  feeder,  and  in  some  seasons  becomes  quite  de- 
structive.    It  is  fully  treated  of  in  my  Annual  Report  to  the  Department  for  1881-8.'. 

Crambus  sp. — Stomach  No.  61C2  contained  a  larva  of  a  species  of  Crambus,  \n\',  not 
in  a  condition  to  determine  the  species. 

Many  species  of  this  genns  of  moths  are  fofiud  throughout  the  United  States,  ecu- 
fining  their  attacks  chieily  to  tho  various  kinds  of  wild  and  cultivated  grasses  and 
only  occasionally  proving  injurious.  The  larvas  subsist  upon  the  roots,  and  form  in 
tho  soil  galleries  lined  with  silk.  The  full  life-history  of  C.  vulgivagdlus  is  given  in 
my  Keport  as  United  States  Entonujlogist  for  1881-'82. 

Pyraijd. — Stomach  No.  21:52  contained  a  small  female  moth  belonging  to  the  fam- 
ily I'liraUdw,  but  the  material  was  insuflicuent  to  permit  determination  even  of  the 
genus.  The  species  of  tho  family  feed,  as  a  rule,  ou  vegetation,  and  some  are  in- 
jurious to  cultivated  crops. 

Jaws  of  catekpillahs.— The  contents  of  Nos.  97,  2132,  6012,  and  608J  show  11 
jaws  that  belong  to  lepidoptorons  larvai. 

Suborder  Hetkkoptera. 

Very  small  pieces  of  the  elytra,  or  thorax,  of  a  species  of  the  suborder  IIetero|itcni 
•were  found  in  stomachs  289,  ,'')720,  and  Cl.'iH.  It  is  impossible  to  even  identify  the 
genus,  but  the  pieces  appear  to  bo  derived  either  from  a  Podinus  or  a  Eiiachidni, 
both  containing  useful  insects,  which  destroy  numerous  caterpillars  by  sucking  tiieiii 
to  death. 

Suborder  IIo.mopteua. 

EUYTHRONI^URA  sp. — Stomachs  Nos.  5954  and  59137  contained  two  specimeu.s  nfa 
little  Leaf-hopper  belonging  to  the  above  genus. 

Species  of  this  genus  are  very  numerous  in  our  meadows,  gardens,  tields,  ami  viiit 
yards,  and  in  the  latter  case  do  much  damage. 

Stomach  No.  5544  contained  one  larva  of  a  Loaf-hoppor. 

Oruer  Diptera. 

Bi.liEiJOTTLE  Fly  {Musca  cuwav  I/inn.).— The  pupas  of  two,  perhaps  three,  Npeci- 
mens  of  a  Blow-fly  occur  in  stomach  No.  5542.  They  were  evidently  picked  up  with 
the  partially-digestod  grain  found  in  tho  droppings  of  a  horse.  The  species,  in  riipidlj 
removing  decayed  matter,  reuder.i  good  service  to  man  and  must  be  consUlered  bone- 


RILEY    ON   ITS    INSECTIVOROUS   HABITS. 


119 


flcial.    Its  larvfh  or  maggots  foctl  ia  all  kinds  of  off.il  and  putrid  matter,  and  wliou 
l'iill-;;ro\vn  contract  to  coiirctrite  pupio  which  are  usually  found  ia  the  ground,  but* 
IrKiMiiitly  in  the  manure  itself. 

HuisK  FLY  {Mmca  dorHestica).— Stomach  No.  5C76  containcnl  six  house  flics,  and 
minicrous  more  or  less  mature  eggs  of  the  same.  The  larvio  or  maggots  feed  entire!^ 
upon  decaying  animal  and  vegetal  matter. 

Order  Orthoptera. 

Xii'HiDiUM  sp. — A  single  young  specimen  of  a  species  of  the  above  gcuus  of  Meadow 
Grasshoppers  was  found  in  stomach  No.  1S)5. 

Tlic  members  of  this  genus  of  the  Locualida  ar«  all  distinguished  by  their  small  size 
aud  i)y  a  nearly  straight  ovipositor.  Lilie  their  near  relatives,  the  Katydids,  they 
feed  cliieHy  upon  leaves  of  various  kinds,  but  do  not  refuse  succulent  insects,  as  young 
caterpillars.  The  genus  is  common  in  our  fields  and  gardens,  wliere  their  shrill  noise 
is  frequently  heard  during  the  late  summer  or  fall.  They  make  lonj^itudiual  i)unct- 
nrcs  in  the  pith  of  plants  for  the  reception  of  the  slender,  elongate  egg** 

Gky LI-OTA i.PA  sp. — One  leg  of  the  Mole-cricket  was  found  in  stomach  5973.  Mem- 
bers of  this  genus  are  usually  considered  noxious,  because  they  raise  ridges  in  con- 
8irncting  their  subterranean  galleries,  thus  exposing  the  roots  of  grass  and  other 
plants.  Yet  their  food  consists  very  largely  of  other  insects.  The  Mole-crickets  are 
characterized  by  their  enlarged  fossorial  fore  feet,  which  recall  those  of  the  mole  in 
shape,  being  stout,  short,  flattened,  and  armed  with  very  hard  and  pointed  projections. 

Caloptekus  sp  — Three  undoubted  pupae  of  a  small  species  of  Caloptenus,  proba- 
bly of/eniftr-rMftrum,  were  foUnd  in  stomachs  Nos.  l.'iS  and  195.  Also  several  unrecogniz- 
able remains  of  perhaps  the  same  species  in  Nos.  61151  and  6267.  This  species,  so  clo.sely 
allied  to  its  Western  relative,  the  destructive  G.  spretus,  is  more  or  less  numerous 
every  year,  though  it  docs  but  slight  damage  compared  with  its  Western  cong(!ner. 

lu  stomach  152  a  large  specimen  of  Caloplenui  differeniialk  was  found.  This  is  one 
of  the  largest  of  our  common  locusts.  The  First  and  Second  Reports  of  the  United 
States  Entomological  Commission  are  devoted  to  these  destructive  locusts. 

TKTTixsp. — The  remains  of  a  single  specimen  of  this  small  locust  were  found  in 
stomach  195.  This  Sparrow  had  evidently  acquired  a  taste  for  orthopterous  insects, 
as  three  specimens  of  three  different  genera  were  eaten  by  it. 

The  species  of  this  genus  are  all  relatively  small,  and  tbougn  common  in  many  lo- 
calities, are  not  known  to  occasion  any  great  damage  to  our  crops.  Most  of  them  are 
I'diiml  along  the  edges  of  our  forests  and  orchards  between  the  dead  leaves,  and  are 
well  pntteeted  in  such  places  by  their  dark  brown  or  gray  color,  which  resotublos  that 
of  their  surroundings. 

Order  Nkuroptera. 

Pkri.ii).— Stomach  No,  6204  contained  the  remains  of  a  neuropterous  insoet  which 
boloiijis  to  the  family  Pm'lidw. 

Members  of  this  family  spend  their  early  stages  in  rivers  under  stones.  The  adults 
are  frequently  found  resting  on  leaves  in  low  damp  places.  Since  the  introduction  of 
the  electric  light  for  illumiuating  our  streets  large  numbers  of  these  insects  are 
attracted  thereto. 

Psocus  sp. — Tsvo  specimens  of  P«oc««  were  found  in  stomachs  Nos.  610J  and  6"i94. 
i'sociis  species  are  numerous  auf"  found  almost  anywhere.  They  are  sometinies  very 
Jinnierous  in  our  yards  and  gardens,  hiding  between  and  under  all  kinds  of  rubbish, 
but  are  essentially  innoxious.  The  species  found  can  not  bo  determined,  owing  to 
lis  poor  eoiiditiou.  It  is  remarkable  that  both  escaped  the  grinding  action  of  the 
iimiieroiis  pieces  of  gravel  in  the  stomach.  Some  species  feed  upon  dry  vegetal  siib- 
stuuees  and  lichens,  while  a  few  are  found  only  iu  bouses,  aud  feed  upon  dry  auimal 
matter. 


''Mlli^ 


I 


120 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMI  RICA. 


Akaciimda. 


Spiders. — A  number  of  spiders,  leini'seutednioNtlj'  by  the  logs,  were  found  in  five 
dirt'erent  stomacbs,  viz:  Nos.  5582,  5533,  5537,  5545,  and  5712.  The  remains  of  two 
speties  could  be  identified. 

Lycosa  scUTELLATA  in  No.  5533.  This  spider  belongs  to  the  wandering  spiders 
the  members  of  which  do  not  malio  a  silken  web  to  catch  their  food,  but  capture  it  by 
""swiftness  or  by  lying  in  ambush.  It  is  quite  abundant,  frequenting  fields,  meadows, 
and  gardens,  and  hides  either  under  a  stone,  piece  of  wood,  or  any  kind  of  rubbish,  or 
dwells  in  lioles  made  in  the  ground.  Ah  a  general  rule  the  female  carries  her  egg-bag 
with  her,  and  the  newly-hatched  spiders  crowd  upon  the  back  of  their  mother  until 
able  to  shift  for  themselves. 

Tarentula  sp.  occurred  in  No.  5532.  This  species  has  the  same  life  history  as  the 
Lycosa  acutellata,  and  occnrs  abundantly  in  similar  places. 

The  habits  of  both  are  predaceous. 

SUMMARY  FROM  THE  FOREGOING  STATEMENTS. 

It  tlms  appears  that  of  the  one  hundred  and  two  stomachs  submitted, 
ninety-two  contained,  besides  grain,  seeds,  and  gravel,  the  remains  of 
insects,  i.  €.,  ninety-two  out  of  a  total  of  five  hundred  and  twenty-two 
examined  or  seventeen  and  six-tenths  per  cent.  Ten  stomachs  only  of 
those  examiued  by  me  contained  no  insect  remains.  As  a  general  rule 
the  amount  of  animal  food  was  but  small  compared  with  the  vegetal 
food  and  gravel. 

All  of  the  principal  orders  of  Hexapoda  are  represented  in  the  re 
mains  recognized,  as  also  some  Arachnids,  as  follows: 

stomachs, 

Neuroptera 3 

Orthoptcra 9 

Coleoptera 53 

Arachnida <i 


Stomachs. 

Hynienoptera 59 

Lepidoptera 8 

Ilemiptera 6 

Diptera 2 


All  the  insects  found  are  species  frequenting  open  lawns,  gardens, 
parks,  and  similar  places,  and  almost  always  found  upon  or  near  the 
ground.  This  nuiy  be  partly  explained,  however,  by  the  fact  that,  as 
Mr.  Barrows  informs  me,  more  than  live-sixths  of  the  Sparrows  which 
contained  insects  were  shot  in  tlie  Department  grounds.  They  arc  all 
common  and  abundant  and  easily  caught  by  the  Sparrows  whilst  seek- 
iug  vegetal  food  in  their  usnal  haunts. 

The  presence  of  a  large  amount  of  gravel,  composed  chiefly  of  siicb 
hard  uuiterial  as  quartzite,  and  the  angular  scales  of  hard-burned  brick, 
obtained  from  sidewalks,  has  the  tendency  to  destroy  the  softer  parts 
of  the  insects.  Various  seeds,  when  partly  digested,  greatly  resemble 
the  chitinous  parts  of  insects,  and  are  apt  to  mislead  wheu  imbedded  in 
the  glutinous  material  derived  from  the  ground-up  portion  of  grains  or 
when  covered  by  small  particles  of  straw,  which  are  always  present, 
and  which  in  course  of  time  become  so  transparent  by  constant  giiml 
iug  and  digestive  action  that  they  look  like  the  wings  of  small  insects. 
IMeces  of  the  discolored  leaves  of  the  Mullein  ( Vcrhasvum  thapsus  Liiiu.), 


1 


lULEY    ON    ITS   INSECTIVOROUS   HABITS, 


121 


(listinguisbablc  by  tbe  stellate  hairs  upon  their  surface,  are  also  readily 
mistaken  for  pieces  of  the  elytra  of  some  beetles  and  true  bugs. 

As  may  be  gathered  from  the  statement  of  their  habits  the  insects 
taken  from  the  Sparrows  in  question  are  represented  most  numerously 
by  what  may  be  called  innoxious  species,  i.  c,  species  which  do  no  par- 
ticular harm  to  the  agriculturist  and,  directly,  but  little  good.  Most  of 
the  Hymenoptera  and  the  Arachnida,  however,  are  indirectly  bcMieficial, 
as  are  several  of  the  Heteroptera.  Even  among  the  Coleoptera  the 
innoxious  outnumber  the  noxious  species,  and  the  good  done  by  the 
birds  in  de!>troying  the  few  Orthoi)tera  and  Lepidoptora  is  about  coun- 
terbalanced by  the  number  of  species  taken  ^yhich  are  directly  or  indi- 
rectly beneficial  to  the  former. 

When  it  is  considered  that  during  the  ''ery  year  in  which  most  of 
these  birds  were  shot  the  shade  trees  of  Waslujigton  were  suflering 
from  several  insect  defoliators,  and  tliat  out  of  the  four  different  species 
but  two  specimens  of  one  of  them,  viz,  llyphantria  cunea,  weie  taken  l)y 
tlie  Sparrows,  there  can  be  no  more  eloquent  coniment  on  the  bird's 
iiselessness  in  protecting  vegetation  from  insect  injury.  Not  a  single 
specimen  of  the  Imported  Elm-leaf  Beetle,  the  Bag  Worm,  or  the  White- 
marked  Tussock-moth  was  taken  in  any  stage,  and  these  facts  correspond 
entirely  with  what  I  have  stated  in  Bulletin  Xo.  10,  Entomological  Divis- 
ion, i)ublished  last  year.  In  this  connection  it  may  be  of  interest,  as  Dr. 
Merriam  has  alluded  to  the  subject  at  length  in  his  report  of  last  year, 
to  repeat  a  letter,  bearing  on  this  particular  point,  which  I  wrote  to  Dr. 
Elliott  Coues  in  1878,  and  which,  published,  1  believe,  in  one  of  the 
reports  of  the  District  Commissioners,  has  been  lost  sight  of  by  natural- 
ists. It  shows  the  replacement  of  Paleacrita  by  Orgy  ia  through  the  Spar- 
rov's  instrumentality,  just  as,  four  years  earlier,  Le  Conte  had  shown, 
through  similar  agency,  the  replacement '  ."  Ennomos  by  Orgyia.  It  is 
as  follows : 

ANENT  THE   ENaUSII   SPARROW. 

My  Dear  Dr.  Coues;  I  notice  by  a  recent  articlo  in  one  of  our  morning  papers 
liiat  Prof.  T.  M.  Brewer,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  has  addressed  a  letter  to  our  District  Com- 
iiiissiiincrs  on  tbe  subject  of  tlie  En<;lisli  Sparrows,  in  wliicli  lie  seems  to  animadvert 
pivtty  strongly  on  tbe  position  wbicb  you  bave  takiMi  in  relerence  to  tliis  sparrow 
ipieslion.  I  do  not  fully  know  wbat  recommendation  witb  reference  to  tliis  bird  yon 
liave  made  totho  Commissioners,  nor  do  I  wisb  to  enter  into  tbe  controversy  tbat  bas 
lii'i'ii  for  some  time  going  on  between  tbe  bird's  coudenniers  and  defenders  ;  but  tbere 
is  an  entomological  pbase  of  tbo  question,  wbicb  appears  to  \h;  ent  irely  overlooked  by 
the  latter  class. 

The  English  Sparrow  was  introduced  ostensibly  as  a  means  of  freeing  tbe  shade 
trees  of  some  of  onr  New  Etigland  cities,  and  especially  the  elms,  of  that  rather  an- 
noying pest,  the  well-known  Canker-worm,  and,  more  particularly,  tbe  species  whieb 
I  have  designated  as  the  Spring  Canker-worm  (^I'aliaciilu  vernuta),  to  distinguish  it 
Iroiii  iinotber  species  long  confounded  witb  it,  but  occurring  later  in  the  season.  It 
is  well  known  that  this  Spring  Canker-worm  was  for  many  yt^ars  a  grievous  nuisance, 
iiiit  only  because  of  the  injury  it  did  to  elms  and  other  shade  trees,  but  because  it 
was  continually  spinning  down  npon  persons  who  bappened  o  bo  passing  under 
infested  trees.     Its  annoyances  and  injuries  were,  however,  c<mfihed  to  some  the  or 


122 


IHE   ENGLISH    8PAKR0W   IN   AMERICA. 


*: 


six  weeks  of  the  early  part  of  (he  growing  Beason,  nothing  being  seen  of  it  diu  iuj; 
BUiumer  and  fall,  as  the  worm  descended  into  the  ground  to  undergo  its  transfornia- 
tioDS.  Ou  account  of  the  apterous  nature  of  the  female  moth,  the  injuries  of  tlie 
species  are  also  easily  prevented,  since  tarred  bandages  or  troughs  of  oil  around  llie 
trunk  of  a  tree  will  prevent  her  ascent  as  she  issues  from  the  ground  iu  early 
spring.  Such  troughs  were,  indeed,  at  one  time  in  such  common  use  for  this  purpose 
in  Boston,  Cambridge,  and  Philadelphia  that  when,  some  years  ago,  the  elm  trees 
in  Baltimore  were  found  to  be  defoliated,  the  authorities  at  once  ordered  them  to  be 
similarly  treated.  The  city  fathers  found  out  afterwards  that  they  had  paid  dearly 
for  their  haste  and  want  of  special  knowledge  in  that  their  trees  were  suffering,  not 
from  the  Canker-worm,  but  from  an  Imported  Elm-\eii{ BveUe  (Galeriica  calmariensU), 
which,  having  wings  in  both  sexes,  was  not  affected  by  the  troughs.  But,  to  come 
back  to  the  Sparrows.  They  did,  according  to  report,  accomplish  some  good  iu  clearing 
off  the  Canker-worm,  though  during  Late  visits  to  Cambridge  and  other  cities  adorned 
with  grand  old  elms,  I  found  the  tarred  bandages  still  in  use,  tbus  indicating  that 
our  imported  "  Spatz  "  was  not  a  perfect  antidote  for  the  evil.  The  interesting  point, 
however,  to  which  I  wish  to  call  your  attention  is  that  while  the  Canker-worm  has 
been  kept  more  or  less  in  check  by  the  activity  of  these  saucy  little  birds,  another 
insect,  formerly  scarcely  noticed,  has  takei:  its  place.  Not  only  during  the  spiiiif; 
months,  but  throughout  the  growing  season,  the  people  are  now  annoyed  by  the  hairy 
larva  of  the  White-marked  Tussock-moth  (Orijf via  ?eMcos<i<;ma),  there  being  several 
generations  annually.  This  is  a  prettier  creature  to  look  at,  but  it  has  the  same  nu- 
pleasant  faculty  of  dropping  upon  passers-by  as  had  the  plainer  Canker-worm.  Tlie 
female  is  also  like  that  of  the  Canker-worm,  wingless,  but  the  transformations  of  the 
species  take  place  above  ground,  and  she  lays  her  eggs  upon  the  outside  of  her  cocoon, 
BO  that  there  is  no  n^ch  simple  and  available  preventive  in  this  case  as  in  the  other. 
Moreover,  the  Tussock-moth  is  much  the  more  general  feeder,  and  occurs  on  some 
trees  which  the  Canker-worm  never  hffected.  As  a  consequence,  this  hairy  worm  has 
in  many  ])lacos  become  a  greater  scourge  than  was  formerly  the  Canker-worm,  It 
not  only  defoliates  the  trees,  but  covers  and  defaces  them  with  its  cocoons,  whieh  it 
also  plasters  upon  fences,  railings,  and  evenhouses. 

I  have  been  quite  interested  in  observing  the  unprecedented  multiplication  of  this 
hairy  worm  since  the  English  Sparrow  became  so  abundant,  and  we  may  well  ask,  in 
the  expressive  language  of  the  time,  "does  protection  protect t"  There  is  nothing 
very  surprising  in  these  facts,  because  they  are  very  much  what  naturalists  expected. 
You  can  not  encourage  the  undue  multiplication  of  any  one  species  of  animal  without 
causing  a  decrease  of  some  other  species,  and  the  opposite  of  this  proposition  holds 
equally  true.  The  hairy  larva  spoken  of  is  distasteful  to  the  Sparrow.  The  multipli- 
cation of  this  bird,  in  causing  a  decrease  in  the  Canker-worms,  presents  a  wider  field 
for  the  Tussock-moth,  and  diminishes  the  competition  in  the  struggle  for  existence 
which  this  last,  like  all  creatures,  is  subject  to.  The  same  increase  of  the  Sparrows 
necessitates  a  decrease  of  the  native  birds,  some  of  which,  doubtless,  fed  upon  the 
Tussock-moth,  and  notwithstanding  Professor  Brewer's  assertion  to  the  contrary,  1 
think  the  evidence  shows  such  to  have  beea  the  case. 
Believe  me,  yours,  very  truly, 

C.  V.   ElLEY. 

Washington,  D.  C, 

December  16,  1878. 

It  were  premature  to  generalize  from  the  study  of  the  material  so  far 
examined,  which  I  hope  is  but  the  beginning  of  a  more  extended  study. 
For  this  purpose  1*  is  desirable  that  stomachs  should  be  obtained  from 
as  many  different  parts  of  the  country  as  possible,  and  especially  during 
the  spring  of  the  year,  when  the  bird  probably  takes  the  largest  part  of 
its  insect  food.    Exact  location  and  date  are  very  essential,  as  this  Spar- 


RILEY    ON    ITS    INSECTlVOliOUS    HABITS 


123 


row  is  knowu  to  vary  its  Labit  according  to  season  and  circumstance. 
The  17.G  per  cent,  of  the  stomaclis  examined  at  the  Department  which 
contained  insect  food  is  probably  larger  than  it  otherwise  would  be,  had 
it  not  been  the  custom,  as  Mr.  Barrows  informs  me,  of  himself  and 
Dr.  Fisher,  in  shooting  the  birds,  to  choose  rather  those  which  were  not 
feeding  in  the  road.  I  do  not  know  of  any  fact  that  more  strongly  in- 
dicates the  relative  uselessness  in  destroying  injurious  insects  of  the 
Sparrow  as  compared  with  many  native  birds  which  it  drives  away,  than 
|)y  a  comparison  of  the  insect  food  taken  by  a  single  Cuckoo  {Coccyzua 
amcricanun).  The  stomach  contents  of  a  single  female  (Dr.  Morriam's 
record  No.  G33.'i)  shot  i!i  Washington,  June  22,  1887,  contained  about 
L'oO  half  grown  Web-worms  [Ilyphantria  cnuea)  of  the  first  brood,  1  large 
Ccrambycid  beetle  {liomaleum  atomarium)  and  its  eggs,  1  large  plaut- 
hnjr  {Nezora  hilaris),  and  1  Snail  {Helix  alternata),  while  in  bulk  the  con- 
tents in  this  case  rather  exceeded  the  combined  insect  contents  of  the 
522  Sparrow  stomachs  examined. 

Considering  how  common  the  bird  has  been  for  centuries  in  Europe, 
and  now  is  in  most  parts  of  the  world,  it  is  remarkable  that  so  few 
thorough  investigations  into  its  insectivorous  habits  have  been  made, 
by  which  I  mean  a  proper  determination  and  analysis  of  the  insects 
tlieniselves  from  an  agricultural  standpoint 

Tlio  results  of  studies  that  have  been  made  by  others  are  somewhat 
contradictory,  some  examiners  finding  a  large  percentage  of  insect  re- 
mains, others  finding  none;  but  in  no  instance  that  I  am  aware  of  has 
tliere  been  any  attempt  to  analyze  the  nature  of  the  insect  food  from  tlie 
standpoint  of  beneficial  or  injurious  to  the  farmer  and  fruit  grower. 

SURVEY  OF  LATER  WORK  DONE  IN  EUROPE. 

George  Roberts,  in  Hardwwlce's  ^ScienceQossip,  1883  (p.  217),  mentions 
Mr.  A.  Willis,  of  8andas,  as  having  made  a  series  of  examinations  of 
tiie  stomachs  of  Sparrows  in  1882.  In  87  stomachs  insects  were  found 
in  only  8  cases,  and  he  concludes  that  the  bird  is  a  superabundant  and 
injni'ious  species,  and  that  it  is  the  bounden  duty  of  men  to  take  all  pos- 
sible means  to  lessen  its  ever-increasing  numbers. 

From  the  ^'evidence  submitted  to  the  select  committed  on  (British) 
wild  birds  protection,"  obtained  in  1873,  many  interesting  points  about 
tlie  habits  of  the  House  Sparrow  can  be  learned.  As  far  as  actiuil  dis 
sections  are  concerned  it  seems  that  comparatively  few  were  made,  and 
some  of  the  other  statements  are  but  vague.  The  following  is  a  resume 
of  tlie  dissections: 

The  statements  of  Mr.  Champion  Russell  (p.  12)  have  been  published 
in  hook  form  ami  will  be  mentioned  later. 

Prof.  Alfred  Newton,  M.  A.,  F.  R.  S.,  in  a  prophetic  way,  thinks  that 
persons  introducing  the  Sparrows  into  new  places  will  soon  find  out 
their  mistake. 

Jlr.  C.  O.  Groome  Napier  thinks  them  the  most  objectionable  English 


12 1 


THE    liNQLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


bird.  He  inentioneil  an  exhibitiou  of  100  stoniaclis  of  jouiig  Sparmv  • 
by  Dr.  Edwards  Crisp  before  the  British  Association  at  Birnnngliain 
in  18G5.     Not  5  i)er  cent,  of  them  contained  insect  food. 

Rev.  J.  Pemberton  Bartlett  opened  the  cropo  of  the  yonng,  and  foiiml 
that  at  certain  times  they  were  full  of  insects,  while  at  other  times  tlicy 
contained  only  vegetable  food,  or  a  mixture  of  both. 

Mr.  George  Swaysland  k  Med  many  nestling  Sparrows,  and  generally 
found  grubs  in  their  stomachs,  or  little  beetles  that  run  across  the  foot- 
paths. 

Mr.  John  Oordeaux  opened  the  crops  of  .'35  young  Sparrows  of 
various  ages,  and  on  an  average  found  two  i)ai  ts  of  soft  grain  and 
one  part  of  insects. 

Mr.  James  Pertwee  says  the  Sparrow  is  utterly  bad.  His  gooseberry 
and  currant  bushes  have  tlieir  leaves  eaten  up,  notwithstanding  tlie 
numerous  Si)arrowa  in  close  vicinity. 

An  imi)ortaut  European  work  to  be  mentioned  in  this  connection  is 
"The  House  Sparrow,"  by  an  ornithologist,  J.  H.  Gurney,  jr.,  including 
chapters  by  "a  Friend  of  the  Farmers,"  Col.  C.  Itussell;  and  "The  En- 
glish Sparrow  in  America,"  by  Dr.  Elliott  Coues.  (London :  William 
Wesley  &  Son,  1885.) 

Mr.  Gurney  gives  in  a  tabular  form  the  results  of  many  dissections 
made  during  a  whole  year,  botli  of  adult  and  juvenile  specimens,  lie 
writes :  "  To  give  a  summary  of  this  table  in  a  few  words,  it  may  be  said 
that  about  75  per  cent,  of  an  adult  Si)arrow's  food  during  its  life  is  corn 
(meaning  wheat  and  small  grains)  of  some  kind.  The  remaining  L'.l 
per  cent,  may  be  divided  as  follows: 

Per  ccut. 

Catoriiilliirs y 

Iii(*ect8  wliicli  fly 1 

Other  tilings • 'i 


Per  cent. 

Seeds  of  weeds 10 

Green  peas .' , 4 

Beetles 3 


"In  young  Sparrows  uot  more  than  40  per  cent,  is  corn,  while  about 
40  per  cent,  consists  of  caterpillars,  and  10  per  cent,  of  small  beeth's. 
This  is  up  to  the  age  of  sixteen  days.  Where  green  peas  abound,  as  in 
nmrket  gardens,  they  form  a  much  larger  projjortion  of  the  Sparrow's 
food  than  the  4  per  cent,  here  stated,"  He  further  states  that  young 
Sparrows  in  the  nest  are  generally  fed  on  caterpillars  and  other  insects, 
particularly  in  August,  yet  a  good  many  were  opened  in  June  and  July 
without  finding  such  food.  He  feels  sure  that,  while  very  young,  tlieii 
diet  is  (piite  as  much  unripe  grain  and  vegetable  matter  as  caterpillais. 

Col.  C.  Kussell  collected  Sparrows  from  a  wide  extent  of  country  to 
examine  the  contents  of  their  stomachs.  He  found  that  the  Sparrows 
destroyed  even  fewer  insects  than  he  had  supposed.  "The  food  in  the 
old  ones  was  almost  all  corn  during  the  whole  year;  green  peas  were 
also  found  in  them  in  summer;  and  in  May  and  June,  when  corn  is 
scarce,  a  few  wild  seeds,  chiefly  of  grass.  No  insect  has  been  found  by 
me  in  a  Sparrow  between  September  and  March.    I  have  not  often  found 


UILEY    ON    ITS    INSECTIVOROUS    HABITS, 


125 


one  ivt  any  season  (particularly  between  June  ami  March)  in  a  Sparrow 
old  enough  to  feed  itself,  and  bave  very  seldom  found  any  number  of 
iusecta  in  one  even  when  corn  could  scarcely  be  got."  Speaking 
broadly,  he  continues:  ''It  may  be  said  that,  unless  very  near  houses 
and  roads,  Sparrows  take  no  insects  in  the  fields.  Fifty  old  Sparrows, 
and  young  ones  which  could  feed  themselves,  were  killed  one  summer 
about  my  buildings  and  garden,  with  food  in  their  crops.  This  food, 
carefully  examined  (as  in  all  cases,  with  a  lens),  was  found  to  be  corn, 
milky,  green,  and  ripe,  and  sometimes  green  peas  from  my  garden ; 
only  two  small  insects  were  found  in  the  whole  number.  The  food  iu 
tlimn  has  been  much  the  same  ever3'  year.  On  the  whole,  the  deduc- 
tion from  the  food  test  dnrii.g  fifteen  years  seems  to  be  that  the  Spar- 
rows are  useless,  find  that  the  insects  which  would  be  given  to  their 
young  by  them  if  they  were  allowed  to  live  in  numbers  about  my  prem- 
ises would  bo  so  much  food  taken,  when  they  most  want  it,  from  better 
birds  which  live  entirely,  or  nearly  so,  on  insects,  and  thus  keep  them, 
especially  caterpillars,  down  so  effectively  in  the  absence  of  Sparrows 
that,  when  a  chance  pair  of  these  come  and  build,  there  are  few  of  their 
favorite  sorts  for  them." 

Dr.  Schleh,  of  Ilerford,  Germany,  in  his  "Nutzen  uud  Schaden  des 
Sperlings  im  Houshalte  der  Natur,"  as  quoted  by  E.  IngersoU  in  tScience 
(Vol.  VII,  p.  80,  January  22,  IhSG),  says  that  young  Sparrows,  while  iu 
the  nest  and  for  a  week  after  having  left  it,  subsist  entirely  on  insects, 
grubs,  etc.  Two  weeks  after  leaving  the  nest  their  food  still  consists  of 
43  per  cent,  of  animal  food  ;  a  week  later  of  31  per  cent.,  and  after  that 
ago  of  only  19  per  cent.  As  soon  as  independent  thej'  prefer  seeds." 
He  is  one  of  the  few  authors  who  believe  the  Sparrow  to  be  beneficial, 
but,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  he  assumes  all  insects  to  be  noxious. 

REVIEW   OF   WORK  DONE   IN  NORTH   AMERICA. 

Peter  Henderson,  of  Bergen  City,  N.  J.,  in  his  book  on  "Practical 
Floriculture,"  says  (p.  173)  that  in  the  summer  of  18GG  acres  of  young 
rose  bushes  were  attacked  by  slugs  {Sdandria)  and  ApMs^  but  that  in 
1808  a  whole  army  of  thousands  of  English  Sparrows  acted  as  volunteer 
exterminators.  Cue  Sparrow  was  shot,  ami  his  crop  contained  seeds, 
SeUoKlria,  and  Aphis  iu  great  abundance.  No  one  has  a  higher  appre- 
ciation of  JMr.  Henderson's  practical  knowledge  of  gardening  and  the 
nursery  business  generally,  but  knowing  how  often  the  rose  slug  and 
the  rose  Aphis  disappear  suddenly  in  summer  time  from  natural  causes, 
my  old-time  friend  will  pardon  a  doubt  as  to  whether  the  Si)arrow  de- 
served the  full  credit  which  he  gives  it. 

riy  late  friend.  Dr.  John  L.  LeConte,  in  1874  gave  an  interesting  ac- 
count (see  abstract  Proc.  Am.  Asso.  Adv.,  vol.  23,  p.  44)  of  the  rejilace- 
ment  o(  JEiinomos  subs i guar ia,  a  span-worm  that  had  been  very  injurious 
to  shade  trees  iu  Philadelphia  and  other  cities,  by  Orgyia  Icucostigma, 
through  the  Sparrows  eating  the  former  and  avoiding  the  latter,  just  us 


126 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


in  the  letter  already  quoted  I  subsequently  showed  to  be  the  case  with 
Faleacrita  and  Orgyia  through  the  same  agency. 

Dr.  John  Dixwell  dissected  the  stomachs  of  39  Sparrows  shot  at  tlie 
height  of  the  canker-worm  season  in  Boston,  with  the  TenuM  (lionton 
Daily  Advertiser,  March  7,  1878)  that  no  insects  were  found. 

Dr.  H.  A.  Ilajscn,  in  an  article  published  in  the  American  Agricult- 
urist ♦"or  May,  1878,  fully  discusses  the  question  of  the  bird's  useful. 
uess,  quoting  various  old  E;uoi)ean  writers ^ro  and  con,  as  T.  F.  lUn:k 
in  1784,  F.  M.  Bechstein  in  1795,  as  well  as  later  writers  like  C.  W.  L. 
Gloger.  Dr.  Ilagen  argues  strouj^ly  in  favor  of  the  bird  from  a  utili- 
tarian standi)oint,~but  brings  forth  no  new  positive  evidence  of  an 
original  character. 

Dr.  0.  J.  Maynard,  in  tiie  Scientific  Farmer  for  March,  1879,  records 
the  results  of  fifty-six  dissections  made  from  September  17  to  October  10, 
all  of  the  birds  having  been  shot  in  the  city  of  Boston,  anu  including 
both  young  and  old.  He  gives  a  veiy  full  statement,  together  with  a 
description  with  illustrations  of  the  structure  of  the  stomach  of  the  Spar- 
row, and  it  is  somewhat  surprising  that  he  found  no  insect  remains  in 
these  fifty-six  stomachs. 

In  Forest  and  Stream  (Vol.  XII,  p.  424,  July  3, 1879)  is  quoted  a  state- 
ment of  the  Elizabeth  (N.  J.)  Journal,  to  the  effect  that  the  English  Spar- 
rows had  been  observed  eating  immense  numbers  of  winged  ants.  It 
mentions  another  observation  where  a  Sparrow  had  eaten  a  maimed  hor 

net. 

The  same  journal  (Vol.  XXIX,  p.  1C4,  September  22, 1887)  states  tli.it 
web  caterpillars  (doubtless  Hyphantria  is  meant),  having  become  exceed- 
ingly numerous  upon  a  Virginia  Creeper  in  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y.,  entirely 
denuded  it  and  so  exposed  the  roosts  of  the  Sparrows  that  the  birds  had 
to  give  way  and  move  their  quarters. 

In  the  American  Naturalist  (Vol.  XV,  pp.  392-393,  1881),  Prof.  S.  A. 
Forbes,  of  Illinois,  who  has  done  the  best  work  of  any  one  in  America 
on  the  relation  of  birds  to  insects,  dissected  twenty-five  Sparrows  killed 
during  the  month  of  September,  in  1879  and  1880.  He  found  the  frag- 
ments of  grain  picked  up  on  the  streets,  the  seeds  of  a  few  of  the  com 
monest  grasses,  and  traces  of  three  locusts,  the  latter  perhaps  six  per 
cent,  of  the  food  consumed.  At  the  same  time  thirty  per  cent,  of  the 
food  of  the  Robin,  twenty  per  cent,  of  that  of  the  Catbird,  and  ninety 
per  cent,  of  that  of  the  Bluebird  consisted  of  insects. 

Dr.  B.  H.  Warren,  of  West  Chester,  Pa.,  in  an  essay  read  before  tbe 
West  Chester  Mic.  Soc,  September  4, 1879,  stated  that  of  the  autopsies 
of  seventy-five  Sparrows,  made  in  1878,  seventy-three  revealed  solely 
grain  and  vegetable  material.  In  the  other  two  cases,  the  stoniaclis, 
which  were  distended  with  wheat,  contained  each  a  Coleopterous  insect 
not  specifically  identified. 

To  disprove  the  claim  that  sparrows  are  graminivorous  only  in  winter, 
when  in  order  to  sustain  existence  they  are  obliged  to  live  on  a  grain 


KJLEY    ON    na    INSLCllVOiiOUS    llAUll'8. 


127 


diet,  he  ex.iinincd  during  thu  montbs  of  Marcb,  April,  May,  mid  Juno 
tift.v  specimens,  of  \vhi<;li  number  forty-seven  siiowed  cereal  and  vegeta- 
l)l('  Ibod,  one  contained  a  single  (unidentified)  C-oleopterous  insect  in 
conjunction  with  an  abundance  of  wheat,  and  the  two  remaining  binU 
were  void  of  any  nutritious  matter. 

He  also  examined  the  stomachs  of  one  hundred  and  fourteen  English 
Sparrows,  between  March  1, 1879,  and  June  12, 1882.  Oidy  five  of  these 
stomachs  contained  any  traces  of  insects.    These  were: 

No.  12,  March  3,  lt?7i».— Oiui  beetle  (unditoriniiicd).  No.  58,  May  23,  1880 
(young).— Apterous  insects  (uuidenlilieil).  No.  74,  Soptciuber  13,  1«80 
(male  adult). — One  potato-beetle  (probably  DonjpUora  IQ -lineal a).  No.  75, 
September  3,  1880  (male  adult). — Uiptera  (unidentitiod).  No.  Hi,  Juno  12, 
Ir&Z  (^feniaie  adulf ). — Two  dipteiaaud  lliiee  aptera  (unidentified). 

Mr.  Charles  Dury  has  given  in  the  Cincinnati  Commercial  Gazette,  o( 
May  0, 1883,  the  results  of  the  dissection  of  over  fifty  English  Pparrows. 
One  of  the  sparrows  was  killed  A[>iil  28  in  a  cherry  tree  covered  with 
insects;  but  the  distended  crop  contained  nothing  but  grain,  and  one 
inrHiitesiu\al  portion  of  the  skin  of  a  Ilomipterous  insect.  Five  spar- 
!  IW8  were  killed  by  him  March  25  in  the  Zoological  Garden;  they  were 
tour.d  filled  with  grain  and  seed,  and  three  contained  minute  portions 
of  beetles.     In  all  the  others  no  insect  remains  were  found. 

Mr.  Barrows  has  collected  a  number  of  records,  of  which  the  follow- 
ing have  been  submitted  to  me,  as  among  the  more  reliable: 

Mr.  James  Fletcher,  Ottawa,  Canada,  exa'nined  about  a  dozen  Spar- 
rows, which  were  shot  in  the  early  part  of  March,  before  the  begii.ning 
of  spring  weather ;  none  of  the  specimens  contained  any  food  other 
than  bread  or  crushed  grain  from  horse  droi)pings. 

Dr.  W.  8.  Strode,  of  Bernadotte,  Fulton  County,  111.,  made  a  num- 
ber of  dissections  during  the  months  of  August  and  September,  1887, 
tlie  report  of  which  has  been  sent  in  to  Dr.  Merriam.  He  found  no  in- 
sects. During  the  first  half  of  August  the  food  was  made  up  almost 
entirely  of  wheat  and  rye,  and  occasionally  a  few  weed  seeds.  In  Sep- 
tember grapes  were  the  principal  food;  the  Sparrows  would  insert  their 
bills,  suck  out  the  juice  and  pulp,  but  discard  the  seeds. 

One  oiher  instance,  much  more  recent,  of  the  study  of  the  fotd-habits 
ot  this  bird  should  be  mentioned  before  I  conclude.  It  is  an  examina- 
tion of  a  large  number  of  stomachs  by  Mr.  W.  Brodie,  the  results  of 
which  have  been  presented  before  the  biological  section  of  the  Cana- 
dian Institute  and  published  in  separate  sheet.  Mr.  Brodie  found  that 
ont  of  forty-three  stomachs  taken  from  August  20  to  September  1.'3, 
twenty  seven  contained  remains  of  locusts,  or  so  called  grasshoppers, 
and  ont  of  three  hundred  and  seven  stomachs  in  all  collected  from  May 
7,  1881,  to  September  20,  1887,  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  contu>ied 
insect  remains,  including  for  the  most  part  locusts  (fifty-eight  cases,  not 
iucUiding  birds  which  he  fed  with  them),  among  which  the  QiJilipoda 
Carolina  and  Caloptenus  femur  rubrum  were  recoguized.  In  four  cases 
Coleoptera  were  found  and  referred  to  Oarabidae,  and  in  seven  others  a 


128 


THE    ENGLISH    Sl'AKItOW    IN    AMERICA. 


!ll 


m 


Geoinetrid  larva  not  iilentiflod ;  in  two  others  the  pnpa  of  a  Diptcron 
and  small  Lopidopterous  lavvui,  and  in  two  others  spiders — none  of  the 
species  identilied. 

My  assistant,  Mr.  Otto  Lntfjjer,  reports  to  lue  that  during  the  montli 
of  May,  1883,  in  lialtinioro,  Md.,  he  dissected  twelve  English  Sparrows. 
They  were  all  killed  in  the  yard  of  his  house,  which  is  situated  in  tlic 
outskirts  of  the  city,  and  at  that  time  was  in  the  close  vicinity  of  niiiiiy 
trees.  The  climbing  roses  in  this  yard,  as  well  as  in  those  of  the  neigh 
boring  gardens,  were  badly  infested  by  one  of  the  rose-slugs  {Selaudritt), 
and  the  sparrows,  which  were  in  the  habit  of  resting  upon  the  bars 
supporting  the  roses,  were  killed  to  ascertain  whether  or  not  they  liiid 
eaten  any  of  the  slugs.  The  dissections  revealed  no  trace  of  these,  and 
only  the  legs  of  two  flies  {Muscidic)  were  discovered.  The  great  bulk 
of  food  consisted  of  grain  and  flower  seeds  of  various  kinds,  taken  from 
the  very  same  yard.  The  only  large  ])ea  eaten  by  the  birds  contained, 
snngly  inclosed,  a  pea-weevil  (Bruchiis  pisi). 

The  above  constitute  all  the  more  reliable  dissections  that  have  boon 
made ;  but  Dr.  Merriam  has  gathered  together  and  submitted  to  me  a 
very  large  number  (five  hundred  and  ninetj'one)  of  reports  not  based 
on  dissections,  and  made  by  persons  who  in  some  instances  had  seen 
the  Sparrows  feeding  upon  insects;  in  others  not.  It  is  exceedingly 
difficult  to  analyze  these  reports,  which  will  be  duly  published  by  him. 

Of  these  five  hundred  and  ninety  one  reports  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
seven  are  mainly  fiivorable  to  the  Sparrow,  in  the  sense  that  all  insects 
eaten  are  considered  injurious;  one  hundred  and  thirty  eight  are  un- 
favorable; one  hundred  and  eight  are  indeterminate,  and  seventy-eight 
correspondents  believe  that  insects  are  only  eaten  by  the  bird  when 
forced  to  do  so. 

The  following  summary,  prepared  by  Mr.  Barrows,  will  convey  a  very 
good  idea  of  the  character  of  these  reports.  Only  the  more  definite 
reports  have  been  selected,  and  mainly  those  in  which  some  attempt 
had  been  made  to  identify  the  insects,  including  also  a  certain  number 
of  dissections : 

Kills  cankor-worms  in  lar^e  niunbers. — A.  C.  Sheldon,  New  Haven,  Conn. ;  R.  I). 
Camp,  New  Haven,  Conn.;  W.  K.  Barrows,  Midtlletown,  Conn. 

Does  not  kill  cabbage-woruis.  — W.  Holinead,  Monnt  Pleasant,  D.  C. 

Eats  moths  of  fall  web-wornis. — J.  Hallej',  Washington,  D.  C. 

Feeds  upon  cabbage-worms,  flies,  ants,  etc. — \V.  A.  Porter,  Alpharetta,  Ga. 

As  a  destroyer  of  caterpillars,  it  is  a  failure.— Hon.  W.  A.  Harris,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Prefers  Crickets  and  Grasshoppers. — Th.  B.  Lumpkin,  Biiena  Vista,  Ga. 

Never  touches  Cabbago-worm  or  Cotton-worm. — J.  H.  Barnes,  Griffin,  Ga. 

Probably  eats  many  Bot-flies. — Dr.  D.  Berry,  Carmi,  111. 

Feeds  its  young  with  insects  for  sevou  or  eight  days  after  hatching. — Jabcz  Wch- 
ster,  Centralia,  111. 

Eats  an  occasional  Tobacco-worm  and  Grasshopper. — G.  B.  Holmes,  Fernwood,  III. 

Seen  to  catch  Army-worms  by  the  thousand. — Charles  Becker,  Freeburgh,  111. 

Have  not  noticed  it  eating  Army-worms  or  other  injurious  insect^,— '4>  CrierscLuer, 
New  Atbeus,  111. 


RILEY    ON    ITS    INSKCTIVOUOUS    IIAUITS. 


12!) 


I  very 
'finite 
;('iniit 
imber 

R.  D. 


iZ  Web- 
00(1,  111. 

:ii. 

•Bcliuer, 


Carefully  watclit'tl,  wIuto  iiisi'cts  abound,  but  none  eaten.— D.  W.  Itrattin,  Bru/.il, 

Ind. 

Tula's  Ciibbiigo-woruiM  for  its  youufj. — E<l\v.  Veiiowiue,  EdwardHvillo,  Ind. 

ricfeiH  moths  to  (;iit(Mi>illiirs.— Dr.  W.  Wob«r,  Evivnsvillo,  lud. 

Kilts  Potato-b'ijj  liirvio  and  Cabbage-worms  to  n  small  extent. — A.  IJ.  Ohore,  Fnink- 
I'oit,  Ind. 

Kilts  Tent-caterpillars,  Fall  Web-worm  larvro,  and  Cabbage-worms.— W.  II.  Uagiin, 
(jrceiicastle,  Ind. 

I'icds  upon  Cablia^ie-wornm. — fieorge  \i,  Byriim,  Laeonia,  Ind. 

Kats  Cicada  Hqiiendirim  and  gras.sluii)perH  (Mvlaiinpim  femur  rubiuin).—V.  M.  Wob- 
Htcr,  LaFayelte,  Ind. 

Kilts  caterpillars. — .James  N.  Payton  and  John  B.  Mitchell,  New  Albany,  Ind. 

Ciil  l)iige-worins  destroyed,  Imt,  not  nnn-e  than  by  otlier  birds. — \V.  It.  Slratlonl, 
Vc'viiy,  Ind. 

Kilts  Leaf  rollers  and  beetles.  — Dr.  L.  Millar,  Belloview,  Iowa. 

Destroys  large  numbiTs  of  Codling-worms,  larvus  of  beetles  and  ./^j/iirfa'.— Howard 
KiM;;slmry,  Burlington,  Iowa. 

Attacks  a  wounded  grasshopper.  — D.  Y   Overton,  Burlington,  Iowa. 

Destroys  immense  nnnibers  of  insects  and  worms  of  all  kinds.— Max   Kruskopf, 
Miirshiilltown,  Iowa. 

Kais  the  Bot-lly,  Horse-fly,  Melon-bugs,  Grasshoppers,  etc. — W.  E.  Dingman,  New- 
ton, Iowa. 

Kilts  Canker-woruLs.— J.  S.  McCartney,  Garnett,  Kans. 

Destroys  Codling-moths  and  millers. — M.  A.  Page,  Garnett,  Kans 

Not  seen  to  eat  insects;  does  not  touch  the  Maple-worm. — B.  F.  Smith,  Lawrence, 
Kiuis. 

Doosnot  molest  Maple- worms,  even  about  its  nest. — Dr.  Charles  P.  Blachly,  Manhat- 
liiii,  Kiins. 

('(instantly  on  the  ground  in  quest  of  insects. — Dr.  W.  8.  Newlon,  Oswego,  Kans. 

Eats  Chinch-bugs,  Army-worms,  Grasshoppers,  etc. — H.  Heeniey,  Severance,  Kans. 

Trees  tilled  with  worms  which  the  English  Sparrows  did  not  touch. — J.  B.  Stoek- 
t(in,  Toronto,  Kans. 

Kats  larvffl  of  every  description,  except  those  of  Potato-beetle. — J.  A.  Terrell, 
Blonmfield,  Ky. 

Twenty-seven  stomachs  examined   without  finding   bug  or   worm.— I'ostmaster, 
Bowling  Green,  Ky. 

Feeds  young  on  moths  of  hairy  caterpillar. — Thomas  S.  Kennedy,  Crescent  Hill,  Ky. 

Eats  Cabbage-worms  especially. — E.  W.  Weathers,  Elkton,  Ky. 

Catches  Tobacco-moth  and  other  moths  and  butterllies. — D.  L.  Adair,  Hawesville, 
Ky. 

Tht)  white  caterpillar  on  shade  trees  has  been  nearly  exterminated — J.  B.  Nail, 
Louisville,  Ky. 

Eats  army-worms,  Cut-worms,  and  caterpillars  on  shade  trees  in  large  numbers. — 
A.  P.  Farusley,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Have  dissected  them  often,  but  found  no  insects. — W.  15.  Berthond,  Barataria,  La. 

Does  not  eat  the  Cotton-worm. — W.  C.  Percy,  jr.,  Black  Hawk,  La. 

"Insects  remain  undisturbed  in  its  very  roosting  trees." — L.  E.  Bentley,  Douald- 
souville,  La. 

Eats  Orgyia  caterpillars  and  many  other  insects. — George  H.  Berry,  North  Liver- 
more,  Me. 

Does  not  eat  Orgyia. — Everett  Smith,  Pcwtland,  Me. 

Fifteen  birds  dissected,  but  only  two  contained  iiniiual  food,  and  this  was  fragments 
of  spiders. — N.  C.  Brown,  Portland,  Me. 

Eats  white-.ants,  Hies,  Cicadie. — Otto  Lugger,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Ormiiii  and  Canker worms  increase. — W.  Brewster,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

stoi— Bull.  I n 


130 


rnK  i:x(;r,isiT  spaurow  in  amkrica. 


Cinikcr-wnriiiH  dcorcusp,  lint  not  Orgi/ia.    Tlio  Simrrow  cnn  not  eat  bairy  enter* 
l)illtirs.— Dr.  H.  A.  Hanf^ii,  Ciiiiibrid^^c,  Miihh. 

Cuiikor-woriiiM  ami  NpiikTH  eaten  in  larj^e  nnnilierH. — J.  W.  Pearson,  Newton,  Miihd, 

I'^ata  limited  niiniliitrH  of  itiHoctN  all  tliu  year. — Elittliu  Slade,  SoiiKTHut,  Muhh. 

Kats  hnndriMlii  of  ('aiikcr-wornm. — Cliarlen  H.  Audros,  Taunton,  Mass. 

Nover  st'on  to  out  insrctH. — John  C.  Calioon,  Tannton,  MaHH. 

Marked  bonpflt  bj'  oating  Cnrrant  and  Cnbbuge-worniH.— F.  O.  Ht'llier,  Grass  Lnke, 
Mi(;h. 

Have  yet  to  sec  a  single  inst.inoe  in  which  it  is  beneficial.— O.  C.  Smith,  North 
Adams,  Mich. 

No  bird  hero  eats  no  few  insects. — Norman  A.  Wood,  Saline,  Mich. 

Feeds  on  Grasshoppers  after  breeding  season  is  over;  also  cats  Potnto-bngs,  etc.— 
George  Stolwortliy,  Franklin  Falls,  N.  H. 

Does  not  eat  Drijyia  ciiteritillars. — David  C.  Voorhees,  Blawenbnrgh,  N.  J. 

Does  not  eat  Vuporor  moth  (Orgyiii)  to  any  extent,  if  at  all. — Marcns  8.  Crane, 
Cttldwsll,  N.  J. 

Seven  Sparrows  dissected  where  Elm-leaf  beetles  wero  abnndant  contained  no  in- 
BMcts. — Marcns  S.  Crane,  Caldwell,  N.  J. 

Never  touches  insects ;  sixty  dissections  and  not  a  trace  of  an  insect. — H.  B.  Hailcy, 
Orange,  N.  J. 

Moths  have  their  wings  pulled  off  and  are  then  let  go. — Wcldou  F.  Fosdick,  Hack- 
ensack,  N.  J. 

Many  dissections,  but  not  an  insect.    Canker-worm  very  prevalent,  but  not  eaten.— 
Lloyd  McKim,  Garrison,  Orange,  N.  J. 

Eats  Winged  ants  (Termea flavipea  f). — W.  J.  Kenyon,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Eats  Measuring  worms  {Enuomoa  aubaignaria) ;  not  seen  to  take  Oryijia  mollis  nr 
larvae. — Hon,  Nicolas  Pike,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Eats  Bot-flies,  caterpillars,  White  Cabbage  butterfly,  Cichdcla.—Vrot,  Chas.  Lin- 
den, Buffalo,  N.  Y. 

Once  found  a  Currant-worm  in  crop  of  Sparrow.— Wm.  M.  McLachlan,  Clyde,  N.  Y. 

Army-worms  devoured  in  immense  numbers. — J.  A.  Perry,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Eats  Currant-worms,  ants,  etc.,  but  no  hairy  worms. — A.  Church,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Eats  Army-worm. — Henry  M.  Burtis,  Port  Washington,  N.  Y. 

"  Occasionally  it  catches  a  spider,  fly,  or  some  other  insect."— Dr.  Alfred  Hasbroiick, 
Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y. 

Does  not  eat  hairy  caterpillars;  Oigyia  has  increased. — H.  Roy  Gilbert,  RocLiHtir, 
N.  Y. 

Hundreds  seen  eating  grasshoppers  in  a  dry  season. — Thomas  Birt,  lltica,  N.  Y. 

Plant-lice  eaten  sometimes.- Prof.  E.  W.  Claypole,  Akron,  Ohio. 

Will  not  touch  tree  insects,  however  abusdant. — W.  Ilubbell  Fisher,  Cincinnnti, 
Ohio. 

EphemercB  e&ten ;  elm-tree  worms  disregarded.- Dr.  E.  Sterling,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Many  dissections  in  autumn,  but  no  sign  of  insects;  Web-worms  not  tcin^hcd 
although  very  abundant. — W.  B.  Alwood,  Columbus,  Ohio. 

Have  watched  closely,  but  haye  never  seen  one  eat  an  insect. — E.  W.  Turner,  New- 
ton Falls,  Ohio. 

Eats  Graasboppors  and  seventeen-year  Cicadas. — R.  H.  Warder,  North  Bend,  Oiiio 

The  Curraut-worm  has  appeared  since  the  Sparrow  came. — S.  Griy,  Norwalk,  Ohio. 

Close  observation  shows  no  insects  in  its  stomach. — Thos.  Shroyer,  Preston,  Ohi" 

Scale  insects  are  eaten  largely. — W.  B.  Hall,  Wakcmau,  Ohi^. 

0)'fi/ia  abounds ;  Sparrow  e.its  measuring  worms  and  diurnal  lepidoptera.— Thos. 
Meehan,  Gerniantown,  Pa. 

Destroys  millions  of  insect  eggs  and  larvae. — C.  A.  Green,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 

Did  not  eat  Galentoa,  Web-worm,  Epilachna,  or  Lecanium,  which  wore  abundaut.- 
Pr.  8.  8.  Rathvon,  Lancaster,  Pa. 


KILEY    ON    ITS    INSKCTIVOKOUS    HAHITS. 


i;u 


i;:if>  iDolhH  niii^ed  liy  j{iiw,  l>ut  ('ails  to  loiitli  living  Ciirraiit-wonnn  cl<)«o  1>y.-  Dr. 
K.  L.  WulkiT,  MaiiHlloid,  I'ii. 

Niiiiu'i'diiM  .strmiiU'liH  I'XiiiniiiiMl,  Imf  very  (I'w  iiiscctH  fimiiil. — Dr.  II.  1).  Mooro,  Nt-w 
I.c.\iii«t<in,  I'll. 

Out  of  50  (lisHoctioiis  in  Maicli,  A)iril,  Mjiy  and  Juno,  no  inflects  Itnt  ono  beetle. — 
Itr.  li.  H.  Wnrren,  VVtiHt  CiifsttT,  Vi\. 

Kills  yoiinn  uruHHlioppcrs  after  oat.s  arc  harvested. — H.  F.  Maxson,  Westerly,  R.  I. 

liiMs  not  diHtiirli  thoCottoii-woniiM.— W.  .1.  Iliiison,  .lanies  Isluiid.S.  C 

Kills  inajjuots  from  dead  aniinal.s. — \V,  T.  Nixon,  Lawron('el»ur;;h,  Tenn. 

Docs  not  destroy  the  Codlinjj-inoth. — James  O.  Kennoy,  Provo  City,  Utah. 

Kats  larvae  of  I5ot-llios.— Dr.  Hiram  A.  Cutting,  Liinenburgh,  Vt. 

Ki'fdin;;  in  largo  (locks  on  GrasshopperH. — Geor;;^  M.  Neeso,  New  Market,  Va. 

Dots  n'lt  eat  caterpillars  on  tlioolm.— Col.  Kand(dph  Harri.son,  Richmond,  Va. 

Di'stroys  Cabbago-wonns  and  Tent-catcrpillers. — Dr.  J.  R.  Mathers,  Hnekhannnn 
W.  Va. 

Noticed  a  few  alight  on  webs  of  Tent-caterpillars.— John  II  Stridor,  Halltown,  VV, 
Va. 

Very  di'Htructivo  to  Cabbage- worms  (Pieris  rapa). — J.  II.  Shank,  Hickory,  W.  Va, 

Dots  not  eat  caterpillars  on  grapo-vines  and  pear  trees  close  to  nest. — O.  \V.  Knapp, 
Loon,  W.  Va. 

Kais  Giimslioupers  and  Katydids. — Z.  L.  Welman,  Stonghton,  Wis. 

This  list  includes  quite  a  nunibor  of  injurious  species,  together  with  a 
fair  piopoition  of  beucflciiil  and  iimoxious ones.  In  the  majoiity  of  the 
cases,  however,  the  ohscivutions  arc  based  on  scein<j  th«i  bini  cai»tiire 
tlie  insect,  and  this  kind  of  information  is  always  less  reliable  than  that 
oMiiincd  from  dissections.  From  a  long  experience  in  collectinj,'  en- 
toiiKtlogical  data  through  circularizatiou  1  have  learned  how  unreliable 
the  i(i)orts  are,  except  when  the  reporter  has  some  special  and  expert 
knowledge. 

Among  the  more  injurious  insects  captured  are  instauces  of  Hag 
woi'ins,  iiose  bugs,  Tobacco-worms,  Plum  Curculio,  "  Codling- wot  in," 
Scale  insects,  Aphidida),  Chinch  bugs,  and  Cabbage-worms.  Now  these 
ate  in  almost  all  cases  isolated  instances,  and  granting  the  observations 
to  be  correct,  they  do  no  alter  the  fact,  that  where  any  of  these  insects 
have  been  cotninon  within,  or  in  the  neighborhood  of,  a  city  where  the 
Spaiiows  are  aoundant,  the  birds  have  in  no  instance  affected  the  power 
i)t'  the  insects  for  harm.  Ilenco  such  reports,  unless  they  take  into  con- 
sideration all  the  facts  bearing  upon  the  subject,  are  misleading. 

Four  eases  are  mentioned  where  the  larvie  of  Orgyia  and  one  where 
the  latvai  of  Hyphautria  have  been  eaten.  Such  cases,  even  if  isolated, 
aie  extremely  interesting;  but  for  the  present  must  be  dispo.sed  of  iti 
the  satne  way  as  tho.so  just  instanced.  The  cases  where  the  bird  is  re- 
liorted  as  taking  Locusts  (Acridida;),  Grasshoppers  (Locustida^.),  and  the 
Aiiiiy  worm  and  Cut- worms  (Noctuid  larva;)  are  sufficiently  numerous 
to  .show  that  in  these  directions  the  Sparrow  in  the  country,  and  under 
poiKlitions  of  scarcity  of  other  kinds  of  food,  might  prove  of  considerable 
ht'iieiit.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Canker  worms,  and  some  other 
s^iiiooth  Gcometrid  Itirva?,  especially  Ennomos  suhsrgnoria,  which  affect 
trees  and  shrubs. 


132 


THE    KNGLI.SIl    «l'Al{liOW    IN    AMEKICA. 


Wi 


One  other  iiiistancc  iimy  be  nu'iitioiied  where  the  Sparrow  is  more  or 
less  useful,  because  it  is  in  a  direction  scarcely  looked  for.  This  is  in 
the  feeding  on  bot  larvae  There  is  suflicient  evidence  that  in  cities  tiie 
bird  enjoys  these  larva?,  which  it  picks  up  from  the  droppings  of  hors(.',s. 
The  beneficial  bearing  of  this  fact  is  somewhat  neutralized,  however,  by 
the  other  fact  that  on  the  paved  streets  of  our  cities  the  Gasirophilus 
larva}  rarely,  if  ever,  succeed  in  transforming;  but  i)erish  from  ina- 
bility to  enter  the  ground. 

We  are  thus  justified  in  concluding  that  the  bird  will  exceptionally 
feed  upon  almost  any  insect ;  but  I  am  strongly  inclined  to  believe  tiiat 
the  deduction  made  from  my  own  examinations  will  hold  very  generally 
true,  and  that,  in  cases  where  injurious  insects  have  been  fed  upon,  it  is 
not  by  virtue  of  any  insectivorous  habit  or  specific  preference,  but  by 
mere  accident.  Excejit  in  the  cases  of  Locusts  and  meadow  grasslioii- 
pers,  some  field  insects,  the  Canker-worm,  and  some  few  other  smooth 
worms  which  affect  trees,  there  is  no  evidence  that  the  bird,  notwith- 
standing its  great  numbers,  has  been  instrumental  in  checking  any  of 
our  insect  pests. 

Two  other  circumstances  for  which  there  is  suflicict  "'.idcnce  aie 
worthy  of  mention  as  bearing  on  the   question  undei  discussion,  vi/, 

(1)  the  bird's  tendency  to  take  insects  already  damage!  or  dead;  and 

(2)  the  fact  that  the  old  birds  take  insects  for  their  y^/ung  rather  than 
for  themselves. 

Finally,  the  examinations,  taken  as  a  whole,  show  how  thoroughly 
graminivorous  or  vegetarian  the  Sparrow  is,  as  a  rule,  and  I  need  not  in 
this  connection  add,  from  my  own  experience  or  from  that  of  others.  t(i 
the  verdict  of  "destructive"  which  Dr.  ^Ferriani  has  already  so  well  es- 
tablished in  his  last  report  as  Ornithologist  to  the  Department  of  Agri- 
culture. 

In  Australia  and  New  Zealand  the  farmers  have  been  forced  to  poison 
the  birds  by  wholesale.  Their  most  su(!cess!ul  method  is  that  of  ])la('- 
ing  poisoned  wheat  in  a  bag  with  cluiif,  and  allowing  it  to  leak  over  the 
tail  of  the  cart  along  the  road.  The  Sparrows  are  destroyed  by  the 
bushel,  and  one  paper  {Garden  and  FieUl.  c!:'  Ade'aide,  Nov.,  1887,  vol. 
13,  p.  70)  published  the  following  effusion,  b.,  \\n  "Adelaide  Poet  Lau- 
reate," with  which  I  would  close  this  rei)ort: 

What  means  tliis  sadly  plaintive  wail, 
Ye  men  of  spades  and  ploughs  and  luiirowsT 

Why  are  your  faces  wan  and  pale  ? 
It  is  the  everlasting  sparrows. 

We  may  demolish  other  pests 

That  devastate  the  farm   aud  garden  ; 
But  spoiled  by  llieso  voracious  guests, 

Our  prosi)ects  are  not  worth  a  fardon. 

Wo  can't  defeat  a  foe  like  this 

With  gunshot  or  with  bows  and  arrows; 
We  must  resort  to  artifice 

To  cope  with  enemies  like  sparrows. 


RESULTS    Ol-'    DISSILCTION. 

Our  luvel  best  we  all  have  tried 

With  scareerows,  nets,  and  cunning  ciigos, 
Our  utmost  eli'orts  thty  deride, 

Aud  spoil  our  fruit  in  all  its  stages. 

Lift  np  your  beads,  your  hearts  lift  up, 

Resume  your  spades,  your  ploughs  and  harrows, 

Aud  while  you  drain  the  gonial  cup, 
I'll  tell  you  how  to  lick  the  sparrows. 

No  more  your  wasted  fruits  bewail, 
Your  crops  destroyed  of  peas  aud  niarrowa, 

A  cure  there  is  that  can  uot  fail 
To  rid  you  of  the  hateful  sparrows; 

The  remedy  is  at  your  feet. 

Slay  them  and  wheel  tlioin  out  iu  barrows, 
Poisoned  by  Faulding's  Ph(jeuix:  wheat, 

The  one  great  antidote  to  sparrows. 


133 


TABLES  OF  POOD  AS  SHOWN  BY  DISSECTION. 

We  conclude  the  discussion  of  the  insect  food  of  the  Sparrow  with 
tal»Ios  giving  the  entire  contents,  so  far  as  it  was  possible  to  determine 
tlieiii,  of  522  stomachs  dissected  at  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  and 
of  Hi  stomachs  dissected  at  West  Chester,  Pa. 

Of  the  number  dissected  at  the  Department  of  Agriculture,  338  were 
from  birds  killed  iu  Washington,  and  many  of  these  were  examined 
witliin  an  hour  or  two  after  death.  The  remaining  184  stomachs  were 
sent  to  Washington  in  alcohol.  In  all  cases  they  were  carefully  exam- 
iiu'd  in  the  Ornithological  Division  first,  by  J)r.  A.  K.  Fisher,  who 
iticiitilied  and  recorded  their  general  contents.  Subsequently  those 
which  contained  any  traces  of  insect  remains,  or  in  which  the  presence 
of  such  material  was  suspected  (102  iu  all),  were  referred  to  the  Ento- 
mological Division  for  further  examination,  and  92  were  found  to  con- 
tain insect  remains  in  greater  or  leiuS  abundance.  From  I'rofessor 
Kilt'.v's  report  on  this  subject  the  data  have  been  obtained  for  the  in- 
sect columns  iu  the  following  tables,  which  were  prej)ared  by  Dr.  A.  K. 
Fislier,  assistant  ornithologist. 

It  is  only  necessary  to  say,  in  explan.ation  of  these  tables,  that  a  cross 
'II  any  column  indicates  that  the  kind  of  food  si>ecified  at  the  head  of 
tliat  column  was  found  in  the  specimen  against  which  the  cross  stands. 
^0  attempt  was  made  to  estimate  the  jjercentages  of  ditlerent  kinds  of 
food  iu  tiie  individual  stomaciis,  excei)t  iu  the  case  of  the  insect  food, 
to  which  reference  has  been  made  alieady. 


134 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    iM    AMERICA. 


TABLES  OF  FOOD  AS  SHOWN  BY  DISSECTION. 

Contsiita  of  stomacha  of  English  Sparrows  {Paaser  domesticus). 

[Examined  at  the  Deportment  of  Agricalture.] 


and 
age. 

Date  of 
capture. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

'6 

'S 

•0 
m 

2 

i 

IS 

« 

t. 

Si 
ga 

S 

0 

2 
e 

•c 

1 

Insect  food. 

i 

-a 

a 

3 
0 

O 

i 

O 

'S 

s 

i 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

i 

1 

& 

"5 

■s 

"g 

1 

m 

1 

s 

o 

g 

« 
5 

%. 

m 
•w 

a 
•a 
u 

Kind  of  insect. 

4041 

rf  im. 

$ 
d" 
? 
<f 

9 
d" 
? 
d 
9 
<f 
<f 
d 

d 
|ad. 

d 
d 

d 

9Juv. 

rf  ad. 

d 
9.iuv. 

d  ad. 
9  iin. 
d  ini. 
9  iin. 
9  ill). 
9  ad. 

ini. 
9  iiu. 
d  iiii. 
d  i'li. 
d  ini. 

ill). 
9  im. 

d  Im. 
cTad. 

1886. 
.Stpt.     21 

Oct.    28 
...do  .... 

East   Hartford, 
Conn, 
do 

... 

... 

K 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

3  wasps;    2    HI 
grasslioppers. 

3    young  grn>'* 
tiers  i    1   leaf 
beetle. 

4082 

4(IK3 

do 

4084 

do 

4085 

...do.... 

do 

... 

X 
X 

4US6 

...do.... 

do 

' 

4087 

Oct.    29 
...do... 
..  do  ... 

...do 

do    

... 

X 

4(88 

4089 

do     

.* . 

X 

4090 

...do  .... 

..  do 

... 

4li!)2 

Nov.     5 
...do.... 
...do  .... 

....do 

...do 

do 

... 

X 

•■ 

X 
X 
X 
X 

... 

41 1 93 

4094 

4099 

Nov.  22 
...do  ... 

.  do    

'■ 

4100 

do    

K 
X 
X 
X 

X 

4101 

. .  do  ... . 

do       .    . 

... 

.... 

... 

... 

4102 

.  di)  .... 
..do  .... 

..  do 

... 

X 

... 

4103 

do       

4104 

...do.... 
...do  .... 
...do.... 

...do 

X 
X 

... 

X 
X 

... 

41(15 

...do 

do 

... 

4U.C 

4107 

...do  .... 

Deo.     2 

..  .do 

do    

X 

4110 

...  do 

X 
X 

X 
X 
X 

... 

4111 

...  do    

4112 

...do  .... 

do 

4113 

...do.... 
...do  ... 

...  do 

X 

... 

... 

4114 

do 

... 

•• 

... 

... 

4li5 

D.c.     6 
July  31 
May     5 
May     7 
May     4 
Sept.  12 

June  27 

Au2.    2 

18S7. 
Apr.  12 

1885. 
Nov.     1 
July     7 
July   U 
July  14 
...do  .... 

...do    

X 
X 
X 
X 

2149 

Oaiue.sTillo,Va.. 
Milwauliee.Wis 
...do 

23.;7 

2329 

i>397 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 

2U09 

Alfred    Centre, 

N.Y. 
AVoitt    Goslien, 

I'a. 
PliiladelplUa,  Pa. 

Wasiiington, 
D.C. 

Cleveland,  Oliio. 
Sinu  SiuK,  N.  Y  . 

.  .  do 

X 
X 

3075 

3812 

4589 

UG8 

... 

X 

X 
X 

X 

15 

X 

40 

45 

do     

40 

...  do 

X 
X 
X 

47 

...do  .... 

...  do 

49 

..  do  ... 

do 

98 

July  25 
July  27 
. .  d(>  . . . . 

...  do 

H 

103 

...  do 

X 
X 

X 

X 

... 

... 

104 

do , 

■■ 

X 
H 

X 

... 

X 

105 

...do  .... 

..      do     

X 
X 
X 
X 

... 

106 

...do  .... 

do 

107 

. .  do  . . . . 

...  do 

X 

... 

X 

... 

124 

July  28 
Aug.    4 

Aug.  10 
...do 

...  do 

152 

do  .     .. 

X 
X 

X 

X 

... 

iiall 

t9t 

....do 

195 

do 

X 

... 

— 

X 

Kip- 

llta 

1 


RESULTS    OF    DISSECTION. 

Contents  of  stomachs  of  English  Sparrows  {Passer  domesticits) — Coutimicd. 


135 


Sex 
and 
ago. 

Date  of 
capture. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

OQ 

a 

u 

1 

1 

s 

1 

5 
3 
a 

u 

=  & 

o 

S5 

Insect  food. 

% 

B 

a 
& 

a 

1 

o 

*5 

s 
e 

o 

X 

.5; 

'S 
u 

c. 

m 

a 

00 

o 

"a 

X 

IB 

a; 

"3 

u 

& 

X 

a 

M 

Kind  of  Insect 

liKi 

rf  ini 

18^5. 
Aug.  10 
do 

Sing  Sing,  N.  Y. 
. .  d  0 

H 

2  811  out 'booties. 

1117  ,     $  inl. 
li)8  !     ?  n'l. 
llill       $  ml. 
2U0       9  iid. 
•JI7       J  iiii. 

X 

X 

..  d,)    .. 
do    .. 

..  do 

... 

-.. 

do 

X 

...do    .. 

All!.'.    11 

Aug.  15 
All}:.  2!) 
Silit.     3 
..  do 

do 

X 

...do 

..do 

X 
X 

X 
X 

3'i.'> 
49(i 
4'(7 

9  ill). 
c?  iiii- 
9  im. 
cTini. 
d"  ill!. 
rf  iiii. 
9  iul. 

d"     , 
9  ad. 
d"  »d 
rf  ail. 
d" 
? 

9 

d- 

d'juv. 

9  ini. 
9  ad. 

9  ad. 

9  ad. 

(S  iiu. 

9 

d  iiu. 
9  iiii. 
9  iid. 
d  ii". 
d'  ad. 

..  do 

....do 

X 

rye 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

... 

X 
X 

... 

X 

4!*'* 
4!»il 

...do  

...do 

...do  ... 

...do 

...do  ... 
...do  .... 

..do    

X 

501 

....do 

... 

... 

.. 

... 

X 
X 

5,1-1 

...do 

....do  

X 
X 

6')U 

Sept.  12 
Sept.  17 
..  do 

...do 

7'"'' 

...do 

X 

"■':i 

...do  

X 

llO"! 

Out.    10 

..    do 

....do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 

X 

1100 

...do 

-•■ 

•• 

... 

0'74 

18<7. 
Sept.  U 

..  do 

WaHliington, 

B.C. 
do 

X 

... 

C'j;5 

... 

-■ 

X 

... 

10 

188-). 
July    7 

July   14 
July  25 

July  28 

Aug.  10 

..do.... 
...do  .... 

Sing  Sing,  N.  T  . 

....do 

do 

X 

X 
X 

2    larvae    of    small 
beetlu. 

4S 

<J7 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

Jaws     of     several 
Hill  all     caterpil- 
lars :      1    R  u  0  u  t 
beolle ;  wing*  and 
legs   of    anolUir 
Huiall  bcttle. 

Eeiiiaiim  of   1  small 
dung  beetle;     le- 
mains  of    1    hiuall 
bee  or  wasp. 

Traces  of  a  smnll  in- 
sect,   probably    a 
beetle. 

lleniains  of  2  snout- 
beetles. 

Remains  of  1  small 
dung  beetlu. 

Keuiaius  of  1  bug. 

123 

^Ol 

...do 

...do 

... 

X 

OflO 

..  do 

X 
X 
X 

X 

"Ifi 

....do  

2K!) 

Aug.  20 
Aug.  2i) 
Si-pt.  22 
Oct.      2 
Oot.    20 
...do  ... 

....do 

....do 

do 

... 

X 

... 

Kllil 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

... 

,.. 

!t'.:!i 

....do  

....do 

X 

X 

11(10 

Hill 

...    lo  

... 

X 

X 

llll> 

9 
<S 

<f 

d 
d- 

...do  ... 
May     9 

June  10 

Nor.  20 

Alar.    19 

18^5. 
Oct.    80 

Sept.  20 
Oit.     19 
Oct;.    30 

.....lo 

Tai  11  ton,  Mass.. 

...do  

...do 

... 

X 
X 

15  v.; 

A  single  fvairmont  of 

1593 
1G42 

... 

... 

X 
X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

... 

a  duni-bcitlu. 
4  1  irge   giulis   of   a 
May-bietle  ;  I'lajr 
luents  of  2  small 
beetles. 

3300 

Sugar    G  rove, 
Oliio. 

Washington, 
D.C. 

Kedford,  Mich  . 
Calhoun,  (ia    ... 

niokea   parts  of  1 

121:, 

... 

... 

X 

... 

diingbeetl*. 

n:,3 

... 

.. 

loo:t 

1940 

Wost    Chester, 
Pa. 

13G 


THE    ENGLISH    SPAKUOW    IN    AMERICA. 


Covlciits  of  atowavhs  of  EtigJixh  Sparrowg  {I'uiintr  il(iiiitn:i(iin)—Coui'wncA, 


Co 


St 


1 

Date  of 
capture 

Locality. 

Coroala. 

J. 

1 
1. 

« 

e 

i 

z 

•a 

V 

o 
s 
u 

—  ^ 

ii 

=  H 

% 

a 

t 

i 

u 

Urn 

Insect  food. 

S 
3 

a 
o 

1 

H 

5 

Sex 
11  ml 
ago. 

i 

.a 

o5 

1 

'rt 

E 

i 

X 

p< 

•J. 

« 

<p 

.1 

s 
o 

*^ 
o 

o 

p. 

ao 

a 
.1 

a 

^1 

Kind  of  insect. 

30CI 

nd. 

1886. 
Mar.  14 

Mav     3 

1881. 
Mar.     3 
Ajir.   30 

lt-'80. 

Mar.  26 

..   liO  ... 

..do  ... 

. .  do 

Wdst    Clicster, 

I'eiin. 
Portland,  Conn  . 

London,  Canada. 
....do 

Tannlon,  Mass.. 
do 

X 
X 

3;iB() 

X 
X 

X 

34,')'' 

3453 

X 

■• 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

30i;t 

? 
jllV. 

3614 

3015 

do 

3)ilG 

..  do 

31119 

Ai>r.   15 
do    ... 

do 

3020 

do 

X 

3flil 

...ill) 

...do    

X 
X 

308A 

Mav    14 
-May  24 
Jan.      1 
Apr.     6 
..  do 

Atla  nta,  Ga 

3702 

do  . 

X 
X 
X 
X 

3723 

9 

d 
d 

? 

d 
d 

9 
9 

d 
d 

juv. 

9  ail. 
(f  11(1. 

Pliiladelpliia.Pa. 
Now  Vork  Cily. 
...  do  . 

X 

... 

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 
X 

4671 

4072 

4t;82 

A\>v.     0 
Apr.  21 
...do  .... 

Fort    Uamilton, 

N.  Y. 
Van    Cortlftudt, 

N.  Y. 
....do  

4711 

4712 

4ri3 

...do  .... 

...  do 

X 

4714 

Apr.  23 

Mav     C 

May   2!) 

June  10 

...do  .... 

1S«7. 
Juno  14 

Apr.  15 
Apr.  18 
..  .do 

WiiHt    F  a  r  m  s  , 

N.  Y. 
Now  York  City. 
do 

X 
X 

... 

... 

•  • 

... 

4740 

.. 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 

48:iU 

4S5V 

Hartsdale,  N.  Y. 
...do 

Wnsliin  gton , 

Syiacuso,  N. Y. 

... 

4H51 

X 

X 

X 

50CU 

5761 

::• 

... 

5703 

... 

•11 

57«'4 

i  ail. 
2  a:l. 
?  a.l. 
?  11  <1 

....do 

X 

5705 

. .  do  ... . 

do    

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

X 

3700 

...do  .... 

....di)    

5707 

....do 

■■ 

570H 

d  ii<l. 
9  ail. 
d  a<l. 
d  ail. 

9 

d 
d 
V 
9 

9  a.l. 

9  ad. 
d:\n\. 

9.i<'v 
rf.jiiv. 

cfjuv 

9.i"v 
9  iiv 

d.  uv 

d 

d 

Apr.   19 
.\pr.  20 
Apr.  21 
May     9 

■,8,S0. 
July  15 

July   20 
■liilv  30 
Am;;.     3 
A 11  J.    4 

l«s7. 
May    12 

Mav   13 

..  do  ... 

May   10 

May   20 
...di)  .... 

...do 

5709 

....do 

....do 

...do  

... 

X 
X 

5770 

•• 

5770 

4U2G 

East     Hartford, 

Conn. 
..  do 

-- 

X 
X 
X 

X 

)i 

40:' 

4o:u 

..  do 

403  J 
4033 

....ilo 

X 

X 

... 

... 

5523 

Wasliin  g  ton  , 
U.  C. 

....do  

X 

X 

Pieces  of  legs  of  1 
iclint^nnnin  ll>  |(1; 
1  HUout-bectli'. 

5521 

y 

X 

552.-) 

...do 

5520 
5527 

....do  

...do 

... 

... 

.... 

X 
X 

X 

X 

... 

Part.iof  legof  May 
beetle;  1  was]K 

552« 

...do 

X 
X 

Pieces  of  80  vera 
Slay-beetles. 

PieccB  of  May-bee- 
tie. 

5:>29 

..  do  .... 

....do    

5530 

May   28 
Juno  21 
...do  .... 

....do 

....do 

.,  ..do 

:;: 

X 
X 
X 

56,SI 

X 

50H2 

5083 

<lo  . ... 

1  ...do 

X 

... 

X 

X 

' 

5084 

...  do 

....do 

... 

X 

... 

■  •  . 

,  , 

•  ■  . 

■  •  < 

5680 

,■1690 
5tidl 

oiiDO 


,1037 
S(i87 


5720  ;     d 


5727 

fi-ad. 

5728 

d  ad. 

5;2»  1 

d  ad. 

.■|73U 

cfail. 

5731 

d  ad. 

:,Ti'i 

d  ad. 

fi7J3  1 

9  ad. 

5734 

9  ail. 

5735 

9  ad. 

57:JG 

9  ad. 

57;i7 

9  ad. 

6";)8 

9  ad. 

57,i9 

9  ad. 

.■•740 

9  a.l 

5741 

9  ad. 

5742 

9  ail. 

5743 

i'  ad. 

5.14 

9  ad. 

574,-. 

9  ad 

5;4B 

9  ad 

5747 

9  ad 

5748 

9  ad 

5;  4!) 

9  ad 

5750 

9  ad 

5751 

9  ail 

5i'j2 

cfad 

5,6;) 

d"ad 

i)iivt 

■<  ad 

5755 

„-"  ml 

5756 

■J  ad 

1939 

?  in 

liil2 

.<  aii 

1913 

9  all 

1944 

9iul 

l.it. 

0'  ill! 

I9)U 

c/iul 

1917 

ci-al 

1533- 

lO'O 

9 

llill 

:8u.i 

d  ad 

202n 

9 

2974 

d'.iu^ 

f 


RKSULTS   or    DISSECTION.  137 

ConteiiU  of  utomavhs  of  EnyVmh  Spamnis  {Vhhihi- domcHiioitis)  -Cou\.m\\C{\. 


Sex 

ttiitl 

age. 

Date  of 
capture. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

'3 

s 

9 

X 

X 
X 
X 

® 

3   ■ 

9 

'r' 

a? 
5  £ 

V 

a 
3 

« 

■o' 

c 

CO 

Insect  food. 

c 

5 

1 

00 

5 

f 

5 

s 

Q 

o 

09 

1 

B 

o 

a; 

c- 
'« 

1 
m 

a 
.2 
'S 

o 

'A 

00 

1 

a 

1 

a 

Kind  of  insect 

5689 

J  ira. 

1886. 
July  12 

...do  .... 

Wiisliin  2  ton, 
D.C. 
do 

... 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

1590 

Siifll      (S  iiii. 
Mi      d  ini. 

..  do  ... 
...do  .... 

....do 

do  . 

*■ 

Apr.  21 
...do  .... 

Ifockville,  Conn, 
do 

X 

X 

... 

Bemaius  of  1  dnng- 
bowtle;    1  other 
smull  beetle. 

5C37 
5087 

..do    ... 

do 

July    4 

..  do... 

Apr.  22 

Jau.    20 

1888. 
Dec.   31 

18(57. 
Feb.   20 
..  do.... 
. .  do  .... 

Ann  Arbor, 
Mich. 

....do 

Amherst,  Ma.s3. 

West  Ches  t  e  r . 
I'a. 

do     . 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

>- 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

5«88         juv. 
5725       -^ 

X 
X 

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

X 
X 

... 

X 

X 

si-'n 

ffnd. 
d"  ad. 
d"  ad. 
cf  ad. 
c/'  ad. 
.•fiid. 

l)7'7 

...do.... 

...do 

...do 

... 

ri7?« 

7i7;ill 

..do  .... 

do    

Silll 

...do... 
..  do..., 
...do  .... 

...do 

..  do 

... 

.',7j2 

.'i7J3  !     V  ail.l 

..  do 

X 

X 
X 
X 

5734 

V  ad, 
9  ad, 
y  ad, 
yi  ad. 

1.1  ;iil 

...do.... 
...do... 
...do  .... 
...do.... 
..do  .... 
...do  ... 
.   .do  .... 
...do  .... 

do    . 

•iiSli 

do 

STIIfi 

..do 

.   do 

... 

X 

... 

57;i7 

5738 

...do  

...do 

..  do 

... 

X 

X 

57.1»        0  mi.  1 

5740 

9  ad, 
9  ad. 

V  ad. 

V  ail. 
t,)  11(1. 

5741 

do 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

574? 

. .  do  . . . . 

do 

5743 

Mnr.  18 
...do  .... 

....ilo 

57  U 

574.)  i     9  ail. 

5746  y  lul. 

5747  V  11(1, 
57)8  (     y  11(1. 
5749       y  11(1 

...do.... 
...do.... 
..  d)  .... 
...do    ... 
...do  .... 

.  do  . 

X 

.   .do 

X 
X 
X 

..  do 

X 
X 
X 

..do 

do 

... 

5751) 

V  ad. 
9  ail, 
rf  ad. 
c/ad, 
,f  ad, 
,/  ad. 
■S  ad, 

9  ini 

.  do  ... . 

do 

X 

5751 

...do  .... 
...do  .... 

..  do    

X 
X 

5752 

....do    

5^5;i 

...do  ..   . 

..do.... 

...do  .... 

..do 

...do 

...do 

... 

X 
X 
X 
X 

KA 

X 

5;.i5 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

< 

X 
X 

67,56 

...do  .... 

.do        

X 

... 

... 

1939 

1885. 
Oi'l.    29 
...do  .... 

....do 

..  do 

li'42  1     r>  ail. 

1913        y  ,„1. 

Oct.    3U 
.  .do    ... 

...do 

X 

. 

l»4-4       V  lul. 

...do 

114 1       ij- 11(1, 

...do 

..  do    

1918  '     J  ad. 

...do 

...do 

X 

1917        ,•  a  1. 

...do.... 

Sept.  a 

Aug.  29 
Nov.  20 
Dtc.     1 

1880. 
Feb.    13 
May  22 

July  28 
Aug.     3 

..  do 

X 
X 

X 

1033' 

9 

Alfred  U(;nt,re, 

N.  Y. 
Taunton,  Mass. 
do 

lO'O 

llill  i   .." 

X 

;8W  ;     ,  f  aii. 

Chester  Co.,  Pa. 

Amherst,  Mass. 
Washington  , 

D.C. 
....do 

: 

X 

X 

2029 

9 
d'.iuv, 

?  lid. 
$ad. 

X 

X 

2074 

2130 

X 
X 

2131 

....do 

... 

.  .  •  * 

.  . . 

X 

1  snontbeetle. 

138 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Contents  of  stomavha  of  Englinh  ■S/jacroics  (/'asscr  domeaticut) — Continued. 


ill 


Sex 
ftnd 

age. 

Dale  of 
capture. 

Lorality. 

Corealg. 

i 

p 

X 
00 

2 

o 

■a 

9 

e 

If 

z 

a 
a 

Insect  food. 

1 

a 

a 

1 

o 

5 

i 

.a 

09 

1 

B 

i 

CD 

"i 

« 
[a 

B 

a. 
03 

a 
.S 

c 
'A 

t 

I 

t 

s 

Kind  of  iuaect. 

2132 

9  ad. 
9  ad. 

?  ira. 

im. 
?  im. 
9  uil. 
9  ad. 
rfad. 
cfad. 
d  lid. 
9  ad. 

$  im. 

9  im. 
d"  im. 
d-juv. 
d-ad. 
d"ad. 
d'juv. 

d'ad. 

d 
d 
d- 

2 

9 

? 

9 
9 

cT  im. 

9  im. 
9  ad. 
djuv. 

9  ad. 
9  ad. 
§juv. 
9  ad. 
d  ad. 
d  lid. 
d  ad. 

1886. 
Aug.     3 

.     do 

WaHliinirton, 
D.C. 

do 

X 
X 

X 
X 

... 

I  motll  Willi  CL'gS;  I' 

jia  r*  of  jaw.t  (of 
catwpillnii). 

1  HIIOIll.lll>t4lll> 

2133 

2148 

July    31 

1887. 
July    12 

...no 

Gaiucsville,  Va  . 

Wa8h  i  n  g  1 0  n , 

D.C. 
...  do 

(Enij)ty.) 

Vcrysmiill  piicisof 
a  wasp. 

6693 

X 
X 
X 

\ 

... 

5094 

X 

6695 

51iU6 

...do.... 
.    do  . 

...do 

do    

... 

X 

6697 

...do.... 
...do.... 
July    13 
. . .  ilo 

...do 

X 

... 

eung 

...do 

..  do    

... 

X 

6GUU 

X 

X 

X 

670U 

do 

X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

... 

5701 

...do  ... 

....do  

11  flea-beetles,  lleaf 
flea-beetk'. 

&702 

..  do.... 
...do  ... 

....do 

....do 

X 
X 
X 

6703 

5704 

..  do  ... 
..  do  ... 

...do 

X 

X 

... 

X 

5705 

. .  do    ..... 

Kemain.s  of  a  wasp. 

5706 

...do 

...do 

5707 

...do 

....do 

X 

... 

-• 

... 

5708 

July    14 
May    28 
...do 

...do    

X 

6531 

do 

X 

X 

5532 

....do 

X 

X 

X 
X 

X 
X 

X 

1  Bpidcr;  1  snout- 
beetle;  2  hiiIh;  1 
bee;  1  Hii]:iU,  par- 
asitic fly. 

1  spider;  1  snout 
beetle. 

5633 

Juno     2 

..do  ... 
...do  ... 

....do 

X 

5534 

....do 

X 

5535 

...  do  

X 

X 
X 

X 

6536 

..do.... 
...do  .... 

....do 

....do 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

1  snout- beetle ;  5  Ilea* 

5537 

X 

beetlcii. 
2   Hp:<lei8  ;  2  Hiioul- 

bei'tles ;  2  lli'ii  but- 

tle.s. 
Several    snout  -  bPD- 

5538 

...Uo 

...do  

X 

... 

i539 

...do.... 

do 

X 

tll'8. 

1540 

...do  .... 

....do 

X 

6541 

..  do 

...do 

X 

X 

X 

6142 

...do.... 

....do  

X 

2  pupiD  of  bluebottle 

a.v. 

HR-IS 

...do.... 
..do... 

Juue    3 

June    4 
Juno    7 
...do  ... 

...do  .... 

...do 

6544 

....do  

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

... 

1  snont-beetlo;  piecei 

5.)45 

....do  

of  larva  of  a  leaf 
boppei-. 
Numerous  spiders;  3 

5'>i6 

....do 

X 
X 
X 

Bliont  -  beetles;  1 
waep. 

5"i47 

....do 

....do 

....do 

X 

X 

X 

... 

... 

5548 
5H9 

■"• 

X 
X 

1  May  beetle;  I  snoot- 
beetle. 
1  anout-bectlu. 

55.>0 

Juno    8 
...do 

do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

55.")! 

do 

SSS' 

June    9 
..  do  ... 

....do 

5553 

....do    

X 

6'54 

...do  .... 

....do 

5555 

...do  .... 

....do    

5619 

djiiv. 

Juno  11 

...do 

66U1 

d  ad.  1  iliini)  IB 

...do  

6662 

9Juv. 
djuv. 

...do.... 

...do 

X 
X 

... 

w 

» 

X 
X 

1  floa-beotle;  tracM 

6665 

June  16 

do 

of  a  bee  01  wa.«p 

Very  small  piefo.Hiil 

a  hymenopteroB. 

u 

S 

s 

Sex 

a  n  (1 

a 

« 

i 

0 

!) 

ct 

U 

S666 

Vjuv 

mo 

9,iii\ 

5070 

V.iuv 

,'.071 

d.iii\ 

5(i72 

din\ 

S67:) 

d.iii\ 

OfiiO 

V  lul 

5677 

■i'l^ 

5678 

ViUN 

567!) 

V 

5680 

^.iii\ 

,'.7i'l) 

dad 

5710 

9  ad 

6711 

9  ill! 

5712 

9  im 

5713 

9  im 

5714 

dim 

5715 

diid 

6710 

dad 

5717 

d  ini 

6718 

9  im 

5719 

9  ad 

57:o 

?jiiv 

5721 

im 

57:'2 

9  im 

5723 

d  ill! 

5721 

o'  im 

5916 

d  ad 

5917 

9i..l 

5918 

d  im 

,5919 

dim 

5920 

o'  im 

51121 

9  im 

69J2 

d  im 

5!l2:i  I 
5924 


5925 
592H 
5929 
5910 
.59:)1 
5912 
.59311 
.59:14 
59:15 
59:i6 
59.!; 

5!i:w 

5939 
5910 

5941 

5942 
5943 
5944 
5945 
5946 


RF.SULTS    or    DISSECTION.  139 

Content*  of  btomuvhn  of  ICnylish  Sparroics  {PuHsur  domeaticun) — Coiitiuiieil. 


a  n  (1 

Date  of 
raitture. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

1 

2 

0 

1 

1 

% 

^  c 

V 

© 

luauct  food. 

s 

e 

a 

s 

« 

XL 
X 

■3 
g 

0 

0 

c 
0 

c 

IS 

« 

n 

30 

'S 

p. 

HI 

K 

1 

'A 

en 

a 

'3 

p. 

X 

♦J 

s 

1 

HI 

Kiud  of  iuHect. 

56C6 

6069 
6<iT0 

9juv. 

V.ii'v. 

V.jiiv. 
.■f.iuv. 
(/.iuv. 
cf.iiiv. 
V  lul. 

.iuv. 

V 
*.i"y. 

((■  ail. 
9  ad. 
9  im. 
9  im. 

9  im. 

c/im. 
cf  a.l. 
c^  ail. 
cC  im. 
9  im. 
9  ad. 
?jiiv. 

im. 
9  im. 
cT  iin. 
0'  im 
d  ad. 
9  ad. 
L<  im. 
d'  im. 
0'  im. 
9  im. 
(f  im. 
(/  im. 
d  im. 

0'  im. 
.(■ad. 
(^  im. 
rf  im. 
o"  im. 
.!"  im. 
9  im. 
9  im. 
,f  ad. 
d  im. 
(/  im. 
cC  im. 
d  im. 
(/  im 

cf  im. 
9  im. 
9  im. 
9  im. 
d-  Im. 
9  im. 

1887. 
Juuo  16 

Juno  17 
...do 

WaHliiugtou, 
1).  C. 
do     

... 

X 

... 

X 

.  do      

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

...do  ... 

do 

5u;2 

587;) 

..do  ... 
Juno  20 
June  21 

...do  .... 

...do 

.do    

X 

X 

do    

X 

... 

... 

6  I10U8O   flics,  nitb 
numerous  oggs. 

...do 

X 

5(iT8 

..do  ... 
.do      .. 

do 

X 
X 

5li7l) 

do       

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

WRil 

...do  .... 

do 

5Trl) 

July  14 
..  do 

do 

5710 

do 

fiTII 

....do 

... 

X 

X 
X 

X 

X 
X 

"iTl" 

...do.... 

...do.... 
..  do 

....do 

....do 

. ...do 

.... 

; 

X 
X 

X 
X 

Lee  of  spider;  leg 
of  beetle;  part  ot' 
wasp ;  part  of  an- 
other small  by- 
luenoptiTou. 

2  wasp.H i  soveial  flea- 
beetles. 

5T13 

... 

... 

X 

'iTI'i 

July  15 
..  .do 

..  .do       .... 

fiilft 

...do 

... 

X 

X 
X 

i?!" 

.  do 

do 

•iilK 

do    ... 

do  . 

X 
X 

Sill) 

...do.... 
...do  .... 

..  do  .... 

..  do 

•■-• 

X 

'i7"fl 

...  do  

X 

... 

Numerous     wasps; 
traces  of  a  bug. 

I?'! 

....do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

S7"" 

.,lo 

do 

S7'';( 

...do.... 
do 

..  do 

•i7?( 

do      

_ 

hm 

An:;.    0 
do 

.    .  do 

X 
X 

2  snout-beetles. 
2  snout-beetles. 

SI  17 

...do 

,W18 

...do 

....do 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

S91!) 

...do  .... 
...do  .... 
...do  .... 
...do  ... 
.  do      . 

..  do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

Slt-'O 

..  do 

5iril 

..  do 

X 

filt'l 

..do 

X 

5!r';i 

....do  

X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

5924 

...do.... 
.do    .. 

....do  

...do 

■  ■  *  ■ 

■" 

— 

X 

X 

Many  flia-  beetles; 
Ic^s  of  suoutbee- 
tie. 

5!f'H 

Ang.  10 
...do  .... 
...do  ... 
do 

...  do 

SS'!) 

. .    do  .    

X 

-- 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

5910 

...  do 

59:11 

...do    

58.1'i 

..  do 

do 

X 
X 

X 
X 

59X1 

...do  ... 

..  do 

59:14 

..  do 

do 

X 

sinr. 

Aw'i.  11 
..do... 
. .  do  . . . 

....do. 

5!ttfi 

....do - 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 

59,)7 

...   do 

... 

X 

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

}( 

59:i8 

...do  ... 
...do  ... 

....(Ik 

(III  

59:19 

X 

X 
X 

X 
X 

X 
X 

591(1 

...do  .... 
...do  ... 

...do 

. .  do 

X 

X 

1  flea-beetle*   traces 

5941 

of  ft  wasp, 
nemaina  of  a  wasp. 

5942 

...do 

....do 

1    ' ' 

5943 

...do  ... 
...do      . 

...  do 

... 

5944 

. .  do 

594S 

Alls.  12 
...do  .... 

.do 

X 
X 

X 
X 

X 

X 

Remains  of  1  va.sp. 

5946 

...do 

X 

■  ••  < 

wasp;  2  small  cat- 
erpillars; flea  bee- 
tle. 

^1, 


'.\r 


140 


THJ 


Contents  of  8iO' 


LISII   SPAUROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Euylish  Sparrows  {Pilsner  (lofesticita) — C«»utiiniP(l. 


Date  of 
capture. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

to 

1 

c 

o 

X 

X 
X 

i  ■ 

US 

-2  ■ 
is  • 

X 

o 

a 

2 

I' 

(-  , 
2  3  , 

z 

s 
J 

Insect  tood. 

1 

a 

0 

a 
e 

•4-* 

a 
O 

Bex 
and 

ago. 

1 

CO 

I 

0. 

N 

3 

s 

i 

o 

u 

p. 

'■a 
i> 

a 

a 

s 

00 

1 

o 

u 

K 

a 

a 
1-1 

Kind  of  iu8ict. 

5947 

cf  Im. 

cf  a<l. 
9  ad. 
rflm. 
rfim. 

rf  iin. 
$  ad. 

rfim. 
2  atl. 
§ad. 

Sad. 

cflra. 

diva. 

$im. 

juv. 

juv. 
d  ii". 

d  ill). 
d  ill), 
rfad. 
?  ad. 

¥     , 
(/■ad. 
d  ad. 
d 
d 
d 

d  ii'i- 
d  i"i- 
d  Jin. 
d  iin- 
d  iiii- 
9  iiii. 
9  ira. 
9  iiu. 
9  ini. 
9  ad. 
9  lid. 
9  itu. 
d 
d 
d 

1887. 
Aug.  11 

...do  .... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
..do.... 

...do.... 
...do.... 

...do.... 
Aug.  13 
...do  

Wash  i  n  g  1 0  u, 

U.C. 
do 

... 

X 
X 

X 

X 

S948 

5010 

...do 

5q-,0 

do 

X 
X 

X 

5951 

....do 

do 

....do  

....do 

..  do 

... 

X 
X 

X 

X 

5952 

waHp. 

595J 

X 

» 

X 

5054 

opteron  (wa^pl), 
1  tree-lioppiT. 

50G6 

X 

5987 

do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

1    tree-  lio|iper;  2 
wiugod   11 11 1  s  (It 
nialoH), 

5008 

....do  

X 

X 

5900 

do  .... 

...do 

5970 

...do.... 
do     .. 

....do  

...do 

... 

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

2  wasps;  3  llcalHc 

ties. 
Ktiiiiams  of  1  ant 

5971 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 



5072 

. .  do  ... . 

....do  

2  wa.sps. 
Paitsotlcg^dfMa.v 

l»«ftlo ;  2  wasps. 
llfgofniolfriiikct. 

5071! 

...do.... 
Aug.  15 
...do 

....do 

....do 

V. 
X 

... 

5074 

... 

X 

X 

X 
X 

5975 

....do  

5070 

...do.... 

....do  

X 
X 

X 
X 
X 

X 

soveral  wa-iw, 

5'J77 

...do  .... 

...do  ... 
. .  do 

do 

do 

X 

X 

... 

Voiy   minute  r.- 
mains  ol'  .scvpijil 
wasps. 

6078 

X 

X 

X 

51)79 

....do 

5080 

...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  .... 
...do.... 

Aug.  16 

...do 

...do.... 

...do  .... 

...do.... 

...do.... 

..  do.... 

...do.... 

...do... 

...do... 

...do.... 

..do.... 

...do... 

...do.... 

...do  .... 

..  do  .... 

.-•do  .... 

Aug.  20 

...do  

...do... 
...do.... 
...do.... 
...do  ... 
...do  ... 

...do... 
...do... 

...do... 
...do  ... 
...do... 

do 

5UH1 

do 

X 
X 

X 

X 

... 

... 

5082 

....do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

1  wasp. 

5983 

5087 

....do  

X 
X 

noss 

....do  

... 

... 

X 
X 

5080 

....do  

5000 

....do 

....do 

... 

X 

X 

5991 

5002 

....do 

X 

5093 

....do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

X 
X 

5994 

...do 

5005 

...do 

5000 

....do  

5007 

....do  

X 

•• 

... 

... 

... 

5008 

....do 

do 

... 

5000 

... 

X 

0001) 

....do 

X 

... 

... 

Kemains  ot  1  wa'P 

(iOOl 

...do 

X 

Cl)U2 

...do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

6;iM:t 

....do 

X 

(llOi 

....do  

(Ud.l 

...do 

....do 

— do 

...do 

...do 

... 

... 

X 

■- 

X 

(ilOi 

X 

6io:) 

c 

f 

?.iiiv 

?iuv 

?iiiv 

X 

X 

X 
X 

6  ion 

0107 

6108 

...do 

X 
X 

X 
X 

Remains  of  3  cot- 

G1U9 

9.1UV 

9J11V 

...do 

....do  

... 

X 
X 

X 

X 
X 

X 

worms. 
Iwaspi  1  rnocui- 

Olio 

X 

Traces  of  1  bee  nr 

6111 

...  do 

X 

X 

X 

wasp:  1  flt'ali«" 
tlo. 

6112 

...do 

X 

•  • 

X 

Remains  of  1  «wp. 

6U3 

....do 

... 

... 

X 

.. 

.  , 

., 

« 

.3 

s.< 

3 

IIIM 

- 

a-11 

'J 

3 

U 

.:; 

a 

■J 

CIH 

'i 

i;ii5 

? 

I'll  Hi 

III  17 

liiiif 

MM 

rOnii 
01)07 

IK)«8 
(iUI>9 


COflO 
liiilll 
Mi9.' 

i;u:):i 
mi 

linilli 

io;)7 

iii'Ul* 
hiM 

liOO,^ 
lil.KiS 
0007 

«I08 

Colo 

null 

liU12 

C0i3 
60!4 
COlo 

M16 

ma 

liOl!) 


G0I9 
W-'O 

co:'i  I 
ft'.'?  i 
wa  I 

tiu.'4  I 

iio25 

W.'(i 

c.;;:9 

0230 

mn 

6232 
62.13 
62.34 
6235 
623ti 
6237 
6238 
6239 
C240 
I613B 
5137 


I 


d  ad. 


? 
d 
d 
d 

f 

9 

i 
•i 
d 
d 


KK.SULTS    OF    DISSECTION. 


141 


i\ 


Coiitdils  of  .■ihimiicliH  of  EiiijllHh  Spanou's  (Pamier  rfoj»i('«/itw«)-('tiiitiiiii«'d. 


Sex 

mill 

Diitr  of 

(MlllUll). 

Locality. 

Corials. 

'6 
y 

30 

5 

X 

o 

1 
1. 

\ 

\' 

•9 

i 

1 

X 

3 
a 

h. 

y 
e  - 

ii 

a 
-1 

lurivct  food. 

a 
'J 
a 
u 

CE 
•J 

00 

o 

X 

a!" 

N 

a 
C 

0 

X 

? 

a 
a; 

i 

30 

i 

'A 

I 

u 
T 

a 

Kind  of  iiiHect. 

CIU 

i;ii5 

lilKi 
iill7 

(ii)i)7 

sm 

m» 

mo 

9 

9 

9    , 
d"  ad. 

J 

;/ 

rfjiiv. 

?   lUl. 

9 
9 
9 
9 
i 

y 

V 

t| 

J  ml. 

d  iiii. 
d'  iiu. 
d'  iiu. 

rf  ill). 
cfjiiv. 

V 

9 
9 

V  ad. 

9 
9 
9 

d;ad. 

(<■ 

V  lid. 

V 

!        V 

t 

cT 

/■ 
V 
9 

9 
9 

I*i87. 
All);.  20 

ilu 

WoaIi  ingtou, 
...  do 

do 

..  do    

X 
X 

do 

...  do  

X 

... 

X 

X 
X 

X 

do 

....do     

... 

... 

Auj:.  10 
do 

..  dll  1 

X 

X 

. .  do      

do 

do             

X 

... 

X 
X 

X 

X. 

X 
X 

X 

X 

..    do   .. 
di) 

..do 

..   do     

X 
X 

LrsiHol'  1  icliiii'umon 
M"'  V  wiisprt. 

1  HIIDUt  .  [)tM-tln  ;      2 
Hlliull  .jllWM  (of  (lit. 

ei'liiilui  '(. 

2  Hiiiall  liutH. 
1  was^). 

Uiiiiiiiimdf-'  wiiaps. 
1  mil  ;  1  wasp. 

.do  ... 

..  do  ... 
...do  ... 

...do  .... 
...di)  .... 
...do  .... 
...do  .... 
do 

.    do       

X 
X 

...do  

...do 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

... 

...do 

..do 

..  do    

X 
X 
X 

X 

■- 

X 

X 

X 
X 

... 

.... 

X 

tl<l% 

..  do    

riit'jii 

..do            

...do  ... 

...do  .... 

Au-.  17 

...do  .... 
do 

..    do 

X 
X 
X 

X 

iji'Uil 

.  .    llo 

hUI 

....do  

..  do 

do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

... 

X 

RuTimiiis    (if   A   few 
HiiiiiU  aiils. 

X 

X 
X 

Iiij(i6 

IJ0U7 

...do  .... 
...do  .... 

....do 

...  do 

X 

... 

X 

X 

Vi;r.v  Hiimlljuei!(^s  of 
IV  liyniciiopU'iim. 

Tiiini) 

X 
X 
X 

MK>9 

.  do    .. 

...do 

X 
X 

X 

liiilU 

..do  .... 
do 

...do 

...do 

... 

X 
X 
X 

X 

... 

X 

X 

1  wasp. 

liilll 

0012 

do 

.  do      

X 
X 

X 
X 

X 

... 

X 

X 

1  wn.«i) ;  5  .jaws  of  a 
;irassh(iiipcr. 

m\^^ 

.  do 

....do 

r>(i4 

do    . . 

....do 

oiifi 

do 

do 

X 

>: 

I'liiifi 

.  do  ... . 

..do 

X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 

... 

X 

X 

wcii'iii ;). 

fOlT 

oum 

«019 

iio:;o 
w2:t 

0^^9 

ti.Ml 
6J;!3 

ei4 
fiati 

6237 
1)238 
6239 
C240 
6136 
6137 

...do  .... 
...do.... 

Alls.  18 

..  .do 

do 

..  do 

do 

X 

2Kiiiiutlii'i'II(!.s ;  part 
of  li'^!  of  May-Ueu- 
tlo. 

! 
i 

....do  

...do  

..do    

X 

X 

... 

X 

X 
X 
X 

... 

... 

X 

1  wa.>p. 

...do 

...  do    

...d>  .... 

...  do 

X 
X 

X 
X 
X 

X 

-- 

.  do 

...do 

do 

.  do 

X 
X 
X 

X 

4b(!u»  (of  two  kinds). 
Itt'iiiaiiis  of  1  wasp. 
lieniaiiiH  of  1  wasp; 
1  Ilea  boullo. 

do 

1        do 

X 

Aiii:.  29 
do    . . 

...  do 

..do 

... 

X 
X 

All'.;.  30 
...  do  ... 

..do 

X 

...do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

...do  ... 
..do  .... 

...do 

...do 

X 

...d>  ... 

...do 

' 

...do  ... 

..  do 

.. 

X 

X 

...do  ... 

...do 

X 

... 

X 

..  do  ... 

....do 

...do  ... 

....do  

X 

...do... 
Aug.  23 
...do  ... 

...do 

X 
X 

do 

....do 

, . 

.  , 

X 

.. 

,^ 

■  *  < 

... 

142 


T1!K    JliNULlSil    bl'AKKOW    IS    AMKKICA. 


Contenl»  of  utomachH  of  ICnglUh  Siiunows  (l\isiier  d()»i,(«<(OH«)— Continued, 


Sex 
and 

Dale  of 
raiituii:. 

Local  lly. 

Cfircaln. 

♦J 

\*4 

X 

i 

4) 

1 

n 

J   . 

-J 

IiiHPCt  food. 

1 
i 

a 
I 

r)0 

n 

X 

1 

I 

1 

i 
z 
p. 

X 

1 

o 

i 

i 

n 

a 

a 

Kiud  of  liiHcct, 

6138 

d 

o'ad. 

d 
d 

d 
d 
d 
d 
d 
d 
d 

d 
d 
d 
d 
d 
9 

9,juv. 

? 

rfnd. 

cTad. 

d 

2,juv. 

Qjuv. 

V.jiiv. 

$juv. 

?,jnv. 

d 
d 
d 
d 
d 
d 
d 

l^87. 
All-.  23 

..do  .... 
...do  .... 
. .  do  ... . 

AVuHliiiictoii, 
l>.  IJ. 
do 

6130 

<il4U 

do 

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 

X 
X 

OUl 

do 

X 
X 

X 

1  wasp. 

(1142 

.  du 

dt 

6143 

...do  .... 
..  do  ... 
...do  ... 
..do  ... 
Aiitf.  24 
..  do  .... 
..  do  ... 
. .  do  . . . 
. .  do  .... 
...do  ... 
...do  ... 

...do  .... 

..  do    .. 

.do  ... 

...  do 

X 

6144 

(Ill 

UI45 

do 

614U 

do           .     .. 

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

X 
X 

(il47 

do 

6148 

do 

6140 

do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

X 

6I5U 

6ini 

...do 

.    do 

... 

X 

1  flea-lieetlo. 

615i 

.  do 

X 

... 

6103 

do 

X 

X 

Re  111  kill  H  (if  a  hy- 
iiiciioplcnin.  11  lid 
very  Bniiill  iiiicis 
of  a  hug. 

6ir>( 

do 

X 

X 

X 

OiM 

do 

X 
X 
X 
X 

Ul.'.O 

do           

()lf>7 

. .  do  . . . 
...do  ... 

...  d> 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

61S8 

..  do 

X 

U150 

...do    .. 
...do  .... 
...do  .... 

..  d.) 

do  .        .     . 

X 
X 

6106 

6na 

...  do  

X 

1  wasp. 

1  Hinull  fntprpilliir, 

6162 

..do     .. 
..   do    .. 
do  .... 

...  do  

til63 

..    do 

do 

X 

X 

6164 

X 

Keiiiaius  of  1  Wii-ij). 

6125 

Auk-.  22 
. .  di) 

..  do 

X 

6126 

...  do 

6127 

...do  .... 

..     do 

X 

61J8 

.  do 

do 

61'J0 

..  do  ... 
...  do  ... . 

..  do 

6136 

do 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

6131 

...do  ... 
..  do  .... 

do 

6132 

. .  do 

0133 

...do  .... 
...do    .. 

..do... 
Aua.  20 
.  .do  . . . . 

..  do 

X 

6134 

do 

X 

X 

Keiiiaiiifl  of  povoral 

6135 

...do 

X 

X 
X 
X 

X 

prnsslioppur.s  nud 
1  wasp. 

601)0 

...do 

X 
X 

6100 

...  do 

6101 

..  do  ... 

Auk.  26 
..do  ... 
...do.... 

.  do  . . . 

...  do 

X 

6201 

...do 

..  do 

•• 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 

6202 

6203 

.      do 

X 

... 

X 

X 

X 

6204 

..   do 

Roniains  of  1  cut- 

6205 

..  do  .... 

.    do 

X 
X 

worm  ;  1  Mm  llv; 
1  leaf-lioppoi ,  mill 
4  atits. 

6206 

. .  do  ... . 

....do 

X 

6207 

...do  .... 

...  do 

6208 

...do... 
...do  ... 
...do  ... 
...do  .... 

...  do 

X 

X 
X 

6200 

...do 

X 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

•< 

X 

X 

U210 

....do    

X 

6211 

...do 

0212 

..  do  .... 

..  do 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 

6213 

..  do    ... 

.  do 

6214 

..do  .... 
. .  do  ... . 

..do 

6215 

....do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

6216 

Auk.  27 
...do 

....do 

6217 

...  do 

X 
X 
X 

6218 

..  do  ... 
..do.... 

....do 

6210 

— do 

... 

. .  . . 

a 

a 
a 

0 

a 


8220 

? 

6231 

d 

6J22 

d 

(1223 

d 

fl.. 

d 

6.25 

■i 

6226 

d 

6227 

I 

«;'28 

6241 

d 

6242 

d 

B24;! 

d 

62U 

d 

624.1 

d 

6246 

d 

8247 

d 

6248 

9 

6249 

9 

fi2.'i0 

5 

6251 

9 

62.i2 

9 

fi2.Vt 

9 

fi2.'i4 

0 

625.'i 

6 

62ri0 

? 

6263 

62I-4 

6265 

62(10 

■•••■• 

6267 

6268 

6269 

0270 

0271 



0j73 

0.i35 

rf  a( 

mm 

9 

mi 

d 

RKSULTS   OF   DISSECTION.  143 

ContenU  of  Hlomachn  of  EikjUhIi  Sjiurious  {I'anser  rfomes/icu")— ContiiiiiiMl. 


iij!e. 

rtafo  of 
vupturo. 

Locality. 

Cereals. 

1 

g 

s 
s 
n 

o 

1 

1 

3 

V 

If 

o 
a 

•3 

o 

•-« 
if 

i 
c 

i 
s 

lUHCPt  foo«l. 

1 

g 

§ 

b( 
e 

1 

V 
X 

6 

X 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

a 

a 

a 

i 

te 

i 

0. 

txt 
« 

o 

M 

O 

'S 

a 

•5 
a 

Kind  iif  iuRict. 

8220 

6221 

6:'22 
«223 

«■:.. 
6:26 
6226 
6227 
6;'28 
6241 
6242 
624;! 
6''U 

? 

cf 
cT 
d' 
cf 
:f 

? 

c/ 
cf 
cf 

cf 
cf 

1 

1887. 
Aug.  2' 

Aua.  2b 
do  . 

WiiHliinitton, 
1).  C. 

...do 

..  ill) 

K 

X 

..do  .... 
. .  do  ... . 

do         

..  do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

..  do  ... 
do    . 

..  do 

do 

...do  ... 

. .  do  .... 

Sent.    3 

do  . 

..do 

.  do 

X 
X 

..  do 

Jo 

X 
X 
X 

do 

do 

X 

X 
X 

..  do    .. 
do    .. 

.     do 

624,-) 

.  do    

...do 

...do 

X 

6:47 
6248 
6' '4  9 

ill) 

....do 

X 

X 
X 

do  ... 

..  do 

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 

...do 

.do  .... 

..do 

X 
X 

X 

do 

6'51 

do 

do 

•x 

X 

tx 

X 
X 

6''V2 

do  . 

..  do 

fi'Tit 

...do... 
.  do  ... 

....do 

6''r)4 

....do  

X 

6''5') 

..do  ... 
Sept.     3 

Sept.     6 
do  ... 

...do 

do 

X 

S'TK) 

X 
X 

X 

Many  leaf  flea- bee. 
tlet. 

e'es 

...do  

X 

tx 

X 

6''i)4 

...do 

0"65 

do 

do    

X 

62li« 

..  do  .... 

do    

X 

X 

6267 

dit 

....do 

X 

X 

Rniiifitns  of  Aovora.1 

6268 

. .  do  ... . 

...do 

X 

Rniall  graHsbop- 
pets. 

6''6g 

do 

..  do 

X 

X 
X 

X 

(i"7n 

...do  ... 

...do 

fi"71 

...do    .. 

ilo 

X 

ii"7-' 

..  do    .. 

do 

X 

673 

"d^a(i. 

9 

Sept.     7 
Nov.    30 
..do... 
Dec.      1 

...do 1... 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 
X 
X 

6S33 

ilo 

X 

... 

X 
X 

I),i3a 

..  do 

fiSfi4 

...do - 

X 

... 

20  oats  in  crop. 


1 36  oats  in  crop ;  10  in  stomacb. 
SUMMARY. 


(  34  oats  in  crop. 


Tlio  522  stomachs  examined  at  the  Department  of  Agriciiltnre  gave 
tlio  foUowiug  results : 

Wheat  was  found  in  22  stomachs,  oats  in  327,  corn  (maize)  iu  71,  fruit 
seed  (mainly  of  mulberries)  in  57,  grass  seed  in  102,  weed  seed  in  85,  unde- 
termined vegetable  matter  iu  219,  bread,  rice,  etc.,  in  19,  noxious  insects 
in  47,  beneficial  insects  in  50,  insects  of  no  economic  importance  in  31. 

Doubtless  most  of  the  oats  found  iu  the  stomachs  were  obtained  from 
horse  droppings,  and  some  of  the  undetermined  vegetable  matter  was 
from  the  same  source. 


t 


144 


THK    KNQLKSII    Ml'ARltOW    IN    AMKHICA. 


('ohIviiIn  of  Htumaclin  of  I'.uijUnh  Sjiiirrown  (/'««*«•»•  </i.m<«/i<H(t)— Conlinncd. 
|Ki»iiiln<'(l  III  Wmt  C'liuit(ei',  I'tt.,  by  Ur.  11.  U.  Warten,  I'ruf.  C.  II.  ('nclmtii.  and  I!  iij.  M.  Kveiliart.) 


'f  f. 


I|1^ 


Kkx 
anil 
aK<'- 

l>ali'  III' 
capluro. 

l.ooaUl.v. 

Clii'Hti  r  Co.,  Pa 
. .  do 

Ci'teoU. 

1 

■e 

s 

c 

7 

z> 

•J. 

<M. 

2 

: 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

/ 

X 

V 

i 

I 

2 

i' 

> 

.9 1 

a 

c 
z 

4.' 

j 

i 

i 

5 

I  n  .1 0  0  1 
lood. 

a 

a 

a 

1 

1 

1 

i 

'S 

a 
B 

s 

RoniarliN. 

1 

2 

cf  ail 
r/ail 
d  ail. 

—  ail. 

—  ail. 
9  a'l. 

—  ml. 

—  ail. 

—  ail. 
(f  ail. 

9  ail. 

9  iul. 

-ail, 
-ail. 

—  ail. 
•  ail. 

IK70. 

Mur.  1:1 

Mm.    .. 
...(Ill  . 

.  (Ill  ... 
..  il..    . 
...ill)  ... 
...ill.    . 
.     ill)    .. 
...do... 

..ill)    .. 
I»I80. 

Mill.    1 

Mar.    ;t 
.  III.    . 

...ill.    .. 

.ill) 
Mar.    4 
Mill'.  12 
Mar.  15 
Miir.  22 
Mar.    5 
Mar.    (i 
..  do    .. 
JIar.  20 

IftlO. 
Apr.    .! 

A|ir.    5 
Apr.    U 
Ajir.  25 
..do    . 
Apr.  2U 
Apr.  3U 
ill) 

...  llo 

X 

Do 

4 
6 
6 
7 

.  ill)  

Itliidi'H  of  pnnK. 
(;iovi  r  m'cil. 
Ho 

ill) 

X 

do 

(1,1    

X 

...do    

X 
X 
X 

X 

X 

X 

0 
10 

11 

..  ill) 

Do 

.     llo 

X 

SiiimU  liliick  SIM il 

. .  ill)    , 

X 

Wliiti'    roi'u    Hixl 

12 

..  do 

...ilii    

X 
X 

X 

X 
X 
X 

X 

1   l)LClll< 

Hiiiall  Hi'iil. 

13 

Hl'CdM. 

Uiccu    ve;:iliilili) 
mm  tor. 

14 

...do 

ill) 

•  ■■} 

... 

X 

X 

X 
X 

15 

Mi'i'd  of    liillir- 
weed. 

Id 

...ill) 

.-  do 

ill) 

X 
X 

... 

17 

IH 

10 

...do     

20 

..  llo 

X 
X 
X 
X 

X 
X 



21 

(to 

'J2 

..do 

23 

..do 

Siiutll    Hi't'ds    ;)iiil 

'-'4 

..do 

X 

< 

X 

bliulesol  yriiss. 

25 

..    do 

wet  d. 

26 

..    do 

Do. 

i!7 

. .  do 

X 

y 

X 

28 

..    do 

X 

IUmIs  ol  prjir. 

29 

...do  

..    ilu 

X 
X 
X 

;(0 

X 

31 

...do  

X 

X 
X 

Sitiitll  bluL'U  st'OiU. 

32 



1880. 
Apr.  17 
.\pr.  20 

....do 

X 

X 
A 
X 

33 

..  do  ..  

Si't'iN. 

34 

■'9'"" 

f/ 
9 

9 
f/ 
<f 
d" 

V 

d" 

<f 
9 

d- 

I 
9 

'd" 

Apr.  23 

A)«r.  27 

do    .. 

..  do 

Siti.ill  tilnc'k  HL't^dn. 

35 

X 
X 

36 

X 

37 

...ill).. 
A  pr.  29 
May    0 
...ill)    . 

WestOhestor.Pa 
..do 

X 
X 

>; 

38 

39 
40 

..  do 

...do  

X 

X 
X 

41 

..do  ... 
...do.. 
May    7 

May    8 
ill) 

....do 

42 

..  do 

X 

X 



43 

....do  

Buds  of  liaw-tree; 

44 

..  do 

X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 
X 

few  black  si'pds. 

45 

.do    

46 

do 

...do  

47 

<\o 

..do    

48 

do 

do 

40 

..  ill)    . 

...do 

50 

do 

.   ..do 

51 

..  do  ... 

May     0 
...do  .. 
...do  ... 
May  20 
...do  ... 

.  do  . . . 

...  do 

52 

..    do 

...  do 

...  llo 

53 

54 

55 

.   .  do    

X 

X 

Kye  bread. 
■  Do. 

50 

...do 

67 

...do  

X 

White  corn. 

58 

.y«.uu>r. 

May  23 

...do 

Apterous 
maects. 

§ 

a 

V 

3 

o( 

9 

"3 


05 
Uii 
07  \ 

M      9 


80 


70 

rf 

71 
7.' 

1 

7:1 

<r 

7» 

cf 

75 

.r 

76 
77 

i 

T« 

<t 

7!) 

m 

HI 

'd 

H2 

<f 

13 

<f 

81 

rf 

85 

9 

8(1 

d 

87 

9 

88 

«9 

(0 

91 

1)2 

93 

91 



9J  ' 

96 

97 

98 

cf 

99 

100 

9 

101 

102 

10.1 

104 

105 

lUO 

1U7 

IIM 

101) 

ml 

no 

ad 

111 

./  ml 

112 

>^  ail 

KE.SULT8    OF    DISSKCTION. 


146 


Conteuis  of  »lnmach»  of  Knglkh  Sparroirit  (Pannrr  domt»Hcu») — Continued. 


a 

9 

a 


97 

98 


100 
101 

102 
10:i 
104 

105 
lUli 
li)7  , 
lOi* 
100 

no 
111 

112 
113 
114 


Sex 
liiid 


9  ml. 


I  Dato  ui 
uupture.i 


1880. 
Mii.v  2r> 
May  20 
...(lo...i 
...do  ...' 
...do... 
...do...! 

1878.  ; 

Juno  8  I 
...do  ...{ 
Juno  20  ! 
June  15  : 


Localltv. 


tVroaln. 


WoHt  CluHler,  I'a 
.do i. 


do 
.do 
do 
do 


...do 
...do 
...do 
...do 


1 


3  e 
5  " 


-;    0 

s  '  a    u 

s     a  '  * 


--■ai£ 


...do... 

1880. 
S.'pt.  4 
Sept.  5 
..  do  . .. 
Sept.  7 
Sept.  13 


|...do  . .. 
Sept.  22 
...do  ... 

|...do  ... 


V 


14 
15 
13 


..do 
i ...  do 
Oct. 
i  Oct. 
Nov 
...do... 
...do.. 
Kov.  17 
...do  .. 
...do... 
...do... 
...do... 
Dec.  2 
Dec.  n 
Dec.  15 
Do^^  29 

1881. 
Jan.    4 
Jan.  20 
Jan.  23 
...do... 
...do  ... 

18H2. 
July   8 
Juno  1 


.do  . 
.do 
do 


R<l. 

ad. 
rf  a<l. 
•i  ad. 


...do  ... 
..  do... 
...do... 
. .  do  . . . 
June  12 
...do... 
..  do.  .. 
...do... 


ue.stliu(;!...do 
uu.stliuj;'. .  do 


...do 

...do 
...do 
...do 
...do 
...do 


do 
.do 

do 
.do 

.do 
.do 


.do 

.do 

.do 


.*lo  . 

do  . 
.do  . 
.do 
.do  . 
.do  . 
.do 

d.. 

do  . 
.do  . 
.do. 

.do 
.do 
.d) 
.do  . 
.do 


...do  

West  Bradford, 
I'a. 


.do 
.do 
.do 

.do 

.do. 

.do. 

do  , 
.do 
.do  . 
.do. 

do  . 

.do  . 
.do 


I 


is 

b 

•3 

a 


:-!3 

•S!-1 


I  II  HOC  t 

food. 


Krniarks. 


1  iiotnto 

llfftlc. 

Flics. 


Rtoniacli  empty. 

UiiiK)  r  liriad  and 
^recn  vc^utulile 
iiialtcr.  __ 

Gliiacrlin^d. 

f 

Orueu  Icaveit. 


I  Seed    of    fox  tail 
'     i!ia.sH. 

Do. 

Do. 


:  flies ;  3 
apteia. 


Oats  and  barloy. 


Apple. 
Oiaiiffcpeel. 


24  graiuaof  wheat. 


Small  seeds. 
Green    vogclable 
Buli.ttaucu. 

1)0. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
Stoinacli  empty. 

Do. 
Clover  seed. 
Green  vegetablo 

Hubfltance. 
Small  mass  of 

cooked  iicef. 
Stomach  empty. 


8404-Bull.  1- 


■10 


146 


THK    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


[Nott'sby  Dr.  B.  II.  Warren.]         . 

The  ViirioiKS  vegetnble  materials  named  in  the  records  given  above  aro 
with  a  few  exceptioius,  included  in  the  following  list: 

Outs  {Ai'vna  aativa). 
WUi'ixt  (TrUiciim  riihjare), 
Ryo  {tSccalv  cereal v). 
Corn,  inaizo  {Z(a  Maya). 

Grass  seed,  Clover  seed,  Small  seeds,  etc.,  refer  mainly  to  the  follow 
in;; : 

Rod  clover  {Tri/olium pratense), 
Wliite  clover  {Tnfoliiim  repens). 
Tiinotliy  {I'hlcum pralense). 
Hitter- weed  {Amhronia  artenuHinJoUa,. 

Fox-tail  grass  (Setaria  tjlauca).    Seeds  of  other  species  of  Sctaria  are  also  fed 
upon. 

IJnds  and  blossoms  were  chiefly  of  the  following  kinds : 

Pt'iir  (/'i/iHS  communis). 

Pliiin  {I'niuiiB  (iomesHca), 

Charry  {Caasiis  avium),  y 

Grape  ( Vitia). 

Maple  (Acer). 

Black  Haw  (  Viburnum prunifolUim). 

In  a  few  cases  remains  of  the  following  vegetables  were  present: 

Lima  Bean  (Phaseolua  lunatuv). 
String  Bean  {Phaacohis  vulgaris). 
Garden  Pea  {T'isum  sativum). 

Numerous  complaints  are  made  by  our  citizens  as  to  the  destruction 
caused  by  Sparrows  to  growing  pea-vines.  , 


MISOELLANEOUS  INJURIES. 


AvSide  from  the  danmge  which  the  Sparrow  occasions  to  the  agriciiU 
urist  and  hoiticiilturist,  it  is  also  chargeable  with  offenses  whicli  are 
regarded  by  mirny  people  as  insignificant,  but  which,  nevertheU'ss, 
sometimes  become  so  marked  as  to  demand  immediate  attention. 

Mention  hr.s  already  been  made  of  the  damage  whicli  the  Spniroff 
does  to  foliar,'e  by  its  tilthy  habits,  and  this  kind  of  injury  extends  to 
various  other  classes  of  objects. 

No  sjiecific  questions  as  to  injury  by  fdth  were  sent  out  by  the  I)e 
])artment,  but  m.any  observers  have  contributed  notes  on  the  subjcd, 
and  even  the  most  superficial  observer  knows  what  endless  annoyaiicc 
and  vexation,  to  say  nothing  of  serious  damage,  is  occasioned  by  llio 
soiling  of  window-casings,  cornice-brackets,  porches,  awnings,  and  orii'i 
mental  work  of  every  kind  about  dwelling-houses,  business  blocks,  and 
public  buildings. 


■ilMlliW-iU," 


MISCELLANEOUS  INJURIES. 


14? 


Wherever  (he  Sparrow  iiests  this  trouble  is  observable  in  gre.iter. or 
less  degree,  but  it  is  by  uo  nieaus  limited  to  uestiugplaces.  Very 
slijjlit  inodificalions  in  art'  '  .ecture  will  often  suffice  to  prevent  the 
Sparrows  from  nesting  about  a  building,  but  it  is  impossible  to  keep 
tlieiii  from  perchiug  ami  roosting  everywhere.  Even  the  plainest  and 
harost  brick  front  is  likely  to  suffer,  for  wherevera  window  cap  projects 
II  few  niches  tlie  Sparrows  are  sure  to  rest,  and  defacement  is  equally 
sine  to  (oUow.  In  the  city  of  Washington  many  of  the  statues  and 
joiiiitaiiis  in  the  public  parks  are  more  or  less  disfigured  by  the  filth  of 
the  Sparrow,  and  in  some  cases  the  defilement  is  so  extensive  that  the 
siatiu'S  become  positive  eyesores,  the  filth  being  conspicuous  even  at 
a  distance.  Sometimes  a  lieavy  rain  obliterates  the  stains  for  a  short 
time,  but  so  long  as  the  cause  remains  untouched  the  evil  is  sure  to  re- 
iippcar  at  more  or  less  regular  intervals.  In  the  spring  of  188G  a  per- 
fi'uiul  examination  of  tlie  statues  in  the  various  parks  and  squares 
showed  that  more  than  half  were  thus  conspicuouJily  defaced,  and  fur- 
ther observation  shows  that  almost  all  are  affected  at  one  time  or  an- 
other. A  similar  state  of  things  is  often  found  in  cemeteries  where 
Sparrows  are  abundant. 

ARain,tlie  benches  and  other  resting  places  in  parks  and  squares  are 
m  Itetbulod  that  frequently  not  one  is  available,  and  the  adventurous 
stranger  who  lingers  long  in  such  places  is  sure  to  have  liis  ai)parel,  as 
well  ;'s  his  pleasure,  marred  by  the  omnipresent  Sparrow. 

Tlie  lapidity  with  which  these  birds  collect  rubbish  in  places  chosen 
lor  nesting  purposes  is  well  illustrated  by  the  trouble  caused  in  the  city 
(if  Washington  by  their  attempts  to  occupy  gas  lamps,  and  even  the 
nlobes  of  electric  lights,  with  their  nests.  During  a  single  day  they 
will  almost  fill  a  gas  lamp,  and  although  the  rubbish  is  removed  regu- 
aily  they  persist  in  carrying  in  more. 

Capt.  Charles  Bendire,  of  this  city,  has  called  our  attention  recently  to 
mlar  trees  in  the  Smithsonian  grounds  which  have  been  denuded 
iilniost;  completely  of  their  bark  by  the  Sparrows.  The  birds  have 
stripped  it  off  to  use  for  nesting  material,  and  have  taken  not  only  the 
ioii<>li  outer  bark,  but  much  of  the  thin  inner  layers,  leaving  the  trunks 
smooth  and  shining. 

Another  cause  of  complaint  is  the  Sparrow's  habit  of  nesting  and 
nmstiiig  in  gutters,  pipes,  and  drains  of  roofs.  Large  qiuintities  of 
iH'stinj:;  material  are  carried  into  such  places  and  subsefpiontly  ch()k(^ 
lip  the  pipes,  sometimes  causing  serious  overflows.  In  some  cases  such 
tioiihle  is  easily  reme«lied,  but  in  most  cases  the  dauuige  is  done  before 
llie  danger  is  suspected,  and  it  is  only  possible  to  prevent  a  recurrence 
1  of  the  mischief.  W^o  append  a  few  examples  of  the  complaints  received. 
Mr.  T.  J.  Martin,  of  Waynesborongh,  Va.,  writes: 

Durin;;  tlio  ywirs  1881  and  18S2  I  wae  engaged  in  tho  tin  trade  in  Lexington,  Va., 

|aiKllia\ing  ecMisiderablo  roofing  and  gnttering  to  do,  I  liad  a  chance  to  note  tlie  dani- 

hi«tMl(iiu"  l)y  tlie  Kiiglisli  Sparrow.    Forinerly  it  iiad  lieen  the  practice  to  put  heads 

otoriiaiiiental  crown-piccos  to  tlie  down  .sponta.    Theso  heads  formed  convenient 


148 


THE   ENGLISH   SPAKUOVV   IN   AMERICA. 


places  for  tlio  Sparrows  to  build  their  nests,  and  they  choked  thcni  up  so  completely 
thftt  water  could  not  p.ass  oowu  the  spout  at  all,  or  only  hy  slow  percolation.  In 
conseiiueuco  these  heads  cither  had  to  be  abandoned  or  completely  covered,  so  tliiit 
there  was  no  room  for  the  birds  to  get  in.  In  some  cases  the  Sparrows  would  fill  ibo 
gutter  and  eave  troughs  with  all  manner  of  trash,  seemingly  using  tlicni  for  a  play- 
ground, and  not  for  the  purposes  of  nest-building.  They  caused  much  annoyance  in 
this  respect,  as  the  gutters  had  to  he  cleaned  two  or  three  times  during  a  year.  In 
fact,  I  knew  one  or  two  persons  having  groves  of  trees  near  their  dweilings  who  kept 
ladders  continually  at  hand  for  this  purpose.    (December  26,  1887.) 

Mr.  J.  T.  Connor,  of  Rome,  Iml.,  writes : 

The  greatest  trouble  the  Sparrow  gives  us  here  is  by  nesting  about  our  houses,  par- 
ticularly in  the  spouting  and  pipes,  and  obstructing  the  troughs  that  lead  the  water 
to  our  cisterns.    (November  5,  1886.) 

Mr.  J.  S.  Shade,  of  McConuellsburgb,  Pa.,  writes: 

They  are  a  nuisance  here,  filling  the  water  spouts  with  their  nesfs,  which  they  re- 
build as  fast  as  destroyed.    (November  l.'i,  1886.) 

Occasionally  this  habit  of  the  Sparrow  may  prove  dangerons  to  the 
health  of  persons  who  use  cistern  water  for  drinking.  Cases  .ueiiot 
very  infrequent  in  which  severe  sickness  has  resulted  from  the  use  of 
water  collected  from  roofs  frequented  by  domesticated  pigeons,  and 
such  a  result  is  perfectly  possible  from  the  nse  of  water  contaminated 
by  filth  from  Sparrow  nests  and  roosts. 

Still  another  danger  from  the  presence  of  Sparrows  about  our  houses 
lies  in  the  possibility  of  tire  resulting  from  spontaneous  combustion 
among  the  masses  of  rubbish  carried  into  out-of-the-way  corners  about 
frame  buildings.  Although  there  is  little  probability  of  such  fires  origi- 
nating frequently,  yet  they  are  known  to  have  been  caused  by  tlio 
material  collected  by  mice,  and  the  following  incident,  taken  from  tbe 
Scientific  American  of  February  2G,  1887,  seems  to  show  that  there  is 
some  ground  for  similar  apjirehension  from  the  Sparrow : 

Tlnre  is  a  bar-iron  mill  situated  in  a  neighboring  town,  4  miles  from  here,  that  bus 
been  on  lire  three  or  four  tiuies,  in  which  the  English  Sparrow  might  be  called  the  in- 
cendiary. These  sparrows  pick  up  old  pieces  of  cotton  waste,  which  they  build  iiiln 
their  nests  among  the  tiuibers  of  the  roof  of  the  mill,  and  in  every  case  of  the  fin'* 
above  mentimied  these  nests  were  the  cause,  either  from  spontaneous  combustion  cr 
from  sparks  from  the  hot  iron  striking  and  lodging  in  the  nest.  (R.  W.  Kear,  Potts- 
viUe,  Pa.) 

As  an  illustration  of  the  capacity  of  the  Si)arrow  for  mischief,  we  cite 
the  following  statement  of  Mr.  U.  II.  Miller,  of  Sandy  Spring,  Md.  IIo 
writes : 

It  has  become  useless  to  thatch  roofs  with  ryo  straw  here,  as  the  Sparrow  wears 
holes  through  it,  apparently  for  " pure  devilment."  I  know  of  several  roofs  that 
have  been  destroyed  in  this  way  within  the  last  two  or  three  years.     (February  Hi, 

1887.) 

Similar  injury  to  thatched  roofs  is  very  common  in  some  parts  of 
ICngland,  and  has  been  ascribed,  as  above,  to  the  Sparrow's  love  of  | 
mischief.    It  seems  probable,  however,  that  the  injury  results  froiiiii 
natural  mistake  on  the  part  of  the  birds;  for  they  are  accustomed,  alter  I 


m 


MISCELLA>'EOUS    INJURIES. 


149 


cleaning  the  grain  from  tho  ontiside  of  stacks,  to  dig  or  burrow  into  the 
stacks  in  search  of  more,  and  a  thatched  roof  bears  uo  distant  resem- 
blance to  such  a  stack  stripped  of  the  outside  grain. 

Among  the  complaints  of  miscellaueous  injuries  from  the  Sparrow, 
one  of  the  most  frequent  relates  to  its  habit  of  robbing  poultry  of  their 
food.  At  first  sight  the  loss  thus  occasioned  would  seem  to  be  tritiiug, 
but  the  complaints  received  show  that  this  is  far  from  being  the  case. 
The  Sj)arrow8  do  not  eat  what  the  poultry  have;  they  eat  irith  the  fowls, 
anil  soon  become  so  bold  that  they  not  only  resist  the  attempts  which 
tbo  fowls  make  to  drive  them  otf,  but  even  make  unprovoked  tit  tacks 
on  tliem,  sometimes  driving  them  away  from  the  food.  As  a  Si^arrow 
eats  more,  in  proportion  to  its  size,  than  a  hen,  and  as  the  Sparrows 
about  a  farm-yard  fre(pieutly  outnumber  the  fowls  ten  to  one,  the  grain 
which  they  thus  steal  day  after  day  is  an  item  of  considerable  impor- 
tance. 

Under  date  of  February  27,  1884,  Mr.  D.  0.  Beard,  of  Flushing,  N. 

v.,  wrote: 

I  kuow  to  my  sorrow  tbat  it  lives  all  winter  entirely  on  {^rain,  for  in  buying  cbickeu 
fi'od  I  allow  two  parts  for  tbe  Sparrows  and  one  for  tlio  cbickcns. 

Another  observer  says  that  they  are  so  abundant  about  his  place 
tbat  they  "rise  in  clouds"  from  his  hen-yard;  while  more  than  one  wit- 
ness states  that  when  chickens  are  fed  out  of  doo.s  the  Sparrows  get 
more  than  the  fowls.  Dr.  A.  P.  Sharp,  of  IJaltimore,  states  that  on  his 
place  in  Kent  County,  Md-,  the  Sparrows  have  learned  by  experience 
tbat  it  is  dangerous  to  eat  grain  except  with  the  chickens.     JJe  says: 

Formerly  I  killed  a  good  many  ot  tbem,  but  now  bavo  triea  every  means  to  feed 
tlii'in.  Tbey  will  cat  with  tho  chickens,  seeming  to  know  that  I  will  not  shoot 
them. 

This  list  of  miscellaneous  injuries  would  not  bo  complete  without  a 
reference  to  the  voice  of  the  Sparrow.  Some  notes  of  the  Sparrow  are 
not  in  themselves  unmusical,  esi)ecially  if  uttered  by  single  birds  and 
in  a  low  key,  but  even  the  most  enthusiastic  of  Sparrow  admirers  will 
readily  admit  that  the  bird  is  no  singer,  and  the  ceaseless,  discordant 
cbatter  of  a  tlock  of  Sjiarrows  about  their  nesting  or  roosting  places  can 
I'o  characterized  only  as  a  nuisance.  Those  who  have  been  compelled 
to  listen  to  this  noise  continually  will  appreciate  the  remarks  of  one  of 
our  correspondents  who  wrote  in  1884: 

To  many  our  singing  birds  form  tbo  very  poetry  of  tlie  year;  and  when  tbey  are 
replaced,  or  their  music  is  drowned  by  these  noisy  and  dirty  Sparrows,  so  tbat  half 
tbocliarui  of  spring  ia  gone,  uo  little  sullering  results.  The  effect  upon  sick  or  uerv- 
"118  iicople  of  tiieir  monotonous  and  peculiarly  untuneful  cry  is  very  great.  I  bavo 
"lieu  counted  a  hundred  and  more  successive  chirps  by  one  Sjiarrow,  in  exactly  tho 
Kuiie  key,  a  real  torture  to  tho  ear ;  and  I  liave  linown  more  tliau  one  invalid  whoso 
niuniuig  sleep  and  needful  out-door  walk  have  been  (juite  spoiled  by  tho  presence  of 
these  birds. 


ill 


150 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


-    -.  SECTION  SECOND -RECOMMENDATIONS, 

.  EEOOMMENDATIONS  FOR  LEGISLATION. 

SUGGESTIONS  AS    TO    THE    REPEAL    OF  OLD  LAWS  AND  THE  ENACT- 
MENT OF  NEW  ONES. 

Tli(3  following  recommciidatious  arc  respectfully  submitted  to  the 
logislativo  bodies  of  tbo  various  States  and  Territories : 

(1)  Tbo  immediate  repeal  of  all  existing  laws  wbicb  attord  protection 
to  tbo  Englisb  Sparrow. 

(2)  The  enactment  of  laws  legalizing  tbo  killing  of  tbe  English 
Sparro\v  at  all  seasons  of  tbo  year,  and  tbo  destruction  of  its  nests,  eggs, 
and  young. 

(3)  Tbe  enactment  of  laws  making  it  a  misdemeanor,  punisbable  by 
fine  or  imprisonment,  or  botb — {a)  to  intentionally  give  food  or  sbelter 
to  tbe  Englisb  Sparrow,  except  witb  a  view  to  its  ultimate  destruction; 
{!))  to  introduce  or  aid  in  introducing  it  into  new  localities ;  (c)  to  in- 
terfere witb  ]iersons,  means,  or  appliances  engaged  in,  or  designed  for, 
its  destruction  or  tbe  destruction  of  its  nests,  eggs,  or  young. 

(4)  Tbe  enactment  of  laws  protecting  tbo  Great  Nortbem  Sbrike  or 
Butcbor  Bird,  tbe  Sparrow  Hawk,  and  tbe  Screecb  Owl,  wbicb  species 
feed  largely  on  tbe  Englisb  Sparrow. 

(f))  Tbo  enactment  of  laws  providing  for  tbe  appointment  of  at  least 
one  person  bolding  civil  office,  preferably  tbe  game  constable,  where 
sucb  officer  exists,  in  eacb  town  or  village,  wbo  shall  serve  without 
additional  compensation,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  destroy  or  bring 
about  tbe  destruction  of  Englisb  Sparrows  in  the  streets,  parks,  and 
other  places  where  tbe  use  of  fire  arms  is  not  permitted.  In  tbe  Itirger 
towns  and  cities  this  office  migbtbe  well  imposed  upon  tbo  commission^ 
ers  of  public  parks. 

In  relation  to  the  above  recommendations  a  few  remarks  may  not  be 
out  of  place. 

r>y  reference  to  tbe  summary  of  legislation  wbicb  follows,  it  will  be 
seen  that  tbe  existing  laws  wbicb  may  affect  tbe  Sparrow  are  not  suf- 
ficiently explicit  in  most  cases. 

In  only  seven  States  do  tbo  laws  mention  tbe  English  Sparrow  spe- 
cilically.  In  tbe  State  of  New  York  it  is  a  misdemeanor  to  feed  or  shilter 
I  lie  Sparrow,  and  in  INlicbigan  a  bounty  of  one  cent  per  bead  is  piiid. 
Massiicliusets,  Khode  Island,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  and  Ohio*  irini- 
ply  ex(!ept  tbe  Englisb  Sparrow  from  tbe  protection  afforded  most  other 
small  birds. 

In  twenty-two  other  States  and  Territories,  wbicb  afford  more  or  loss 
protection  to  small  birds,  the  Englisb  Sparrow  stands  on  the  same  foot- 

*  Since  this  was  writtou,  an  act  oll'oiing  a  bounty  of  ton  cents  ]ur  dozon  for  Eiig- 
lisU  Sparrows  has  beou  passed  by  the  Ohio  legislature.     (See  pp.  i7 1-172.) 


RECOMMENDATIONS   FOR   EXTERMINATION. 


151 


ill};  with  harmless  or  iKMicliciul  birds.     In  tlio  laws  of  fifteen  States  tlie 
word  "sparrow"  is  used  withont  qoalificatiou,  tlio  birds  so  designated 
lii'iug  entitled  to  protection,  except  that  in  the  States  of  Illinois,  Ken 
tiicky,  Louisiana,  Missouri,  and  Nebraska,  any  person  may  kill  birds  on 
Ilia  Awn  land  when  they  endanger  his  crops.  ...     > 

In  Iowa,  Kansas,  Mississippi,  South  Carolina,  Tennessee,  and  Wiscon- 
sin, most  small  birds  are  protected,  and  Sparrows  are  not  among  those 
excei>ted.  Kighteeu  other  States  and  Territories  have  no  laws  which 
liiive  any  bearing  on  the  case. 

It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  prompt  and  vigorous  legislation  is  neede«l 
ill  all  States  where  the  English  Sparrow  has  become  established,  aihl 
even  those  States  and  Territories  not  yet  infested  (if  there  be  any  such) 
would  do  well  to  take  measures  to  keep  the  pest  out.  Whatever  may 
have  been  the  intention  of  the  fraraers  of  laws  which  protect  native 
sparrows,  Ihere  can  be  no  question  that  many  people  refrain  from  tak- 
ing active  steps  against  English  Sparrows,  through  the  belief  that  they 
lire  ])rotccted  under  the  law.  And  States  whose  laws  are  thus  open  to 
inisiiitt'iprelation  ought  at  once  to  define  cleatly  the  position  of  the 
Mnglish  Sparrow.  Moreover,  since  the  most  ell'ective  warfare  on  this 
bird  can  be  waged  during  the  breeding  season,  any  act  intended  to  ac- 
(Oini)lish  its  destruction  should  distinctly  authorize  the  destruction  of 
its  nest,  eggs,  and  young. 

It  will  bo  difficult,  doubtless,  to  enforce  strictly  a  law  which  makes  it 
11  misdemeanor  intentionally  to  feed  or  shelter  the  Sparrow,  but  some 
such  hiw  will  be  ^ound  necessary  in  order  to  prevent  the  systematic 
propagation  of  Sparrows  in  places  where  otherwise  they  might  be  com- 
pletely extirpated,  and  it  will  serve  also  as  a  wholesome  check  on  those 
individuals  who  do  not  believe  the  Sparrow  to  be  injurious,  and  would 
1)0,  glad  to  frustrate  any  plan  for  its  destruction. 

Tlie  .appointment  of  at  least  one  person  in  each  town  or  village,  who 
shall  act  as  a  professional  Sparrow-killer,  in  our  opinion  is  one  of  the 
most  imperative  necessities  of  the  case.  Towns  and  cities  are  the  nur- 
series of  Sparrows,  and  will  servo  to  replenish  the  surrounding  country, 
no  matter  how  industriously  the  farmer  may  shoot  them. 

From  the  nature  of  Jho  case  the  use  of  firearms  and  poison  in  towns 
and  cities  must  always  be  restricted  to  comparatively  few  individuals, 
whose  discretion  can  be  depended  upon.  Other  persons  can  do  much 
liy  the  destruction  of  nests  and  eggs,  or  by  the  use  of  traps  and  nets,  but 
the  main  work  of  exterminating  the  Sparrow  inside  the  limitsof  a  town 
iiiiist  fall  on  persons  specially  designatetl  for  the  work.  That  such  per- 
*t>ns,  bt'iiig  already  civil  ollicers  of  somegradr,  should  serve  ordinarily 
without  additional  pay,  is  a  suggestion  whio';  should  commeinl  itself; 
liH otherwise  there  would  bo  a  natural  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  in- 
iiiiiiboiit  to  make  the  occupation  permanent,  while  it  would  bo  to  the 
iilnioiis  advantage  of  a  non-salaried  oHlcer  to  accomplish  the  oxtormiua- 
tioii  of  the  Sparrow  as  quickly  as  possible. 


^m 


152 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


Circumstances,  however,  must  govern  largely  the  appointment  and 
compensation  of  such  officers,  and  it  is  evident  that  in  many  places 
where  Sparrows  are  very  abundant  they  should  be  able  to  give  tlicir 
entire  time  to  them,  especially  at  first,  and  in  such  cases  should  lie  oiii- 
ployed  at  a  fixed  salary,  contingent,  however,  on  the  killing  of  a  certain 
number  of  Sparrows  per  week  or  month,  with  i)erhap8  a  bonus  for  every 
additional  hundred  or  thousand  killed  during  a  specified  time. 

As  the  Sparrows  in  a  district  decreased,  the  number  required  IVom 
anyone  man  could  be  reduced,  and  the  number  of  men  employed  might 
bo  lessened  also,  until  finally  the  regular  game  constable,  or  other  officer, 
would  be  able  in  addition  to  his  other  duties  to  keep  down  the  Spar- 
rows. 

Aside  from  the  numerical  strength  of  the  Sparrow,  the  principal  ob- 
stacle  to  its  extermination  is  to  be  looked  for  in  the  opposition  of  a  small 
number  of  persons  in  each  town  who  see  no  present  nrcossity  for  de- 
stroying the  Sparrows  in  their  neighborhood,  and  can  not  appreciate  tbo 
importance  of  simultaneous  action  over  all  the  c(uintry. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  contents  of  the  present  ^  olume  will  do  nmcli  to 
lessen  the  number  of  people  who  take  such  a  stand  ;  and  it  is  helievcd 
that  many  who  now  cherish  the  Sparrows  would  be  perfectly  willing  to 
have  them  exterminated  if  they  could  be  suie  that  any  native  biids 
would  take  their  places.  Excei)t  in  absolutely  treeless  cities  there  is 
not  the  slightest  doubt  that  this  replacement  by  native  birds  ciui  bo 
etfected  if  reasonable  eftbrts  are  made ;  and  it  is  most  urgently  recom- 
mended that,  simultaneously  with  the  efforts  to  exterminate  the  Sparrow, 
every  possible  care  be  taken  to  protect  ami  foster  our  native  birds,  aud 
induce  them  to  return  to  onr  towns  and  cities  and  make  their  homes  in 
our  parks,  shade  trees,  and  gardens. 

Wrens,  bluebirds,  swallows,  and  martins  may  be  assisted  very  mate, 
rially  by  closing  up  the  openings  of  their  boxes  as  soon  as  they  leave 
them  in  the  iall;  re  oi)cning  them  only  om  their  return  in  the  spring'. 
In  this  way  the  Si)arrow  will  be  unable  to  appropriate  the  boxes  duriiij,' 
their  absence,  and  if  all  other  breeding  places  in  the  vicinity  are  secured 
against  them  very  few  will  linger  to  dispute  the  boxes  with  the  native 
birds  when  they  come. 

Boxes  intended  for  the  wren  may  be  left  open  through  the  winter  pro- 
vided the  entrance  be  made  too  small  to  admit  a  Sparrow. 

In  shooting  Sparrows  about  parks  or  gardens  at  times  wheu  otber 
birds  are  present,  care  should  be  taken  not  to  alarm  the  latter,  and  tbis 
can  be  effected  by  using  such  weapons  as  are  made  especially  for  tbe 
use  of  bird  collectors,  siuce  they  make  very  little  noise,  and  the  small 
amount  of  powder  and  fine  shot  used  prevents  damage  to  buildings  or 
trees.  Moreover,  such  a  weapon,  while  just  as  eflFective,  is  far  more 
economical  than  a  larger  gun. 

In  winter  it  may  be  difficult  to  keep  many  native  birds  iu  our  north- 
ern cities,  yet  there  are  species  of  woodpeckers,  obickadees,  uuthatcheti 


INEXPEIJIENCY    OF    BOUNTIES. 


153 


kiiiKlets,  sparrows,  and  liuches  which  remaiu  in  the  Northeru  States  in 
large  numbers  every  winter,  and  need  only  a  little  food,  and  the  assur- 
ance that  they  will  not  be  molested,  to  brinpf  them  regularly  about  liouses 
and  gardens,  even  in  towns  and  cities. 

There  is  one  plan  for  the  extennination  of  Sparrows  which  might  give 
good  results  under  some  conditions,  and  which  might  be  tried  on  a  small 
scale  tirst  and  subsequently  on  a  larger  one  if  tlio  results  of  the  ex- 
periment should  warrant  it.  A  i)remium  might  be  offered  for  the  largest 
nuuibc"  of  Sparrows  killed  in  a  given  district  within  a  specilied  tiinc. 
For  example,  a  township  or  countj'  might  make  such  an  otter,  prescrili- 
lug  the  coiulitions,  and  requiring  each  contestant  for  the  prize  to  comply 
with  them.  So  far  as  possible  such  a  contest  should  be  open  to  every 
one  residing  in  the  district,  but  the  utmost  care  should  be  taken  to 
prevent  the  slaughter  of  other  birds  than  Sparrows,  and  unless  all 
participants  had  perfect  confidence  in  each  other,  precautions  shouhl 
be  take  "  to  prevent  the  importation  of  dead  Sparrows  from  neighbor- 
ing places  of  greater  abundance.  Secondary  prizes  might  be  offered  for 
the  next  largest  numbers  killed,  and  if  the  amounts  were  large  enough 
very  many  people  would  be  tempted  to  compete  for  them.  It  is  certain 
that  $500  or  $1,000  expended  in  this  way  would  result  in  the  destruc- 
tion of  very  many  more  Sparrows  than  if  the  same  amount  were  paid 
out  in  bounties ;  and  probably  under  ordinary  circumstances  this  method 
would  yield  better  results  than  any  other  plan  of  paid  extermination. 
iSlniilar  plans,  on  a  smaller  scale,  might  bo  tried  by  farmers'  clubs  and 
similar  organizations,  and  doubtless  would  destroy  many  Sparrows. 


ill 


hm 


•bounties. 


IXEXPICDIKXCV   OI'    ItOUNTIKS   IN   GEXEUAL, 

It  is  not  expedient  to  offer  bounties  for  the  destruction  of  Sparrows. 
In  fact,  at  the  present  time  it  is  desirable  and  perfectly  feasible  to  bring 
about  a  great  reduction  in  their  ranks  by  concerted  action  of  the 
people,  aided  by  helpful  legislation,  without  drawing  heavily  npou  the 
l)ublic  purse. 

bounties  offered  for  the  destruction  of  harmful  species  seldom  accom- 
plish the  desired  end,  and  if  success  does  finally  result,  it  is  only  after 
vastly  larger  expenditures  than  were  at  rtrst  thought  necessary.  After 
a  harmful  species — the  wolf,  for  example— has  become  rather  scarce  in 
any  section  of  country,  the  otter  of  a  bounty  may  lead  to  its  complete 
extermination  ;  and  to  attain  suca  a  result  it  is  certainly  good  economy 
to  make  the  bounty  large.  Obviously,  it  is  better  to  pay  a  large  sum  Mt 
once  for  the  last  few  pairs  of  wolves  in  a  district  than  to  offer  a  bounty 
so  small  that  it  is  little  inducement  to  a  hunter  to  spend  his  time  in 
their  pursuit.  In  this  latter  case  the  wolves  easily  hold  their  own  for 
litany  years,  or  even  increase  slowly,  while  the  aggregate  bounties  paid 
will  far  exceed  all  ejcpectatiou.    In  order  to  be  effective  a  bouaty  should 


-  i 


■'■J  1 


154 


THE    ENGLISH    SI'AUUOW    IN    AMEIilCA. 


iBI 


bo  large  onon};1i  to  assure  tlio  destruction  of  the  great  niujority  of  tlic 
iiMlividuals  during  the  first  year,  and  this  is  esi)ecially  true  of  Kpccics 
wiiieh  are  very  numerous  and  prolific.  And  yet  the  ainouut  of  ujoncy 
rt«iuired  for  the  payment  of  bounties  in  such  cases  would  be  so  enui- 
mous  as  to  make  the  plan  impracticable. 

KSTIMATKU  COST  OK  EXTKHMINATING  THE  SrAKIlOWS  IN  OUIO  BY  MEANS  OF  UOUNTUOS. 

A  rough  estimate  of  the  amount  of  bounty  money  which  would  be  w- 
(|uired  to  exterminate  the  Sparrows  in  a  single  State  may  put  this  mat 
U'r  in  a  clearer  light.  Let  Ohio  serve  as  an  illustration,  and  for  tlio 
sake  of  argument  let  it  be  assumed  that  no  Sparrows  enter  the  Stale 
from  outside  after  the  payment  of  bounties  begins.  Ohio  has  an  area  of 
about  40,000  square  miles,  or  25,500,000  acres,  and  the  entire  State  is 
thickly  sprinkled  with  cities,  towns,  and  villages,  separated  from  eacli 
other  only  bj'  populous  and  productive  farm  lands  which  constitute  at 
hiast  three-fourths  of  the  total  area  of  the  State.  lu  the  larger  cities 
Sparrows  fairly  swarm,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  they  are  entirely  absent 
iVom  asinglo  village  of  a  thousand  inhabitants  or  upwards;  moreovei', 
the  abundant  evidence  from  Ohio  shows  that  Sparrows  are  found  on 
abnost  all  the  farms  in  the  State,  and  in  grain-growing  sections  their 
numbers  are  almost  incredible. 

Rlr.  Charles  Dury,  of  Avondale,  Ohio,  says  : 

In  Hoine  localities  the  swarms  of  Sparrows  are  pioiligious.  One  flock  observed  by 
1110  in  October,  1887,  near  Koss  Lake,  li.id  tens  of  thousands  of  birds  in  it.  They  rose 
in  a  cloud  and  settled  down  on  a  stubble-liold,  covering  it  all  over. 

It  is  scarcely  possible  to  do  more  than  guess  at  the  number  of  Spar, 
rows  which  the  State  of  Ohio  supports  at  present,  but  keeping  in  mind 
the  points  already  mentioned  and  the  fact  that  less  than  one-fiftieth  ot 
the  entire  area  of  the  State  consists  of  unimproved  lands,  it  will  be  ikm- 
fectly  safe  to  say  that  Ohio  contains  at  least  20,000,000  acres  of  good 
Sparrow  country,  and  that,  on  an  average,  there  are  at  least  two  Siiai  • 
rows  to  the  acre,  which  is  40,000,000  Sparrows  for  the  whole  State. 

No  doubt  this  estimate  is  far  too  low,  but  it  is  desirable  to  keep  fiir 
within  bounds  in  making  estimates  of  this  kind,  and  the  above  figures 
are  sufliciently  large  for  present  purposes. 

Sui)posing  all  these  Sparrows  could  be  killed  before  any  further  in 
crease  took  place,  they  wouhl  still  cost  the  State,  at  one  cent  apiece, 
$400,000.  But  it  would  be  absolutely  impossible  to  exterminate  all  tin' 
Sparrows  in  the  course  of  a  single  year  by  any  expenditure  of  mone.v, 
and  it  is  very  improbable  that  so  t^niall  a  bounty  as  one  cent  apiece 
would  etiect  any  perceptible  decrease  in  their  numbers,  if  indeed  it  even 
neutralized  the  increase.  Certainly  not  one-half  the  original  40,000,000 
would  be  killed;  for  although  at  first  fair  wages  might  be  made  by  kill- 
ing them  in  places  of  greatest  abundance,  this  could  not  be  continued 
long,  as  the  Sparrows  arc  exceeding  cunning  and  very  quickly  learn 
to  avoid  danger.    As  soon  as  Sparrows  became  so  scarce  or  so  shy  that 


AN   IDEAL    IJOUNTY    LAW. 


155 


apd'Hon  skilled  in  Hliootiiig  or  ti'ai>i>iiig  coiihl  kill  only  100  or  less  per 
(lay,  tlio  bounty  of  one  cent  would  cease  to  be  an  inducement,  and  tbo 
few  Sparrows  killed  by  boys  and  others,  wlio  might  still  follow  them  up 
lor  ."port,  would  be  insignificant. 

Meanwhile,  the  very  means  used  to  destroy  them  would  servo  to  dis- 
tribute the  remainder  more  evenly  through  the  country,  and  their  rapid 
rati}  ot  increase  would  more  than  counterbalance  the  losses  caused  by 
lli<i  bounty  law.  At  the  close  of  the  year,  therefore,  the  State  would 
have  paid  out  a  large  sum  of  money,  and  there  would  be  just  as  many 
Sparrows  as  ever,  and  in  all  probability  more. 

IWit  suppose  that  the  bounty  can  be  made  largo  enough  to  insure  the 
iiiimcdiato  destruction  of  a  largo  proportion  of  the  Sparrows.  Let  it 
bo  assumed  that  with  40,000,000  Sparrows  as  a  starting  point  on  Jan- 
uary 1,  so  largo  a  bounty  is  offered  that  during  the  next  three  months 
20,000,000  Sparrows  are  killed.  During  this  time  no  young  will  have 
beta  reared,  so  there  will  be  but  20,000,000  Sparrows  left. 

If  now  left  undisturbed,  these  birds  would  rear  at  least  two  brootls  of 
ionr  or  (ho  young  each  during  the  next  three  months ;  that  is  10,000,000 
pairs  would  rear  about  20,000,000  broods,  aggregating  upwards  of 
80,000,000  young.  But  in  consequence  of  the  bounty  many  will  bo 
killed  before  they  rear  any  young,  others  will  be  able  to  rear  but  a  sin- 
gle brood,  while  others  still  will  succeed  in  rearing  as  many  young  as 
usual.  In  order  not  to  overstate  the  increase  let  us  assume  the  average 
number  of  young  hatched  during  this  quarter  to  be  4  for  each  pair  of 
adults,  but  that  two  fifths  of  the  adults  and  one-halfof  all  the  young  are 
killed  for  bounties  during  the  quarter.  Thus,  starting  with  20,000,000 
Sparrows  (10,000,000  pairs),  before  July  1,  40,000,000  young  will  be 
liatched,  but  20,000,000  will  be  killed,  together  with  8,000,000  of  the 
adults,  so  that,  on  July  1,  there  will  remain  12,000,000  old  birds  and 
20,000,000  young,  or  32,000,000  in  all. 

By  this  time  most  of  the  old  birds  will  have  become  very  shy,  but  as  the 
full  grown  young  are  much  more  abundant,  as  well  as  much  less  wary,  the 
larger  part  of  the  Sparrows  killed  during  the  next  three  mouths  will  bo 
young  birds.  Most  of  the  adults,  however,  will  succeed  in  rearing  one 
more  brood ;  but,  allowing  for  the  constant  persecution  to  which  they  are 
subjected,  and  granting  that  one-third  of  the  adults  are  killed  during  the 
iiuarter,  these  broods  will  hardly  average  more  than  2  young  to  a  pair. 
Thus,  0,000,000  pairs  will  hatch  12,000,000  young,  6,000,000  of  which 
will  bo  killed,  together  with  4,000,000  of  the  parents.  It  may  be  al- 
lowed also,  in  accordance  with  previous  estimates,  that  ouehalf  the 
.young  birds  of  the  earlier  broods  are  killed  during  this  quarter  ;  so  that, 
oil  October  1,  there  would  be  left  8,000,000  adults,  6,000,000  young  of 
the  last  brood,  and  10,000,000  from  the  earlier  broods,  a  total  of  24,000,000; 
while  bounties  have  been  paid  on  4,000,000  adults  and  16,000,000  young, 
or  on  20,000,000  in  all. 


Irr? 
11 


m^ 


m 


III 


1*1™ 

'-'I  I' 

u 


Ml' 


ii^ 


PI 


156 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


During  tbe  next  throe  months  no  increase  will  tiii<e  place,  but  thciU>. 
crease  from  bounties  will  bo  rather  less  than  for  any  previous  (luinicr, 
since  the  birds  will  have  scattered  to  the  country,  and  constant  iK-rNccii- 
tiou  will  have  made  them  very  suspicious  and  ditlicnlt  to  kill.  Perhiips, 
however,  40  per  cent,  will  be  killed  and  oft'ered  for  bounties. 

By  summing  up  the  results  of  the  year's  work  it  will  be  found  tiiat 
the  number  of  Sparrows  in  Ohio  has  been  reduced  from  40,000,()0(>  to 
about  14,500,000,  hut  at  the  expeme  of  bounties  paid  on  seventy  seven  mill- 
ion six  hundred  thousand  Sparrows. 

The  opening  of  a  second  year  finds  the  Sparrows  reduced  to  about 
one  third  of  their  original  numbers,  but  this  very  paucity  of  numbers, 
joined  to  the  experience  acquired  by  the  Sparrows  duiing  one  year  of 
zealous  persecution,  will  make  it  a  difficult  matter  to  keep  uj)  tlio 
same  rate  of  destruction  during  another  year.  Jlowever,  by  largely  in 
creasing  the  bounty  it  might  be  possible,  and,  provided  the  natural  in- 
crease bo  estimated  as  heretofore,  the  end  of  the  second  year  would 
find  but  5,184,000  Sparrows  left,  although  bounties  would  be  paid  dur- 
ing the  year  on  nearly  25,000,000  Sparrows. 

If  now,  by  any  increase  of  bounty,  this  rate  of  destruction  could  bo 
maintained  for  the  third  year,  about  10,000,000  more  Sparrows  would 
be  killed  and  less  than  2,000,000  would  be  left. 

The  fourth  year  at  the  same  rate  would  reduce  the  surviving  Spar 
rows  to  about  072,000  at  the  expense  of  a  heavy  bounty  on  more  tlinii 
3,500,000,  and  the  fifth  year  would  result  in  the  death  of  about  l,a00,(Hl(», 
with  a  living  remnant  of  241,805  Sparrows. 

The  following  table  shows  in  detail  the  successive  steps  by  wliieli 
such  a  reduction  would  be  made;  the  entire  argument,  however,  resting 
on  the  assumption  that  as  the  number  of  Sparrows  is  lessened  llie 
bounty  is  increased,  so  that  a  fixed  rate  of  reduction  is  maintained. 
Thus  the  bounty  offered  at  the  beginning  of  each  year  is  assumed  to  bo 
large  enough  to  effect  the  destruction  of  more  than  live-sixths  (84<^  pci 
cent.)  of  all  the  Sparrows  (original  plus  increase)  in  the  State  during 
the  year,  so  that  the  total  number  in  the  State  at  the  beginning  of  any 
year  will  be  but  30  per  cent,  of  the  number  existing  there  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  previous  year. 


«^^t 


PKOBABLK  EFFECTS  i)V   AN  IDKAL  UOUNTY  LAW. 


157 


llill)olhetical  table,  HlioiviiKj  in  dvtail  the  probahli:  effeclH  upon  the  uiin^birH  of  En ij link  Spar- 
loHH  in  Ohio,  of  a  high  and  annuaUij  inciensed  bounty  duiiniffivv  succesiire  yiarn,  under 
thr  most  favorable  circumgtanccH. 


{Juartor. 


Sparrnwa 

ill  tho 

Stato  ut 

(li»  lieKi" 

iiiu^  of 

enclniuiir- 

tor. 


I'airH 
brcoilliiK 


I 


First  vpar: 
.liiii.  to  Mar  .. 
A|ir.  loiliino  . 
July  to  Si'pt .. 
Oct.  to  Dc<! . . . 


Vouiijj 
hutiiibit.' 


AiliiH 

Sparniwfl 

killiHl.t 


young 
kllli^il.; 


Iiiiinatiirt' 

S|niirow« 
I  killnl  ill 
I      thinl 

I    IllUU'tUI'.^ 


Total 

iiiniilirr  III 

a  I 

Sparrown 
kllleil. 

s? 

' 

40,  000, 000    ' 20,  000,  000, ' 20,  «0.»,  000  SO 

20, 000,  000  1 0,  000. 000    40  000, 000,  8,  000,  (lOO    20,  000,  000 2H,  OOil,  000  l(j| 

32,000,  000,  6,000,  OOO!  12,000,  000   4,000,  OOOl    0,000,000    10,  000,  000  20,  000.  OOii  i:>\ 

24.000,000 ' 9,600,000 0,600,000  40 


'lotftl  for  year. 
Si  (1)11(1  year: 
Jan.  t'o  Mar  ... 
Apr.  to  iliiiio  . .. 
.Iiilv  to  Si.'pt    .. 
Oct',  to  Ui'i; 

Total  lor  yiMr 
'i'liircl  year: 
Jiiii.'lo  Mar 
.\pr  to  J  mm  . 
.Iiilv  to  Sopt  — 
O  t.  lo  Ui'i: 


14,400,000 

7,200.000!  :i,  600,  000    14,400,000 
1 1,  520,  OjO,  2,  160,  000     4,  320,  000 

H,  UIO.OUO 


5,184,000 
2,  r>92,  000 
4,  H7,  200 
3,110,400 


77,600,000     84  rt, 


7,200,000 ' 7,200,000 

2,  880, 000     7,  200,  000 10,  080,  000 

1,440,000     2,100,000     3,000,001)  7, 200,  OJO 

3,4.'>0,000 ...I I  3,4,'ii>,000 


m 

4.^ 
40 


27, 0;JO,000     84,1, 


, \  2,502,000 .1  1  2,502,000 

1,296,000     .^,  184,000    1,0,W,  800     2,r)92,000 1  3,628,800 

777,600      1,5,'>5,200       .M8,400         777,000.     1,200,000'  2,592,000 
I  1,214,160 1,24»,100 


511 
40 


'I'olal  lor  your. 
Koiulli  year: 
Jiiii.  10  Mar     . 
.'\pr.  to  .liiiio    . 
July  to  Sept    .. 
Oct.  to  Dec  . 


1,806,2401 

033, 120 

1,492,992 

1,119,740 


10,  oai,  900     84, '„ 


466,  560 
279,  038 


1,806,240 
■j59,  872: 


I. 


933, 120  . 
373,  248 
ISO,  022 
447,  898  . 


933, 120 
279, 930 


466  560 


Tolal lor  year 
Fil'tli  ydir: 

J:iii   to  Mar 

A)ii'.  to  June  . . . 
.Iiilv  to  Sept    . . 
Oct.  to  Die      ... 


671,848  . 
335, 9:'4 
537. 478 
403, 108  . 


167,  902 
100,  777 


671,818 
20l,56t| 


33.5,  924 

134,370 

67,18.-. 

161,243 


'i'otal  I'orycar 


335, 924  . 
100,  777" 


107,  902 


933,  120 

1,  300,  3)IH 

933,  118 

447,  898 


50 
4«{ 
4,5J 
40 


3,620,504      81,;, 


33.-),  924 
470,  291 1 
3.3,'-.,  921 
161,243 


50 
46;{ 

4.^i 
40 


1,30.1,385     81,^0 

Total  iiiiiiibur  killed  iliiriiiK  live  years,  120,510,810.     Living  remnant,  241,805. 

'  E(iiials  four  to  racli  pair  in  second  quarter;  two  to  caeb  pair  in  third  i|iiartcr. 

I  K(|iiaU  first  ((iiarter,  i'lO  per  cent. ;  second  (loartor,  40  per  cent.  ;  tbird  (|iiarter,  33i  per  cent. 

;  Kipiats  50  )>L-r  cent,  encli  iiuartcr. 

\  ]it\n  lis  50  per  cent. 

As  to  tlie  (!()st  of  boiiiitie.s  (luring  such  a  five  years'  war  iiotliiiig  bet- 
ter than  rough  estimate 4  can  be  given,  for  it  is  impossible  to  know  witli 
out  trial  liow  large  a  bounty  would  be  necessary  to  secure  the  destruc- 
tioii  of  50  per  cent,  of  all  the  Sparrows  in  the  State  during  the  first  three 
months.  It  is  certain  that  one  or  even  two  cents  apiece  would  not  suf 
tico,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  three  cents  apiece  would  secure  this  end.  Pos- 
sibly the  necessary  rate  could  be  ascertained  by  experiment,  ami  after 
this  had  been  maintained  for  a  year,  and  the  Sparrows  had  decreased  to 
about  one-third  of  their  previous  numbers,  other  experiments  could  be 
made  in  order  to  determine  the  rate  necessary  to  secure  a  continuance 
of  the  same  ratio  of  decrease.  It  is  but  reasonable  to  suppose  that  if 
Sparrows  are  but  one-third  aa  plenty  (and  three  times  as  shy !)  as  for- 
merly it  will  be  worth  at  least  three  times  as  much  to  kill  them  ;  but, 
allowing  that  it  costs  only  twice  as  much  to  maintain  the  same  rate  of 
decrease,  it  will  be  very  expensive,  nevertheless,  to  continue  this  dur- 
ing four  years. 


if 

1,^ 


15S 


THE   ENOMSII   SPARftOW  IN   AMERICA. 


If     ' 


|l 


am 


fciii 


The  following  tablo  shows  how  co.stly  such  an  undortukitif;  wouhl  be, 
even  were  it  certain  that  the  lowest  rate,  one  cent  apiece  for  the  lirHt 
year,  would  secure  the  .iosired  result.  It  is  more  than  probable,  how- 
ever, that  at  least  tiiree  cents  apiece  would  be  necessary  to  acconipli.sh 
the  llrst  year's  work,  and  after  this  had  been  doubled  for  the  second 
year,  it  would  be  loiind  inexpedient  to  continue  so  expensive  an  expcr- 
itncnt. 

llj/polhetical  tahle,  ahowiiiff  the  nmnitnt  of  money  nrccHHarti  to  expend  in  hoiinlies  on  Fnylhh 
Siiai'i-OH'H  in  Ohio  for  Jii'v  years,  at  the  raten  of  I,  a,  H,  4,  and  5  irntn  a  Sparrow  the  firnt 
year,  the  raten  beiny  doubled  each  snocessive  year. 

[ttmu'A  on  the  coiuUtiuim  uaRunivd  in  (ho  iriftt  tiililo,  of  wliicli  il  is  a  corollary.] 


Yenr. 

SparrowB 
klllMl. 

Kato. 

Crntu 
1 
2 
4 
8 
10 

Coat. 

First 

77,  000, 000 

27,  030, 000 

10,0.'>0,000 

3,  020,  ,'•.04 

1,  303,  385 

!|l77fl,  000.  00 
558,  720. 01) 
402,  278. 40 
280, 040. 32 
208,541.00 

Soconcl 

Tliiid 

Koiiiili 

Fiftli   

Total 

120, 610,  840 

2,236,180.32 

First 

77, 000,  000 

27, 036, 000 

10,056,060 

3,  020,  .'>04 

1,  303,  385 

2 

4 

8 

10 

32 

1,552,000.00 

1,117,440.00 

804,  55«.  80 

570, 280.  04 

417,083.20 

Set!onil 

Tliinl 

Koiirth 

Firtli 

Total 

120,516,^10 

4, 470,  300.  04 

First  

77,  COO,  000 

27, 036,  000 

10,  0.10,  (lOO 

3,C20,.'-.0» 

1,303,383 

120,510,840 

3 

0 

12 

21 

48 

2,  328,  000. 00 

1,076,160.00 

1,200,8.1.5.20 

808, 020. 00 

r.2.->  621.  ^•o 

Second 

Tliirtl 

Foiirtli 

Fiftli 

Total 

!  0,705,540.06 

First 

77,  COO,  000 

27,  030, 000 

10,  056,  000 

3,  020,  504 

1,.?03,385 

4 

8 

10 

32 

61 

3,  104,  000. 00 
2,  234, 880.  00 
1,009,113.00 
1,1.58,501.28 
834, 106.  40 

Tliiid 

Foiirtli 

Fiftli 

Total 

120,  510,  840 

77, 000,  000 

27, 930,  OUO 

10,0.50,000 

3,  020, 504 

1,303,385 

3 
10 
20 
40 
80 

8,040,721.28 

First 

3,  880,  000.  00 
2,703,000.00 
2,011,392.00 
1,448,201.00 

1.042  TOO.  no 

Second 

Tliird 

Fourth 

Fifth. 

Total 

"  1  "'    •  •  

120,  516,  849 

11,175,001.60 

When  it  is  remembered  that  all  the  assumptions  and  estimates  upon 
which  these  conclusions  are  based  have  been  moderate  in  the  extreme, 
and  that  Jill  the  conditions  are  supposed  to  have  been  favorable  for  tlio 
successful  operation  of  the  law,  it  will  be  seen  how  futile  would  bo  tlio 
attempt  to  exterminate  tlie  Sparrow  in  Ohio  by  the  ofter  of  bounties. 

Some  of  the  considerations  which  have  not  been  brought  into  thecal 
culation  at  all,  but  which  of  necessity  must  affect  the  question  mate 
rially,  are  the  following  :  '.  ' 

(1)  Theexpense  necessiiry,  even  at  the  moderate  estimates  submitted, 
would  be  greater  than  any  State  could  afford. 


OluncTIONfl  TO   UOUNTY   LAWS. 


159 


(2)  Such  a  scheino  of  extcriuinatioii,  to  bo  siiccossful,  must  bo  care- 
fully planned,  and  must  bo  curried  on  for  at  Iciist  five  successive  years. 
jliif,  in  all  probability  the  first  year's  expenditurt's  would  be  so  lieavy, 
liiiit  an  immediate  repeal  of  the  law  would  be  dennnuled.  ISfon^over,  as 
IK)  accurate  census  of  the  Hiiarrow  population  of  the  State  could  be 
iiiailc,  it  would  be  impossible  to  tell  exa<;tly  what  pr')i)ortion  of  the 
Sparrows  had  been  killed,  and  this  elenu'ut  of  uncertainty  would  be  a 
powerful  argument  for  repeal.  Furthernu>re,  the  mere  continuation  of 
a  lixed  bounty  would  prove  wholly  inade(puite,  for,  as  already  shown, 
it  must  bo  largely  increased — probably  doubled  or  trebled — each  year 
in  order  to  accomplish  any  tangible  result.  This  can  not  bo  provided 
for  in  the  original  bill  without  iu  part  frustrating'  the  very  design  of  the 
|,iw  ;  for  if  it  is  known  that  after  January  1  of  any  year  the  bounty  is 
t(i  be  increased,  few  people  will  care  to  hunt  Sparrows  during  the  last 
wo«'Us  or  months  of  the  preceding  year. 

(3)  The  number  of  Sparrows  in  the  State  might  prove  to  be  very 
iiiiich  greater  than  was  supposed. 

(4)  In  spite  of  all  checks  the  actual  rate  of  increase  might  prove  to 
1)(;  much  greater  than  that  assumed. 

{'))  Unless  neighboring  States  should  prosecute  equally  vigorous  cam- 
])aigns.  Sparrows  would  enter  the  State  in  considerable  numbers  if  the 
warfare  were  relaxed  for  a  single  month. 

(<I)  Even  admitting  the  possibility  of  reducing  the  Sparrows  .lO  per 
cent,  during  the  first  three  months  of  a  year,  it  is  very  doubtful  if  the 
nite  of  decrease  assumed  for  the  remainder  of  the  year  could  be  secured 
witliout  an  increase  of  bounty, 

(7)  As  soon  as  Sparrows  became  somewhat  scaice  throughout  the 
State,  and  the  bounty  was  correspondingly  increased,  people  would 
begin  to  protect  and  rear  them  simply  for  the  sake  of  the  bounty,  and 
so  long  as  the  law  did  not  compel  a  man  to  rid  his  land  of  them  his  in- 
tentional neglect  would  give  the  same  result  as  intentional  propagation. 

(5)  In  spite  of  all  precautions  many  Sparrows  killed  in  States  where 
they  were  still  abundant  would  be  sent  into  Ohio,  and  bounties  would 
l)e  collected  for  them  ;  and  this  would  be  done  the  more  frequently  as 
their  number  became  smaller  and  smaller  in  Ohio  and  the  bounty  was 
made  larger  and  larger. 

(!))  In  order  properly  and  speedily  to  examine  all  applications  for 
liDiinties,  and  to  destroy  all  Sparrows  or  Sparrow  heads  on  whirh 
l»i»iiiities  had  been  paid,  it  would  be  necessary  to  appoint  one  or  moro 
licrsDus  in  each  town  or  village,  who  should  have  the  requisite  know  1 
edge,  to  attend  to  this  matter.  It  would  be  useless  to  expect  the  town 
eleik  or  other  town  oflicer  to  assume  this  duty  without  additional  com- 
pensation, and,  moreover,  very  few  such  ofiicers  would  be  competent  to 
iliscriminate  between  heads  of  English  Sparrows  and  those  of  more 
valuable  lurds;  hence, 

(10)  Either  an  additional  expense  would  be  put  upon  the  Slate,  or  else 


H 


\^ 


ICO 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Wn 


'41 


many  valuable  native  birds  would  be  destroyed  and  the  State  would  pay 
bounties  unwittingly  on  the  beads  of  some  of  its  best  friends. 

(11)  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  (hat  the  money  expended  in  bounties 
by  no  means  represents  the  en hre  expense  of  a  boun-ty  law.  To  tins 
sum  must  be  addctl  not  only  the  cost  of  incidentals,  such  as  fire  arms, 
ammunition,  gr.xiu  for  baiting,  poison,  traps,  nets,  etc. — items  often  sniiill 
in  themselves,  but  amountiuft-  to  considerable  sums  in  the  aggregate- 
but  also  the  cost  of  advertising  the  bounty,  examining  and  paying 
claims,  and  destroying  heads. 

It  has  been  suggested  that  the  bounty  money,  however  great  the 
amount,  might  be  raised  by  taxation,  and  eventually  would  be  returned 
to  the  very  people  who  paid  the  taxes.  IJut  a  moment's  thought  will 
convince  any  one  that  this  argument  is  utterly  fallacious.  The  taxes 
would  be  collected  necessarily  from  all  citizens,  whether  they  sustained 
any  injury  from  Sparrows  or  not,  and  yet  not  one  citizen  in  one  hundred 
would  kill  any  Sparrows  or  receive  any  bounty,  since  few  men  could 
afford  lo  neglect  their  business  for  the  sake  of  securing  a  few  dollars  a 
week  in  bounties.  Thus  the  bulk  of  the  money  would  go  to  people  hav- 
ing no  regular  occupation  and  little  or  no  taxable  property.  In  this 
way  it  is  true  the  money  would  be  kept  in  the  State,  and,  provided  all 
the  Sparrows  were  killed,  the  State  would  reap  the  benetit,  but  the 
money  itself  would  not  return  to  those  who  contributed  it. 

The  suggestion  has  been  made  that,  as  the  bodies  of  all  Sparrows 
killed  by  other  moans  than  poison  might  be  utilized  for  food,  a  Sparrow- 
killer  could  collect  the  bounty  on  the  head  and  realize  an  additional 
profit  from  the  sale  of  the  body ;  so  that  the  bounty  might  be  very 
small  and  prove  effective  nevertheless.  But  in  many  places  there  is 
absolutely  no  market  for  Sparrows  at  any  price;  and,  if  there  were,  it  is 
doubtful  if  the  beads  alone  would  be  sufticient  for  identification  when 
presented  for  bounty  to  the  proper  officer. 

Again,  it  is  claimed  by  some  that  all  destruction  of  Sparrows,  caused 
by  the  offer  of  a  bounty,  would  be  additional  to  the  destruction  already 
going  on  without  expense  to  the  State;  and  it  is  further  urged  that  tlie 
natural  checks  on  the  Sparrow's  increase  would  lessen  still  further  the 
number  on  which  bounties  could  be  paid.  In  regard  to  the  first  claim 
it  need  only  be  said  that  it  is  an  assumption  not  only  unsupported  by 
any  facts  at  all,  but  rendered  improbable  by  all  the  evidence  bearing 
on  the  question.  There  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  independent, 
unpaid  i)ersecution  of  the  Sparrows  would  cease  almost  entirely  as  soon 
as  a  bounty  law  became  operative. 

The  second  claim  may  be  conceded  without  argument,  but  in  the  fore- 
going estimates  due  allowance  was  made  for  the  effects  of  natural 
checks  by  assuming  at  the  outset  an  extremely  low  rate  of 'ncrease. 

To  those  who  see  thousands  of  Sparrows  daily,  perching  familiarly 
on  their  window  sills  or  hopping  uneoncernedly  about  the  streets,  it 
seems  an  easy  thing  to  kill  them  by  scores  or  hundreds,  and  many  peo- 
ple believe  that  any  wideawake  boy  could  trap  a  thousaud  a  day,  and 


Montana's  bounty  law.  161 

that  any  man  who  should  give  bis  eutirc  time  to  the  business  could 
make  a  fortune  at  the  rate  of  a  cent  apiece.  It  is  useless  to  assure  such 
persons  that  the  Sparrow  is  watchful,  suspicion!,  cunning,  caud  quickly 
becomes  so  shy  that  it  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  of  all  birds  to  kill; 
but  ordinarily  a  single  day's  experience  with  trap  or  gun  will  convince 
even  the  most  skeptical. 

Another  point  to  bo  considered  in  connection  with  the  question  of 
bounties  is  the  desirability  of  a  premium  on  the  Sparrow's  eggs. 

That  the  destrnctiou  of  the  eggs  is  one  of  the  most  effective  checks 
upon  increase  is  unquestionable,  but  the  practical  difficulties  which 
stand  in  the  way  of  a  bounty  on  eggs  are  so  numerous  as  to  make  its 
trial  a  measure  of  doubtful  utility.  The  discovery  of  an  accessible  nest 
makes  it  easy  in  most  cases  to  kill  the  parent  birds,  but  if  there  is  a 
bounty  on  the  eggs  the  juvenile  Sparrow-hunter  is  tempted  to  take  the 
eggs  without  disturbing  the  birds,  well  knowing  that  a  week  later  he 
is  almost  certain  to  find  another  set  of  eggs  in  the  same  nest.  By  re- 
moving a  part  of  the  eggs  at  a  time  the  bird  may  be  induced  sometimes 
to  lay  thirty  or  forty  eggs  in  succession,  and  such  a  discovery  is  a  ver- 
itable boimnza  to  an  enterprising  boy. 

Oliarlio  H.  Shaw,  of  West  Berlin,  Ohio,  states  that  in  1887  a  neighbor 
took  forty  eggs  in  succession  from  one  English  Sparrow's  nest;  and  Dr. 
Coues  reiers  to  the  case  of  an  English  Sparrow  which  laid  thirty-five 
eggs  in  as  many  days.  Between  April  22  and  June  27  (1884)  Eli  \V. 
BiaUe,  3d,  of  Providence,  R.  I.,  took  nine  hundred  and  fifty-three  Spar- 
row's eggs  from  some  fifty-five  or  sixty  nests  in  the  ivy  on  a  church,  and 
nine  hundred  and  seventy  eggs  were  taken  at  one  time  from  the  nests 
on  another  church  in  that  city. 

The  eggs  of  the  English  Sparrow  vary  so  much  in  size  and  markings, 
that  it  is  impossible  always  to  distinguish  them  from  eggs  of  some  of 
our  native  birds;  hence  a  bounty  on  Sparrow's  eggs  might  lead  to  the 
destruction  of  the  eggs  of  many  valuable  birds,  while  it  wouM  be  cer- 
tain to  encourage  among  boys  a  habit  of  nestrobbing,  which  would  bo 
bkely  to  endure  and  extend  to  the  nests  of  native  birds  after  the  Stiar- 
rows  had  become  scarce. 

The  histories  of  two  recent  bounty  laws  in  the  United  States  possess 
more  than  oruinary  interest  as  bearing  directly  on  the  questions  dis- 
cussed here. 

Montana's  bounty  law  on  praiuie  dogs  and  ground  sQuinitKr.s. 

Early  in  1887  the  Territory  of  Montana  offered  a  bounty  of  10  cents  each 

on  prairie  dogs  and  5  cents  each  on  ground  squirrels.    The  act  went  into 

eft'ect  March  5,  1887,  and  the  bounties  paid  during  the  next  six  months 

auionnted  to  more  than  $50,000.    On  September  12,  1887,  the  record  of 

payments  stood  as  follows : 

li)3,70'J  pruirio  dojjs,  at  10  coiitH each  ^IT),  :{*0.  <J0 

698,971  gromid  Nejiiirrels,  at  5  cents  each 'M,  !M8.  ^t't 

Total 50,319.45 

8404— Bill.  1 U 


162 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Ml 


il 


It  is  stated  that  up  to  tliis  time  tlieimmber  of  prairie  dogs  and  ground 
squirrels  killed  had  had  no  perceptible  efl'ect  on  their  abundance  in  tlie 
Territory,  and  as  the  money  in  the  treasury  was  exhausted, the  Govern- 
or,  witli  the  pennission  of  the  President,  called  a  special  session  of  tlie 
legislature  and  the  act  was  repealed. 

MICHIGAN'S   nOUNTV   LAW   ON  KNGUSH   SPAKKOWS. 

In  1887  the  State  of  Michigan  ottered  a  bounty  of  1  cent  apiece  for 
English  Sparrows  in  lots  of  not  less  than  25.  (A  copy  of  the  act  wil| 
be  found  on  page  109  of  this  Bulletin.) 

Any  claim  for  this  bounty  must  be  submitted  to  the  clerk  of  the  town 
ship,  village,  or  city  in  which  the  Sparrows  were  killed,  and,  if  allowed, 
the  clerk  issues  a  certificate  for  the  proper  amount,  payable  by  the 
county  treasurer,  from  the  contingent  fund  of  the  county.  This  act 
went  into  effect  March  15,  1887,  but  for  various  reasons  it  does  not  ap 
pear  to  answer  the  purpose  intended. 

Unquestionably,  the  law  itself  is  defective  in  some  respects.    Thus, 
in  Wayne  County,  of  which  Detroit  is  the  county  seat,  no  bounties  have 
been  paid,  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  county  treasurer  has  "no  author 
ity  to  ])ay  anything  except  on  the  warrant  of  the  board  of  auditors," 
and  the  bounty  act  provides  only  for  payment  on  certificates  issued  by 
the  clerk  of  a  township,  village,  or  city.    The  act  provides,  furthermore, 
that  the  bounties  shall  be  paid  from  the  contingent  fund  of  the  county, 
and  in  some  cases  the  county  supervisors  have  failed  to  make  any  pro 
vision  for  such  payment.    The  proviso  that  not  less  than  25  heads  can 
be  presented  at  once,  and  the  necessity  of  going  or  sending  to  tlie 
county  seat,  are  features  Which  deter  many  persons  from  availing  them 
selves  of  the  act,  but,  even  were  all  these  obstacles  removed,  it  seems 
probable  that  the  offer  of  1  cent  a  head  would  not  be  large  enough  ta 
tempt  many  persons  to  engage  in  the  business  of  killing  Sparrows. 

In  reply  to  requests  sent  to  the  county  treasurers  throughout  the 
State,  reports  have  been  received  to  date  from  Ibrty-one  counties. 
These  reports  cover  a  large  part  of  the  area  in  which  Sparrows  are 
most  numerous,  and  may  be  taken,  therefore,  as  a  fair  sample  of  tlie 
whole  State;  yet  in  twenty-two  of  these  counties  no  Sparrows  what- 
ever have  been  presented  for  bounty.  The  largest  number  rei»orted 
thus  far  from  any  one  county  is  1,038  from  Kent  County,  between  Jan 
nary  1,  1888,  and  March  30,  1888.  The  number  on  which  bounties 
were  paid  in  this  county  prior  to  January  1,  1888,  is  not  reported,  but 
on  the  above  basis  it  would  have  been  nearly  5,200,  or  about  0,800  Spar 
rows  for  the  first  year  in  which  the  law  was  operative.  The  reports 
from  two  other  counties  are  similarly  incomplete,  giving  returns  for 
only  a  small  part  of  the  time,  but  by  estimating  as  above,  an  approxi 
mation  to  the  acitual  number  has  been  obtained,  anti  the  total  number 
of  Sparrows  killed,  for  bounties  in  these  forty-one  counties  is  about 


mfmm 


MICHIGAN  S   BOUNTY   LAW. 


163 


iSjBOO,  or  a  average  of  378  for  a  eouuty.  As  there  are  eighty  two 
counties  in  1^  liigaii,  this  gives  31,000  Sparrows,  a  miiubei'  utterly  in- 
signilicant,  in  fact  not  more  than  were  .actually  trapped  by  a  single  en- 
terprising man  in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  during  the  past  two  years.  (See 
Ueport  of  W.  T.  Hill,  page  181  of  this  Bulletin. 

Is^o  data  arc  at  hand  on  which  to  base  even  an  approximate  estimate  of 
tlie  total  number  of  Sparrows  in  the  State  of  Michigan,  but  as  tliere 
must  he  many  millions  at  least,  it  is  evident  that  the  present  bounty 
Iiiw  not  oidy  fails  to  lessen  the  total  at  all,  but  probably  does  not  etteet 
the  destruction  of  one  per  cent,  of  the  annual  increase.  Doubtless  the 
entire  thirty-one  thousand  might  have  been  killed  within  the  city  limits 
of  Detroit  witiiout  making  any  noticeable  diliereuoe  in  the  number  of 
Sparrows  in  that  city. 

In  this  connection  we  desire  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  valuable 
iiil'onnation  from  the  following  county  ofiicers  in  jMichigan  : 


Nniuo  and  address. 


S.J.  McXally,  treasurer,  Tlarris- 


lliiii  LiiiiUlieot,  ticiwiuvr,  AUe- 

Slilll 

Allifit  S.  Abl)ott,  treasurer,  I5i-1- 
lairi' 

('.A.IldUK'i.  t'ciwurer,  UastiiifiH. 
W.  .1.  rcttilt,  treusiirer,  Kunzoiiia 
IMiimiiil  J5.   StonuH,   treasurer, 

IVi  rieu  Springs 

.1.  W.  Wood,  treasiirer,  Marsliiill 
,1  .E.  Cueny,  treasurer,  Clieboy- 

(!:>u '■ --• 

.liiiius  U.   Conn,  treasurer,  St. 
.loluis 

IiihnCiuniiUcU,  treiisurer,  Flint.. 
E.  II.  Foster,  treasurer,  Traverse 

Cily... 

Wiliiiun  llrice,  treasurer,  Itliaca 
fiMui'M  lieattie,  treasurer.  Hills- 

(liile 


William  U.  Lungyear,  treasurer, 
Marion 

•1 .  Will  len  Peake,  t  r  o  a s  u  r  e,  r , 
loina 

1'.  .'jmnv,  trea.surer,  Kalamazoo.. 

lliMiJi's  I).  Stebbius,  treasurer, 
liiaiiil  liapiils 

Uoliert.f.  Matthews,  treasurer, 
lialilwiii 

IVttr  Stiver,  treasurer,  Lapeer.. 

Jiilin  .1.  Miller,  deputy  treasurer, 
Leland ." 

William  ('.  Mo  ran,  treasmor, 
Adrian 

Hubert  Johnson,  treasurer,  Man- 
istee  


County. 


Alcona. 

Allegan 

Autriui. 

Harry. 

lienzie. 

Rerrien. 
Callioun. 

Cheboygan. 

Clinton. 
(Ji'uesee. 

(i rand  Traverse 
Gratiot. 

Hillsdale. 

Ingliain. 

Iiuila. 
Kalaniaziio, 

Kent. 

Lake. 
Lap'-er. 

Leelanaw 

Lenawee. 

Manistee. 


Katno  and  address. 


B.  W.  Wright,  assistant  treas- 
urer, Marquette 

J.  (.'.  (iardner,  treasurer,  Uig 

Rapids 

Stod  E.  Drew,  treasurer,  Mid- 
land   

Orville  F.  Mason,  treasurer, 

Stanton 

Martin  Waalkcs,  ti-easurer,  Mus- 
kegon   

Iliraui  L.  Ifrace,  treasuier 

J.   Allen    Bigelow,     treasurer, 

Pontiae 

John  F.  Widoe,    dejiuty  treas- 
urer, Hart ." 

W.  JL   McCrassen,   tieasurer, 

We.it  Hrancli 

J.  F.  liadelitfe,  treasurer,  ller- 

soy 

I   E.  P.  Gil(l)s,  treasurer,  Grand 

Haven 

'    nermann  noel't,  treasurer,  Kng- 

I     crsCity 

I  William  Burns,  treasurer,  Port 

Huron 

Cluis.  Murphy,  treasurer,  San- 

I      dusk.y 

i  Goo.  li.  Orr,  treasurer,  Manis- 
!    tiijue 

I  G.  1).  Mason,  deputy  treasurer, 

I I  Corn  una 

'■  Charles   H.   liutler,    treasurer, 

I      Paw  I'aw 

;  Ralpli    Plulps,   jr.,   treiusurer, 

i      Detroit 

ij  Ezra  Ilarger,  treasurer,  Cardil- 
lac. 


County. 


Marquetti'. 

Aleeosta. 

Midland. 

Montcalm, 

Muskegon. 
Xewaygo. 

Oakhmd. 

Oeeana. 

Ogemaw. 

Osceola. 

Ottawo. 

Presqne  Isle. 

Snint  Clair. 

Snnilae. 

Schoolcraft. 

Shi.iwasseo. 

Van  Bnreii. 

Wayne. 

Wexford. 


If 


164 


THE  ENGLISH  SPARROW  IN  AMERICA. 


EEOOMMENDATIONS  TO  THE  PEOPLE. 


GENERAL   SUGGESTIONS. 

The  English  Sparrow  is  a  curse  of  such  virulence  that  it  ought  to  be 
systematic<ally  attacked  and  destroyed  before  it  becomes  necessary  to 
deplete  the  public  treasury  for  the  purpose,  as  has  been  done  in  otber 
countries.  By  concerted  action,  and  by  taking  advantage  of  its  gre- 
garious habits,  much  good  may  be  accomplished  with  little  or  no  ex- 
penditure of  money. 

If  the  people  can  be  led  to  appreciate  the  undeniable  facts  with  regard 
to  the  Sparrow,  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  from  its  continued  in- 
ciease  will  soon  bo  realized,  and  a  vigorous  campaign  against  the  bird 
will  follow.  Too  much  assistance  must  not  be  expected  from  legislative 
action.  Under  ordinarj'  circumstances  the  repeal  of  all  unnecessary 
restrictions  on  Sparrow-killing  and  the  legalization  of  all  safe  methods 
of  extermination  are  all  that  can  be  demanded,  and  the  rest  must  be 
accomplished  by  the  intelligent,  persistent,  united  efforts  of  the  peo- 
ple. 

USE  OF  FIRE-ARMS,   TRAPS,  AND  POISON. 

Tiio  Sparrow  is  a  cunning,  wary  bird,  and  soon  learns  to  avoid  the 
means  devised  by  man  for  its  destruction.  Hence  much  sagacity  must 
be  displayed  in  the  warfare  against  it.  In  the  winter-time,  if  food  is 
placed  in  some  convenient  spot  at  the  same  hour  each  day  for  a  week, 
the  Sparrows  will  gather  in  dense  flocks  to  feed,  and  large  nn?iibers 
niay  bo  killed  at  one  Irime  by  firing  upon  them  with  small  shot.  By 
spreading  the  food  along  a  narrow  trip  of  ground  which  can  bo  raked 
conveniently  from  some  hiding-place,  the  best  results  may  be  obtained. 
When  shooting  Sparrows  which  are  collected  in  flocks,  especially  in  and 
about  grain  fields,  an  ordinary  gun,  heavily  loaded  with  small  shot, 
should  be  used,  but  for  regular  work  on  single  birds,  about  houses,  and 
particularly  in  cities  and  towns,  a  different  weapon  is  desirable.  Al 
most  any  "collecting  gun"  of  small  caliber  will  be  convenient,  and  very 
small  charges  in  a  22-caliber  shell  are  perfectly  effective  at  short  range. 

Such  charges  do  not  frighten  the  remaining  Sparrows  badly,  and  do 
not  alarm  other  birds.  Moreover,  the  cost  of  ammunition  is  compara- 
tively small.  Probably  the  most  eftcctive  weapon  is  what  is  known  as 
an  "  auxiliary  barrel,"  i.  e.,  a  small-caliber  barrel  from  six  to  eight  inches 
long,  which  can  be  slipped  inside  the  barrel  of  an  ordinary  breech-load- 
ing shot-gun.  Such  a  barrel  using  No.  22  shells,  which  are  exploded 
and  ejected  precisely  like  the  larger  ones,  is  not  only  almost  as  noise- 
less and  economical  as  the  regular  collecting  guns,  but  is  effective  at 
greater  distances  and  permits  greater  accuracy  of  aim.  Such  a  wea])on, 
in  proper  hands,  may  be  JVoely  used  even  in  the  streets  and  i)ark8ofa 
large  city  without  damage  vo  anything  except  Sparrows. 


RESTUICTION    AND    PREVENTION. 


165 


Sometimes  Spiirrows  may  be  successfully  netted  or  trapped,  but  this 
reqiiii'cs  considerable  skill,  and  except  under  favorable  conditions  at 
night,  one  must  bo  content  lo  catcU  them  singly,  or  at  most  in  twos  or 
tliroes.  They  arc  so  suspicious,  and  learn  so  quickly  from  experieuce, 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  catch  niany  in  succession  at  the  same 
phicc  and  by  the  same  means.  Much  valuable  information  on  this  sub- 
ject will  bo  found  in  Mr.  Hiu's  report  in  another  part  of  this  volume. 

Sparrows  may  be  poisoned  by  grain  soaked  in  solutions  of  arsenic  or 
stiyciiuine,  or  by  meal  mixed  with  the  poison  in  powder,  but  poisoning 
isattoiided  with  some  danger  and  should  be  attemi»ted  only  by  ollicial 
Sicurow  kilkrs.  Full  directions  for  the  prepiu-aiion  and  administra- 
tion of  poisoned  food  will  bo  fountl  in  the  chapter  on  this  subject  by 
Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher.    (See  page  174). 

Dl',.STUUCTION   OF    NESTS    AND    DISTURBANOE   AT   ROOSTING  PLACES. 

Large  numbers  may  be  destroyed  and  increase  pi'evented  by  the  sys- 
ti'iiiiitic  destruction  of  their  nests,  eggs,  and  young.  By  the  aid  of  an 
iron  roil  and  hook,  set  in  the  end  of  a  long  pole,  nwst  of  their  nests 
can  be  reached  and  brought  down.  This  method  promises  m(,.st  satis- 
factory results. 

Tiioy  may  be  easily  driven  from  their  roosting  places  by  disturbing 
tlieni  on  several  successive  nights.  A  very  ctiicacious  method  is  to 
throw  water  upon  them  when  at  roost.  In  cities  where  hosei)i[)e  is 
available  the  process  is  simple  and  certain.  They  may  bo  kept  out  of 
oniainental  vines  in  the  same  manner,  particularly  in  the  breeding 
season,  when  a  thorough  soaking  not  only  disconcerts  the  old  birds  and 
Idlls  their  young,  but  at  the  same  time  does  much  good  by  wetting  the 
vinchs  and  washing  out  their  filth. 

If  a  ])art  of  the  birds  arc  shotor  caught  each  time  they  are  disturbed 
at  their  roostiug  places,  the  remainder  are  much  less  likely  to  return. 

Ill  every  town  will  be  found  a  few  i)ersons  unwilling  to  co  oi)crate  in 
dlorts  to  exterminate  Sparrows;  but  if  such  persons  continue  to  liar 
bor  them  about  their  own  houses  when  they  are  driven  away  from  most 
other  places  about  the  town,  the  Sparrows  will  probably  bocouie  .so 
iiuinerous  and  oifensive  eventually  that  their  defenders  will  be  forced 
ill  self-defense  to  take  some  steps  against  them.  Or  it  may  be  possi- 
lile,  by  nuuiicipal  authority,  to  compel  such  persons  either  to  drive  the 
i:3i>'irrows  away  or  to  permit  others  to  do  so. 

U  is  important  to  prevent  Sparrows  from  establishing  themselves  in 
now  places  throughout  the  counuy,  and  if  the  first  coiners  are  killed 
01'  IVighteried  away  it  will  be  comparatively  easy  to  do  this,  unless  they 
iuc  allowed  to  increase  without  check  in  the  surrounding  country  or 
towns. 

T lioroforo,  farmer.^  everywhere  should  be  on  the  lookout  for  Sparrows 
iiud  should  uot  allow  a  single  new  pair  to  uest  ou  their  farms,  wUily 


iiii'^^ 


166 


TIIK    i:.V(}Ll.Sll    .SI'AIIUOW    IN    AMERICA. 


evoiy  possible  means  should  bu  tried  to  reduce  tlio  uuuibers  iu  the  ad 
joining  lownsand  vilhiges. 


Sl'AIlKOW   CLUBS   AND   .SHOOTING  MATCHES. 

Tn  many  parts  ol'  Europe,  where  8i  constant  warfare  is  waged  agiiinst 
this  bird,  clubs  are  formed  for  the  purpose  of  killing  Sparrows.  In 
some  cases  each  member  of  sudi  a  club  is  bound  to  present  to  the  socic- 
tary  the  heads  of  a  certain  number  of  Sparrows  each  year  or  to  jiay  a 
fine,  and  the  linos  thus  collected  (sometimes  augmented  by  vohiiitaiy 
contributions)  are  used  as  bounties  or  pri/es  for  the  members  killin;; 
the  most  Si)arrows.  The  following  item,  clipped  from  a  recent  pa[)er, 
shows  the  interest  now  taken  in  Sparrows  by  the  people  of  Stratford- 
u])ou-Avon,  an  English  town  of  less  than  8,000  inhabitants: 

Tilt!  IioiioMir.v  Nt'urctary  oCtlic  StriiUbnl-iipoii-Avnii  Sparrow  Club,  reports  tliiitdiiriii;; 
tliu  pastyciir  [Ici"^*]  (ivcr  11),000  biids  liiivc  been  killed.  Tlio  eliib  pays  ;{(Z.  perdn/.cn 
for  iieads  of  all  Sparrows  destroyed,  and  over  jC"2'5  has  been  paid  in  this  way  (lining; 
the  year.  The  eoiiiinon  Sparrow  is  held  to  bo  destrnetive  to  fanners'  erops,  ami  tin' 
eliib  was  funned  for  the  jnirpose  of  kcepinjf  down  the  miniberof  these  birds.  Abuiit 
20,000  a  year  is  the  average  number  destroyed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Stratford-upon- 
Avon. 

Similar  clubs  have  been  formed  in  some  parts  of  the  United  States, 
and  if  every  agricultural  or  horticultural  society,  or  farmer's  club,  would 
adopt  some  such  plan  of  concerted  action  against  the  Sparrow  a  vast 
amount  of  good  might  be  accomplished.  Even  without  any  cash  prizes 
such  clubs  would  a(!Complish  something,  while  an  occasional  revival  of  the 
old  time  shooting  match,  iu  which  the  day's  hunt  should  bo  devoted  ex- 
clusively to  Sparrows,  would  yield  a  large  amount  of  sport  and  niateii 
ally  lessen  the  Sparrows  in  the  district.  In  one  such  hunt  in  Wad.s- 
worth,  Ohio,  recently,  tweuty  six  men  took  part,  and  080  Sparrows  were 
killed. 

THE   Sl'ARROW  AS  AN   ARTICLE   OF  FOOD. 

Jn  this  connection  it  should  not  be  forgotton  that  the  English  8|)iir- 
row  is  an  excellent  article  of  food,  equaling  many  of  the  smaller  game 
birds.  In  fact,  at  restaurants  it  is  coinmoidy  sold  uiulei  the  name  et 
"  Rice-bird,"  even  at  times  of  the  year  when  there  are  no  Kicebirds  iii 
the  country. 

When  the  Si)arrow  has  beeu  feeding  on  grain  tields  or  in  the  wild  rice 
marshes  its  tlesh  is  especially  good,  and  if  caught  alive  in  the  city  tlie 
quality  of  the  tiesh  can  bo  much  improved  by  feeding  it  for  a  few  da.vs 
with  oatmeal,  corn  meal,  or  wheat. 

(See  also  iu  this  connection  pages  38  and  30.) 


167 


SHCTION  THIRU.-LHIilSLATKJN  AFFECTING  THE  ENGLISH  SPARROW 

IN  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


i^Hfw 


111  Older  to  obtain  trustwortby  iiiformatioii  a.s  to  nil  legishitiou  attect- 
iii;,Mlio  Sparrow  in  tlie  Unltod  States,  a  letter  was  .sent  in  the  fall  of 
1887  to  the  Secretary  of  State  of  eaeh  State  and  Territory  of  the  Union, 
askiiij^-  for  copies  of  all  laws  in  force  in  that  State  relating  to  game,  to 
liird.s  or  nianimals,  and  csi)e(!ially  to  the  Enj^lish  Sparrow.  To  date, 
replies  have  been  received  from  a  miijority  of  the  States  and  Territo- 
ries, most  of  the  secretaries  sending  the  desired  documents  or  giving 
references  to  the  volumes  in  which  they  could  be  found.  In  cases  where 
:\o  response  was  made,  recourse  was  bad  to  the  latest  revised  statutes 
oil  file  in  the  libraries,  but  it  is  feared  that  in  this  way  some  of  the 
liitest  acts  have  escaped  notice.  By  combining  the  information  received 
Iroin  all  sources,  however,  the  following  epitome  of  legislation  aflecting 
tlie  Sparrow  has  been  compiled,  and  may  be  assumed  to  be  measurably 
complete,  except' for  such  cluinges  as  may  have  occurred  within  the  last 
few  months. 

It  sliould  be  noted  that  the  appearance  in  this  place  of  any  law  which 
iiiiTcly  mentions  "sparrows,"  "songbirds,"  "insectivorous  birds," 
"midomesticated  birds,"  and  the  like,  must  not  be  construed  as  evi- 
(k'licethatwe  believe  such  law  to  aft'ect  the  English  Sparrow;  such 
points  must  bo  determined  by  the  courts,  and  the  attempt  made  here  is 
.sim|)ly  to  show  what  laws  may  have  a  bearing  on  the  case.  A  brief 
iliscnssiou  of  these  laws  will  be  found  in  a  previous  section  uiuler  the 
head  of  recommeudatious  for  legislation.    (See  page  150.) 

LAWS   AIKKCTIXU   TlIK    KXliLl.SU    SI'AUKOW. 

Alabama. — No  liiw  bearing  on  (lie  (luestioii. 

.iluska, — No  law  bearing  on  tlio  question. 

IcfcuHK.— No  law  bearing  on  the  iiuestion. 

.I(7.((ns((s. — It  shall  be  unlawful  to  destroy,  disturb,  or  rob,  tho  nesta  of  any  wild 
liii'ds  wliatsoovor,  except  those  of  crows,  blackbirds,  hawks,  owls,  eagles,  and  birds 
til'  prey.  »  *  •  Any  person  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act  sliall  bo 
(liM'iiied  guilty  of  a  luisdeuuianor,  and,  upon  couvictiou  thereof,  shall  bo  lined  in  any 
Ninii  »  »  »  not  less  than  three  dollars,  nor  more  than  ton,  for  each  nest  of  eggs 
destroyed  as  aforesaid,  together  with  tho  costs  of  prosecution.  (Act  of  February  iiI3, 
HS,"),  sections  ',\  and  (i. ) 

Culij'oniia. — No  law  bearing  on  tho  question. 

Ciilorailo.—'So  person  shall  kill,  cusuaro,  net,  or  trap,  within  this  State,  any  * 
'  '  sparrow  *  *  *  or  other  insectivorous  birds.  *  «  »  Any  person  who 
sliall  violate  any  of  tho  provisions  of  the  first  section  of  this  act  shall  be  guilty 
111  a  inisdenieanor,  and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  fined  in  a  sum  not  less  than 
livi'  dollars,  nor  more  than  fifty  dollars,  with  costs  of  suit,  and  shall  be  prosecuted  and 
pniiislicd  in  tho  same  manner  as  m  other  cases  of  misdemeanor.  One-half  of  the  fine 
ill  such  cases  shall  be  pai  I  to  tho  person  informing  against  such  ofl'ender,  and  the 
other  half  to  tho  treasurer  of  the  county  in  wliich  tho  olFenso  was  committed,  and  be- 
i:<>iiie  apurt  of  the  school  fniul.     "     *     *     (Laws,  chap.  XLV,  sections  1  and  2.) 


Ifi8 


THf:    KNGLISII    SI'ARKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


1 


Connecticut.  — IWvry  in-rson  who  kIihII  kill,  cii'^c,  or  iri\\\  iiiiy  •  •  »  Hpiindw 
•  *  •  bitweiiii  (lio  liiHt  (layHofTcbiiiiiry  and  S(i|iteiiil>t'r  in  any  year,  nIuvII  J'orfcit 
ono  dollar  for  each  bird  so  killed,  eaj;oil,  or  tvapi)od,  to  him  who  Hhall  huo  tliiTcfor. 
(O.  S.,  1875,  '-"J!t,  Hoction  4.) 

Dakota. — No  law  bearing  on  the  ((nostion. 

Delaware. — If  any  i)crson  within  cither  of  the  counties  of  tiiis  State  kIiuII 
kill,  take,  or  destroy,  upon  lands  not  owned  l)y  himself,  any  of  the  following  birds, 
vi/, :  •  *  •  sparrow  »  »  •  or  other  insectivorous  bird,  or  shall  willfnlly  tnkc 
or  destroy  the  eggs  or  nest  of  any  of  the  aforesaid  birds,  sncli  person  shall  bo  deenieil 
guilty  of  a  common  nuisance,  and,  upon  conviction  thereof  bol"ore  any  justice  of  tlio 
peace  in  this  iStatc.shall  bo  liiuidono  dollar  for  each  bird  so  killed,  taken,  or  destroyed, 
or  for  each  nest  of  birds'-eggs  take  nor  destroyed  as  aforesaid  ;  and  every  person  havini; 
such  bird  in  li is  possession  sliall  bo  deemed  to  have  taken,  killed,  or  destroyed  (lie 
sanm  in  violation  of  thoi)rovisions  of  this  section,  unless  the  contrary  bo  proved  ;  and 
if  such  person  bIuiH  fail  or  refuse  to  pay  such  fine  and  all  costs  inmiodiatoly,  the  said 
justice  shall  forthwith  commit  him  to  the  custody  of  the  sheriff  until  the  same  are 
jiaid  ;  ono-half  of  said  fine  for  the  use  of  the  State,  and  the  other  half  for  the  in- 
former. 

If  any  person  or  persons  shall  enter  upon  any  lauds  not  owned  by  himself,  willi 
gun  and  dog,  or  with  gun  alone,  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  any  kind  of  binls  or 
game,  without  first  obtaining  permission  to  do  so  by  the  owner  or  occupant,  Ik!  shall 
forfeit  and  pay  a  fine  of  five  dollars.  •  *  »  (Laws  of  1871,  chapter  55,  sections 
15,  10.) 

Dintrkt  of  Columbia. — No  person  shall  kill  or  expose  for  sale,  or  have  in  his  or  lirr 
possession  dead,  at  any  time  any  *  •  *  sparrow  »  *  »  or  any  other  iu.s('c 
tivorous  bird,  save  as  heroin  provided,  under  a  penalty  of  two  dollars  for  each  bird 
killed  or  in  possession  dead.     (Act  of  June  15,  1878.) 

Florida. — No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 

Georgia. — No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 

Idaho. — No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 

Illinois. — No  person  shall  at  any  time  within  this  State  kill,  or  attempt  to  trap,  net, 
onsuarc,  destroy  or  kill,  any  •  »  •  sparrow  *  '  *  nor  rob  or  destroy  the  nests  of 
such  birds  or  either  or  any  of  them.  And  any  person  so  offending  shall,  on  convii- 
tion,  be  fined  the  sum  of  five  dollars  for  each  and  every  bird  so  killed,  and  for  ciuli 
and  every  nest  robbed  or  destroyed  :  Provided,  That  nothing  in  this  section  shall  Im 
construed  to  prevent  the  owner  or  occupant  of  lands  from  destroying  any  of  the  birds 
herein  named  on  the  same,  when  deemed  necessary  for  the  protection  of  fruits  (n 
property.     (Revised  Statutes,  1874,  chapter  61,  section  3.) 

Indiana. — Whoever  kills  or  injures,  or  pursues  with  intent  to  do  so,  any  *  *  ' 
sparrow  "  *  *  or  wantonly  destroys  or  disturbs  the  eggs  of  any  such  birds,  sliiiil 
be  fined  not  more  than  ten  dollars  nor  loss  than  one  dollar.  (Revised  Statutes,  1H8I, 
section  2108.) 

Indian  Terriiori). — No  law  bearing  on  tho  question. 

Iowa. — If  any  person  kill,  trap,  ensnare,  or  in  any  manner  destroy,  any  of  the  birds 
of  this  State,  cKcopting  birds  of  prey,  the  migratory  aquatic  birds,  and  those  wliicli 
are  useful  for  food,  and  the  killing  of  which  at  certain  seasons  of  (ho  year  is  now 
jjermitted  iiy  law,  or  in  any  manner  destroy  the  eggs  of  such  birds  as  are  hereby  in- 
tended to  "be  protected  from  destruction,  ho  shall  bo  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor, 
and,  on  conviction  thereof,  shall  be  fined  not  less  than  five  nor  more  than  twenty-five 
dollars.     *     »     *     (Statutes,  1880,  section  40G3.) 

Eannas.— It  shall  bo  unlawful  for  any  person  or  persons  at  any  time,  excepting  iis 
hereinafter  provided,  to  cateh,  kill,  trap,  shoot,  or  ensnare,  or  to  pursue  with  such 
intent,  any  wild  bird  except  tho  wild  goose,  duck,  hawk,  excepting  the  harrier,  crow, 
bluejay,  snipe,  curlew,  plover,  piper,  bittern,  heron,  crano,  and  woodpecker.     *    * 
Any  person  found  guilty  of  violation  of  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act  shall  be 


LAWS   IN   FORCE   AT   PRESENT    TIME. 


169 


dcuiiiud  guilty  of  a  iiiiHtlouiouuor,  and  upon  cunviutioii  lliuirol' bot'oio  a  JiihUcd  *if  (ho 
|ie:u:«Hliiill  1)0  lined  in  n  snni  not  Icsstlian  livo  nor  inuro  Mum  twc^tily-livo  dulIuiH  lor 
{■iiili  iind  every  oH'enHi',  and  posts,  togotbcr  witli  itorney's  I'eo  of  ton  dollarH,  and 
shall  lieeoiuinittiid  mitil  paid.     •     »     »    (LawH  of  188'),  cliai)ter  45,  sections  I  and  f).) 

lunl itckij.— Thiit  no  person  shall  at  any  time  catch,  lull,  orpnrsno  with  Nncli  intent 
or  liiivo  in  possession  after  the  same  has  been  canglitor  killed,  any  *  »  »  spar- 
row  *  *  "  or  other  song  or  insectivorons  bird,  except  where  the  same  tball  be 
ilestimtlvo  to  the  frnit  or  grain  crops,  nnder  a  penalty  of  tbreo  dollars  for  each  of- 
feiiBO. 

That  no  person  shall  rob  or  destroy  the  ucsts  or  eggs  of  any  wild  bird  whatsoever, 
siivi!  only  those  of  a  predatory  nature  and  destructive  of  game  or  insectivorous  birds, 
iiikUt  a  penalty  of  five  dollars  for  each  offense.     (Act  of  March  11, 187G,  sections  D,  10.) 

Loumana. — No  person  shall  catch,  kill,  v."nnr8ue  witli  such  intent,  or  havo  in  pos- 
session after  the  same  Las  been  caught  or  killed,  any  •  *  »  sparrow  •  *  »  ox- 
(■('lit  when  the  same  shall  be  destructive  to  the  fruit  or  grain  crop,  under  a  penalty 
()f  not  less  than  livo  nor  more  than  twcnty-livo  dollars  for  each  ofiense. 

No  person  shall  rob  or  destroy  tJio  nest  or  eggs  of  any  wild  bird  whatsoever,  save 
only  those  of  a  predatory  nature,  and  destructive  of  game  or  insectivorous  birds,  un- 
der a  penalty  of  not  less  than  five  nor  more  than  twenty-five  dollars  for  each  offense. 
(Laws  of  1877.) 

Maine. — Whoever  kills  or  has  in  his  possession,  except  alive,  any  birds,  comuiouly 
known  as  *  "  *  sparrows  *  •  *  or  other  insectivorous  birds,  crows  and 
biiwks  excepted,  forfeits  not  less  than  one  dollar,  nor  more  than  Ave  dollars,  for  each 
meh  bird  kille;l,  and  the  possession  by  any  person  of  such  dead  bird  is  prima  facie 
evidence  that  ho  killed  such  bird. 

Whoever  at  any  time  wantonly  takes  or  destroys  the  nest,  eggs,  or  unfledged  young 
of  any  wild  bird,  excejtt  crows,  hawks,  and  owls,  or  takes  any  eggs  or  young  from 
snili  nests,  except  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  same  as  specimens,  or  of  rearing 
said  young  alive,  forfeits  not  less  than  one  dollar  nor  more  than  ten  dollars  for  each 
ucst,  egg,  or  young  so  taken  or  destroyed.     (Revised  St.atntes,  chapter  30,  sections 

'a,  24.) 

J/«ri/?OHd.— No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 

MassacUuscUs. — Whoever  takes  or  kills  any  wild  or  nudomesticated  bird  »  *  » 
except  English  Sparrows  "  *  *  or  willfully  destroys,  disturbs,  or  takes  a  nest 
or  eggs  of  any  wild  or  nndomesticated  birds,  except  of  the  birds  herein  exempt  from 
protection,  shall  bo  punished  by  a  fine  of  ten  dollars,  (i^aws  of  1886,  chapter  27G, 
bcclion  4.) 

Michigan.— Aa  act  to  authorize  the  killing  of  "English  Sparrows."  (ActNo.  4,  Pub- 
lic Acts  of  1885,  p.  4.) 

Skc.  1.  The  people  of  the  State  of  Michigan  enact,  That  it  shall  bo  lawful  to  kill 
the  birds  commonly  called  "English  Sparrows." 

Sec.  2.  All  acts  heretofore  passed,  contrary  to  the  provisions  of  the  preceding  sec- 
tion, are  hereby  repealed. 

This  act  is  ordered  to  take  immediate  effect. 

Approved  February  17,  1885. 

Ax  ACT  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  bonnties  for  the  killing  of  English  Sparrows. 
(Act  No.  aS),  Laws  of  1887,  p.  29.) 

•Sec.  1.  The  people  of  the  State  of  Michigan  enact,  That  every  person,  being  an  in- 
habitant of  this  State,  who  shall  kill  an  English  Sparrow,  in  any  organized  town- 
ship, village,  or  city  in  this  State,  shall  bo  entitled  to  receive  a  bounty  of  one  cent 
for  each  Sparrow  thus  killed,  to  bo  allowed  and  paid  in  the  manner  hereina/ter  pro- 
vided. 

Sec.  2.  Every  person  applying  for  such  bounty  shall  take  such  Sparrow,  or  the 
head  thereof,  in  lota  of  not  less  than  twonty-fivo,  to  the  clerk  of  the  township,  vil- 
lage, or  city  within  which  such  Sparrow  shall  have  been  killed,  who  shall  thereupon 


170 


THE   P:NGLISH    sparrow    in    AMERICA. 


ill 


Wt' 


dcciilo  unoii  hiicii  applioiitlon,  and  if  HaiiHlied  of  the  corrt^ctiiesN  ot'  hiicIi  claim,  HliaU 
isHiie  a  ct'i'tiiicatu  Htating  tho  aiiioniit  of  lioiitity  to  wliicli  Hiicii  applicant  iH  ontitlcd, 
and  dclivui-  the  Hanio  to  8ai<l  applicant,  and  shall  destroy  tho  heads  of  nnch  Sparrows, 

Ski;.  H.  Such  ccrtiCuatc  may  bo  j)re8entcd  liy  the  cliiimant  or  his  ajjciit  to  the 
county  trcasnr(fr  of  the  comity  in  which  such  Sparrow  or  Sparrows  may  have  bcoii 
killed,  who  shall  i>ay  the  same  out  of  tint  contingent  fund  of  said  county. 

This  act  is  ordered  to  take  immediato  eflecf. 

Aitproved  March  Ifi,  1887. 

MiiiiieHOln. — No  law  hearing  on  the  (piestion. 

MisahMipjti.—  ll'  any  pcr.son  sliall  at  any  time  •  •  "  destroy  or  rol»  the  nest  of 
any  wild  bir<l  whatever,  except  crows,  blackbirds,  bluejays,  hawks,  owls,  and  other 
birds  of  i)r(\v  *  '  *  or  shall  have  in  his  possession,  or  shall  sell  or  Itny,  or  oiler 
or  (;.\[iose  for  sale,  or  receive  for  transportation  or  carriiige,  or  on  defiosit,  or  for  siile, 
or  for  any  other  jiurpose,  any  of  tho  eggs  of  any  wild  bird,  except  those  above  ex- 
cepted »  •  •  he  shall  on  convicti(Mi  be  lined  u<d  more  than  one  dollar  for  ciicli 
fc;jg,  nnd  not  more  than  three  dollars  for  each  fowl  or  bird  *  <•  »  one-half  ol 
which  on  recovery  shall  bo  paid  to  tho  informer  *  •  *  (Revised  Code,  1880,  elm ji- 
ter  'iO,  section  ',)">.').) 

M'msoiiri. — It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person  to  catch,  kill  or  injure,  or  atteniiit 
to  catch,  kill  or  injure  any  wild  song  bird,  or  any  *  »  *  iusoctivorons  bird  at  any 
Hcason  of  tho  year  »  »  »  and  it  shall  be  unlawful  i'or  any  person  at  any  time  m 
season  to  disturb,  rob  or  destroy  any  wild  Itiid's  nest,  or  take  therefroni  any  egg  or 
eggs  of  any  wild  bird  whatsoQver. 

Tho  provisions  of  section  one  shall  not  apply  to  any  person  who  shall  kill  any  binl 
on  his  own  premises  iei  the  act  of  destroying  fruits,  grapes,  or  houoy-bees    »     »     » 

Any  person  who  shall  violate  any  of  tho  provisions  of  this  act,  shall,  upon  convic- 
tion, bo  adjudged  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  punished  by  tino  not  exceeding 
twenty  dollars  for  each  and  every  animal  and  bird  caught,  killed  or  injured.  *  *  " 
(Act  of  April  11, 1877,  sections  1,2,  and  5.) 

Montana. — Any  person  who  shall  willfully  shoot,  or  otherwise  kill  or  in  any  niMii- 
uor  whatever  cause  to  bo  killed,  any  robin  *  *  *  or  any  other  of  the  small 
birds  known  as  singing  birds,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  updii 
conviction  thereof  shall  bo  fined  in  any  sum  not  less  than  live  nor  more  than  ten 
dollars  for  each  otl'enso  committed. 

Any  person  who  shall  willfully  destroy  the  notts  or  carry  away  tho  eggs  from 
the  nests  of  any  of  tho'birda  or  wild  fowl  mentioned  in  this  act,  shall  b^^  deemed 
guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  tiued  in  any  sum  iiol 
less  than  five  dollars,  nor  more  than  ten  dollars  for  each  otfense  conunitted.  (Act  of 
March  8,  188;?,  sections  7  and  8.) 

Nehvanl^a.—H  shall  bo  unlawful  for  any  person  in  tho  State  of  Nebraska  to  know- 
ingly and  intentionally  kill,  injure  or  harm,  except  upon  the  lamls  owned  by  siiili 
person,  any  »  *  »  sparrow  *  *  *  or  other  bird  or  birds  of  like  nature,  that 
promote  agriculture  and  horticulture  by  feeding  on  noxious  worms  and  insects,  or 
that  are  attractive  in  appearance  or  cheerful  in  song.  Any  person  violating  any  of 
tho  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be  lined  not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  ten  dol- 
lars for  each  bird  killed,  injured  or  harmed.  (Compiled  Statutes,  1884,  chapter  11, 
section  83.) 

Xecadn. — It  shall  bo  unlawful  for  any  person  or  persons  at  any  time  to  kill  or  in- 
jure, or  to  pursue  with  such  intent,  any  »  *  »  sparrow  *  *  *  or  to  disluili 
the  nest  or  eggs  of  said  bird. 

It  shall  bo  unlawful  for  any  person  or  persons  within  this  State  at  any  time  to 
*  •  *  destroy,  injure  or  disturb  tho  nest  or  eggs  of  any  of  the  birds  protected  by 
this  act. 

Every  person  or  persons  offending  against  any  of  tho  provisions  of  this  act  shall  be 
deemed  guilty  of  a  misilemeanor,  and  on  conviction  thereof  shall  bo  lined  in  any  sum 
not  less  tljau  twenty-fivo  dollars,  nor  iijoro  lUan  two  Unndrcd  dollars,  or  imprisouctl 


"ppilp 


LAWS    IN    FORCK   AT   PRESENT   TIME. 


171 


III  I  he  county  Jail  of  tlio  county  it>  which  Hiiidcouvictinn  in  hiul,  for  any  tuiiii  not  «-x- 
oi'tilin;;  «ix  uiouths,  or  by  hotli  xuch  liuo  ami  iinpiiHonniout,  and  tiu)  jiroscdutinj;  wil- 
lu'ss  shall  bo  iMitilitil  to  receive  ii  iVo  o(iual  to  one-half  of  the  aniouutof  any  sucli  lino 
iiiiposed  on  each  convict  ion.     ( I<a\vM  of  ISHo,  chaidcr ''-"p!,  Mcctioiis  1,:!,  7.) 

Sriv  lfampnhiri\ — If  any  immsou  siiail,  at  any  Moason  of  the  yiuir,  take,  i;ill,  or  de- 
Mroy  any  of  the  liinlN  called  •  »  *  NiiarrowH  '  *  "  or  any  other  of  tim  son;,' 
liinlsor  insectivorous  birds,  ho  shall  be  punished  by  a  tluo  of  live  dollars  for  each  and 
every  such  bird  ho  taken,  killed,  or  destroyed,  or  by  iniprisouuieut  not  exc.eodinjj  thirty 
days,  or  both.     »     «     •     • 

If  any  person  shall  designedly  tako  from  the  iiost  and  destroy  the  »>jj[j;s  or  youiifj;  of 
any  of  the  birds  called  '  *  *  sparrows  *  *  *  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay,  for 
tv(  ry  e;;;;  or  younj;  of  any  of  said  birds  so  taken  and  (lestro^ed,  the  sum  of  two  dol- 
liir  ,  to  the  U80  of  the  prosecutor.     (Game  Laws,  lH8(i,  chapter  2,  sections  1,  .'>.) 

Snr  •Itmcii. — A  further  supitlement  to  an  act  entitled  "  An  act  tofimendand  eon- 
sdliiiate  the  several  acts  relatini^to  t;ame  and  j{ame  lish,  api»rovi d  March '^7,  1^71,  and 
tlic  snppleuu'ut  thereto,  approved  March  H,  1877. 

Skction  1.  That  nolliiu}?  in  the  act  to  which  tiiis  is  a  snp])lcm('nt  shall  hereafter  bo 
ciiiistrm'd  as  iipi>Iyin;j[  to  the  I'lni^lish  Spa'Tow,  ami  that  all  saiil  Kn^lisb  Sparrows 
sliall  be  excluded  from  any  protection  whatever. 

SIX'.  "J.  That  all  acts  and  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  net 
Ijc,  and  t  he  same  arc  hereby,  repealed. 

Approved  March  I),  ISS'i. 

(Supplement  to  Revision  of  Statutesof  New  Jersey,  18rt7,  p.  31.'».) 

yew  Mcrico. — No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 

New  ForA;.— Laws  of  IBHti,  chapter  427. 

Sfx'TION  1.  No  person  in  any  of  the  counties  of  this  State,  shall  kill,  wound,  tra[), 
iiL't,  snare,  catch  with  bird  lime,  or  with  any  sinular  substance,  poison  or  driij;, 
any    *     »     *     wild  bird,  other  than  a  j^amo  bird.     »     »     • 

.Si;c.  '■i  No  person  shall  take  or  needlessly  destroy  the  nest  or  egjj;s  of  any  sonij;  or 
wild  bird. 

Sk.c.  G.  The  English  or  European  House  Sparrow  {I'aHHcr  domcsticuH)  is  not  included 
iiiiiong  the  birds  protected  by  this  act,  and  it  shall  bo  considered  a  misdemeanor  to 
intentionally  give  food  or  shelter  to  the  same.  '  '  *  (As  amended  by  chapter  (ill, 
laws  of  1887.) 

Sh:c.  7.  Any  person  or  persons  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act  shall  bo 
deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  punishable  by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  or 
penitentiary,  of  not  less  than  live  nor  more  than  thirty  days,  or  to  a  lino  of  not  less 
than  ten  or  more  than  fifty  dollars,  or  both,  at  the  discndion  of  the  court. 

.Si;u.  8.  In  all  actions  for  tlio  recovery  of  penalties  under  this  act,  one  half  of  the 
recovery  shall  belong  to  tho  plaintiff,  and  tlu;  remainder  shall  be  paid  to  the  county 
treasurer  of  the  county  where  the  otl'euse  is  eomnutted,  e.N'('])t  if  the  olfense  be  <',om- 
niittcd  in  the  city  and  county  of  New  York,  tho  remaining  ono-half  shall  bo  paid  to 
tlio  chamberlain  of  said  city. 

Sue.  1>.  All  acts  or  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with,  (u-  contrary  to  the  provisions  of 
tiiis  act,  are  hereby  repealed. 

Skc.  10.  This  act  shall  take  ctfect  immediately. 

Xovlli  Carolina. — No  law  bearing  on  the  (lucstion. 

O/iio.  — Whoever,  at  any  time,  catches,  kills  or  injures,  or  i»ursues  with  such  intent, 
any  swan,  sparrow,  other  than  English  Sparrow,  robin  »  *  *  or  disturbs  or  dt;- 
stroys  the  eggs  of  any  such  birds,  shall  bo  lined  not  more  than  fifty,  nor  less  than  two 
(lollars,  or  imprisoned  not  more  than  thirty  days,  or  both.  (Revised  Statutes, 
188 ),  section  (5900,  as  amended  by  act  of  April  19,  188:5. ) 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  tho  payment  of  Ronnties  for  the  killing  of  English  Spar- 
rows. 

iSncriON  1.  L'c  it  ciiacled  by  tho  General  Asscmhhj  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  That  every 
licrson,  being  au  iuhabitimt  of  this  State,  sluUl  bo  outitlod  to  vocoiyo  a  bounty  of  tou 


m 


Ui 


IIS 


172 


THE    KN0M8II    HPAllliOW    IN    AMERICA. 


coutN  per  (lozoii  for  all  NiiurruvvH,  known  as  Uio  Eii^liHli  Spiirrow,  killed  ;  to  bo  nllowfil 
antl  paid  in  tliH  niannor  liuiuinuftfr  provided. 

8kx'.  2.  Every  permiii  upplyi»;{  Tor  hucIi  bounty,  nIihII  tuke  niiuli  Hpitrrow  or  thu 
hoad  tlit'reof  in  lotd  of  not  Iumh  tliiin  2.')  |o  tlio  clerk  of  tlio  towniliip,  villiti;e  or  city, 
within  which  ttuch  itpurruw  Hhiill  have  been  killed,  who  hIiuII  thereupon  decide  upon 
Huch  lippliciition,  mid  if  HutiHiied  of  the  correctnoHs  of  HUidi  claim,  Hhall  iHsun  »  certif- 
icate Htatiii);  the  ninouiit  of  bounty  Nuoh  applicant  in  entitled  [to],  and  deliver  tliu 
Haine  to  Hiich  applicant,  and  Hhall  dcHtroy  the  heads  of  hucIi  t«parro\vN. 

Hec.  3.  Such  ecrtilicato  niuy  be  prosentod  by  the  claimant  or  Iuh  u^ent,  to  the  ciiy 
ireaxurer,  or  the  treasurer  of  the  township  in  which  hucIi  HparrowH  may  have  bein 
killed,  who  hIwiII  pay  the  Huuie  out  of  the  tuwuNhip  fund  of  Huid  township. 

8kc.  4.  This  act  shall  take  olfect  and  bo  iu  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

rasHod  March  :$(),  1888. 

Oiryoii.—lio  law  bearing;  on  the  iiuostiou. 

Pfimayleania. — An  act  to  permit  the  killinjj  nt  utiy  season  of  the  year  of  the  small 
bird  known  as  the  English  Sparrow. 

Skctio.v  1.  ISo  it  tnadcd,  4c.,  That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  it  sliiill 
be  lawful,  at  any  season  of  the  year,  to  kill  or  iu  any  way  destroy  the  stnall  bird 
commonly  known  as  the  English  Sparrow. 

■Skc.  '2.  All  acts  or  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  herewith  are  hereby  repealed. 

Approved  the  4th  day  of  Juno,  A.  D.  ISSlJ. 
lihode  /n?a«(J.— Public  laws  passed  at  the  January  session,  1887,  chapter  (144.    Aii 
act  in  iiuuMidmont  of  chapter  94  of  the  public  statutes,  "  Of  Birds." 

It  is  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  as  follows  : 

Skc.  1.  Section  5  of  chapter  94  of  the  public  statutes  is  hereby  amended  so  as  to 
read  as  follows : 

"Sec.  5.  All  '  •  »  English  Sparrows  '  *  '  may  be  killed,  taken  or  destroyed 
at  any  time  of  year." 

Skc.  2.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 

South  Carolina. — It  shall  not  bo  lawful  for  any  person  in  this  State  to  wantonly 
shoot,  or  entrap  for  the  purpose  of  killing,  or  in  any  other  manner  destroy  any  bird 
whose  principal  food  is  insects,  or  take  or  destroy  the  eggs  or  young  of  any  of  tlio 
speciesor  varieties  of  birds  roprosontod  by  the  several  families  of  bats  •  »  •  umi 
all  other  species  and  varieties  of  land  birds,  whether  groat  or  small,  of  every  descrip- 
tion, regarded  as  harmless  in  their  habits,  and  whose  flosh  is  unfit  for  food,  includini,' 
the  turkey  buzzard  *  »  *  and  any  person  violating  the  provisions  of  this  section 
shall  on  conviction  thereof  forfeit  and  pay  a  duo  of  ten  dollars,  which  fine,  if  imposed, 
shall  go  one-half  to  the  informer,  and  the  other  half  thereof  to  the  use  of  the  county 
in  which  the  offense  was  committed:  Provided,  That  no  person  shall  be  preventoil 
from  protecting  any  crop  of  fruit  or  grain  on  his  own  lauds  from  the  depredations 
of  any  birds  herein  intended  to  bo  protected.     (Laws  of  1882,  sectiou  1G95.) 

Tennessee. — [No  single  act  affords  general  protection  to  the  English  Sparrow  iu  Ten- 
nessee, but  there  are  several  sections  of  the  State  code  which  relate  to  sparrows  and 
other  birds  in  certain  counties  and  groups  of  comities,  of  which  the  following  aio 
specimens :] 

Skc.  2223.  No  person  shall  hunt,  capture,  or  kill  any  *  »  »  bird  that  feeds  on  in- 
sects which  destroy  fruit  trees,  as  the  sparrow  *  *  *  in  Robertson,  Davidson, 
Lincoln,  Maury,  and  Shelby  Counties,  from  the  first  day  of  February  to  the  first  day 
of  September.     *     *    • 

Sec.  2224.  No  person  shall  at  any  time  destroy  the  nestsoreggsof  any  of  said  birds 
in  any  of  tho  counties  named  in  the  last  section. 

Skc.  222.').  Any  person  violating  sections  2223,  2224  may  be  prosecuted  therefor  be- 
fore any  j«stico  of  the  county ;  and  upon  conviction  fined  •  »  »  five  dollars  for 
every  »  *  »  of  tho  above-named  birds  killed,  and  the  samo  for  every  bird's  nest 
robbed  and  destroyed,     *     *    *    (1884.) 


LAWS   IN   FORCE   AT   PHEflKNT   TIME. 


173 


Texas. — If  ivny  purHon  hIiuII  willfully  kill,  or  in  tiny  inaiinor  injure,  any  •  »  • 
apurrow  «  »  •  bo  aliall  bo  doomed  guilty  of  n  niiadeineniiur,  iiiid,  upon  cniiviitlini 
livforo  n  Jiistlcu  of  tlio  poaco,  orotlier  court  of  coin pi>t(Mitj  iiiiisdiulioii,  bonbull  bo  lhit>d 
a  Hum  of  not  Icmh  tliau  tlvo  nor  more  tbnn  tiftoon  dollur^i. 

((Jenoral  laws  of  1883 ;  amondmont  of  art.  4J1)  of  ponal  code.  Aniondrnoiittt  to  nub- 
Ni'i|ucnt  articles  of  tbo  codo  oxompt  a  largo  numbor  of  counties  from  tbu  opuralion  of 
tiio  law  quoted.) 

rtah.—'So  law  bearing  ou  tbe  question. 

f'ermont, — A  person  wbo  intentionally  slioots  or  otlierwiso  wounds,  kills  or  destroys, 
entraps,  ensnares,  or  captures  a  •  »  •  spatrow  •  •  •  or  destroys  tbo  nest  or 
i';;}rHof  any  of  said  birds,  sliall  forfeit  ton  dollars,  wbicb  may  bo  ritcovered  in  an  ac- 
tion of  debt,  witli  costs,  by  any  person  wbo  snes  for  tbo  saino.  (Kcvised  laws  of 
Vermont,  sec.  389G,) 

i  irginia. — No  law  bearing  on  tbe  question. 

IVashiiigton  Terr. — Xo  law  bearing  on  tbe  question. 

West  }'irglnia. — It  sball  bo  unlawful  for  any  person  at  any  time  to  catcli,  kill,  or  In- 
jure, or  to  pursue  witli  sucb  intent,  any    »     *     •    sparrow    *     •     *. 

And  it  hball  be  unlawful  for  any  person  to  destroy  or  disturb  tbo  eggs  of  any  of  tbe 
liirds  protected  by  tliis  cbaptor ;  and  any  ])er8on  offending  against  any  of  tbo  forego- 
in(,'  provisions  of  tliia  cbaptor  sball  bo  fined  in  any  sum  not  less  tban  two  dollars  nor 
more  tban  twenty-five  dollars  for  cacb  offense  on  conviction  in  tbe  proper  court,  or 
lie  imprisoned  in  tbo  county  jail  not  moro  tban  twenty  days,  or  botli,  at  tbe  discro- 
iIdu  of  the  court,  and  pay  the  costs  of  prosecution. 

It  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person  to  purchase  or  ofler  for  sale  any  of  tbo  birds  or 
>;unio  nientionod  in  this  chapter,  caught  or  killed  during  tbo  time  when  such  catcb- 
in<;,  killing,  or  destroying  is  made  unlawful  hereby.  Any  person  ofl'ending  against 
llie  )irovisions  of  this  section  shall  be  liable  to  the  same  penalty  as  is  provided  in  this 
eliai)ter  for  catching,  killing,  or  destroying  such  birds  or  game.  (Amended  Code, 
W-\,  chapter  G2,  sections  10,  12,  14.) 

fVisconain. — That  any  person  who  shall  shoot,  kill,  or  catch  by  means  or  use  of  any 
i:et,  snare,  trap,  gin,  or  spring-gun  any  *  »  »  sparrow  *  *  »  for  millinery 
purposes  shall  be  doomed  to  bo  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  upon  conviction  there- 
of in  any  court  of  competent  jurisdiction  within  this  State  shall  bo  punished  by  tbe 
l)ay  nieut  of  u  fine  not  exceeding  tbo  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  nor  less  tban  five  dol- 
lars for  each  offense,  to  be  collected  as  provided  by  the  laws  of  this  State  for  tbe  col- 
lection of  fines.  One-half  of  such  fine  when  collected  sball  bo  paid  to  the  county 
treasurer,  and  by  him  paid  into  tbe  school  fund;  the  remaining  half  shall  be  paid  to 
the  informep.     (Laws  of  1887,  chapter  413.) 

fFjioming. — No  law  bearing  on  the  question. 


174 


THE   P:NGLIS1I   sparrow   in   AMERICA. 


SECTION  FOURTH 
DESTEUOTION  OF  THE  SPARROW  BY  POISONS. 

Hy  Dr.  A.  K.  FisiiKii,  AKninlanl  Oniilltoloiiint. 

From  time  to  time  iiuiiieroiis- letters  of  iiKiuiry  have  been  received  by 
the  Department  askiiij^'  for  detailed  iiistruetions  in  regard  to  the  de- 
struction of  Enyiish  Sparrows  by  poJ.sons.  So  lew  reliabl;'-  facts  could 
be  procured  on  the  sul)ject  that  it  was  found  neeessiuy  to  (londuct  a  se- 
ries of  experiments  in  order  to  obtain  the  desired  inlbrniation.  It  was 
important  to  determine  not  only  what  poison  is  most  edicient  and  host 
adapted  for  the  purpose,  but  also  the  inostccoiioinical  poison,  tJioqiiini- 
tity  necessary  for  use,  and  the  simplest  practicable  method  of  prepsua 
tiou.  With  these  objects  in  view  a  larj,^^  number  of  healtiiy  Enj>lisli 
Sparrows  were  secured  and  contined  in  lar}>'e  caj^es.  They  were  |>iveii 
an  abundance  of  food  and  water  during  the  time  coveied  t)y  the  experi- 
ments, so  that  they  might  not  be  forced  from  hunger  to  partake  of  tlie 
poisoned  grain. 

THE   POIii^ONS  ITSED  IN  EXPERIMENTS    AND  THE  EOUMUL^i:  FOR  TIIEIIl 

PREPARATION. 


The  following 
senic ;  corrosive 


poisons  were  used  in  the  experiments  :  Strychnine;  iir 
sublimate. 

Of  strychnine,  two  pi^eparations  were  used  :  (hystals  of  slrycliniiie; 
tinclureof  nux  vomica. 

Of  arsenic  Ihe  following  preparations  were  used :  Arsenious  oxiile 
(white  arsenic);  arsenite  of  copper  (Paris  green);  arsenite  of  calciiini 
(IjoiuIou  i)urple) :  arseniate  of  soda;  \U\.  i)otassii  arsenitis  (Fowler's 
solution). 

Tiic  results  of  these  experiments  have  led  to  Hie  reconnnendatioii  (if 
the  following  formuhe  as  sim[)le,  eilicacions,  and  inexpensive; 

AusKXic— Onopart  by  \veijj;!i(  of  ivhilc  arnfiiic  to  lit'tccii  iiart.Hof  corn-iiii'al  <ir  i;r;nii, 
P<»iis  <!;n'cii  iind  Ijoiulon  inniilc,  would  bo  just  as  valiiabli' as  wliitf.  arsenic  cMi'iit 
i'or  their  bi'i;;lit  color,  wlucli  aroiuscs  tlio  .S|)aiTo\v'H  suspicions. 

Directicuii :  Jr corn-meal  i.s  useil,  tlio  iivscuic  slioiild  ]h\  .stirred  in  (h;\,  and  tlie  niixt- 
nnvafterward  moistened.  It  slionld  bo  fed  moist.  If  whole  iiriun  is  nsed,  it  sIhuiM 
be  moi.stened  before  stirrinj^  in  the  ar.<-enic.  It  will  lie  found  advanta<;-eons  to  mlil  a 
little  sum  arable  to  llie  water  used  to  moisten  the  >;rain,  as  it  eansos  the  poiisoii  to 


adhere  more  tirndy  to  the  kernels.     It  should  i)e  dri  d  before  n.s 


Wheat  is  prt  IV 


nblt!  to  !ill  other  grain,  because  the  Sparrows  feed  upon  it  more  ea.nerly. 

Stuyc'IININm;.— Dis.solv(!  2  Rrams  of  strychnim*  n  a  liter  of  hot  water.  Ordinarily, 
stryclmine  is  i)\it  np  in  bottles  eoniainin{f  ^  ounce.  Half  of  the  contents  id'  one  of 
these  1)1)1  ties,  dissidvcd  in  a  ([uart  of  liot  water,  yivcs  a  solution  .)f  the  desired  s(ren^;lli. 

Iiiiretioii8:  To  insure  thn  bos;  rvsults  it  is  necessary  lo  soak  the  grain  in  the  jxiisoi 


Hidulion  at 


ciisl  fort  v-eisj 


ht  I 


lours.     li  .should  then  be  dried.     Grain  prep'ue 


d  in  tbis 


way  may  be  kept  iu.nns,  to  be  used  us  required. 


'^  * 


iii 


POISONS    AND    THEIR    PKKPARATION. 


175 


Corrnsire  sv.hlimotc,  cjianklt  of  putanHiiDn^  phosphorus,  and  a  miinber 
,*f  other  poi.soii.s,  altliougli  ollicient,  cnn  not  be  rcconi'nended  on  account 
ol'  the  (lanyer  attending;  their  use. 

COST   OP  POISONED   GRAIN. 

Aneuic  costs  about  seven  or  eight  cents  per  jmnnd  and  four  pounds 
will  poison  a  bushel  of  wheat  (00  pounds),  so  thnt  a  busliel  of  arseni(!- 
poisoned  wheat  wouhl  (!ost  from  a  dollar  to  a  dollar  and  a  quarter,  ac- 
cording to  the  price  of  wheat,  and  corn-meal  i)oisoned  in  like  manner 
would  cost  about  the  same.  This  amount  ..i  poison,  however,  is  much 
l;nj;er  than  most  persons  woidd  need  to  use,  and  probably  would  be 
siillicieiit  to  kill  more  than  twenty-live  thousand  Sparrows. 

Strijchniiie  is  much  more  exjiensive  than  arsenic,  but  ordinarily  an 
ounce  of  strychnine  should  not  cost  more  than  $L>.  An  ounce  of  strych- 
nine dissolved  in  four  gallons  of  water  suflices  to  ]ioison  a  bushel  of 
wheat,  which  will  cost,  therefore,  IVom  $2.75  to  8.'5,  ac(U)rding  to  the  i)rice 
(if  wheat. 

An  ounce  of  average  winter  wheat  contains  about  seven  hundred  ker- 
nels. A  quart  ('iO  ounces)  contains  about  twenty-one  thousand  kernels. 
A  bushel  (00  pounds)  contains  about  six  huudred  and  seventy-two  thoii- 
>;iiid  kernels.  Six  or  seven  kernels  poisoned  as  above  would  be  amply 
siiilicient  to  kill  a  Sparrow,  and  hence  a  bushel  of  strychnine  poisoned 
wheat  is  enough  to  kill  one  hundred  thousand  Sparrows. 


OKNER \L   SUGGESTIONS. 

Im  dealing  with  as  suspicious  a  bird  as  the  English  Sparrow,  in  cases 
where  the  continued  use  of  the  poison  is  required,  a  slow  poison  (finch 
as  arsenic)  is  preferable  to  one  of  rapid  action  (such  a.s  strychnine),  for 
the  reason  that  the  elfects  of  the  latter  may  become  apparent  in  certain 
individuals  while  the  birds  are  si  ill  feeding,  the  peculiar  actions  of  the 
iilVccted  birds  frightening  the  otheis  away  before  they  have  taken  enou,4li 
of  the  poisoned  grain  to  insure  fata!  results.  In  su(^li  cases  it  fias  been 
()l)served  that  the  frightened  birds  ncxcr  return  to  the  grain. 

Uefore  putting  out  poison  for  Sparrows,  the  liirds  should  be  baited 
to  a  certain  locality.  At  the  same  hour  each,  day  they  should  be  fed 
with  the  same  kind  of  grain  that  subsequently  is  to  be  used  as  the  ve- 
liicle  for  the  poison. 

PRECAUTIONS. 

In  the  use  of  poisons  the  utmost  caution  is  necessary  to  i)r(>vent  the 
IMissibility  of  accident  froai  the  poison  itself  or  from  the  grain  employed 
lis-  vehicle  for  the  poisoji.  The  following  ])reeautions  should  be  ol>- 
"^I'l'ved  :  (1)  All  vessels  containing  ])0!son  or  poisoned  grain,  and  tlmse  in 
wliich  the  same  are  mixed,  should  be  labeled  with  tlu'  word  />o/.so»  iu 
large  letters;  (2)  all  vessels  contaiiMng  poison  or  poisoned  grain  slioidd 
be  kept  out  of  reach  of  children  anil  domestleated  animals  ;  (.'»)  in  i»;'c- 


I     U     I 


176 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


m 


paring  and  exposing  poisoned  grain,  great  care  sbould  be  taken  to 
avoid  spilling  any  of  it  where  it  might  he  found  by  children,  farm  ani- 
mals, or  poultry. 

Another  possible  source  of  danger  in  the  use  of  i)oisons,  and  one 
that  is  much  less  easy  to  guard  against,  arises  from  the  f.ict  tlia-t  tlie 
bodies  of  the  poisoned  birds  are  liable  to  fall  where  they  may  be  picked 
up  and  eaten  by  man  or  beast.  However,  very  little  real  danger  is  to 
be  apprehended  from  this  source. 

SYNOPSIS  OF  EXPERIMENTS. 

Following  is  a  brief  synopsis  of  the  experiments  in  poisoning  made 
by  the  Division : 

KXPERIMKNTS   V/ITIl   STKYCHNINH. 

No.  1(1  bird). — Fed  on  wheat,  soaked  one  audono-half  hours  in  asolntion  of  strych- 
nine (.65  of  a  f^ram  to  30  c.  c.  of  cold  water)  and  dried.  Bird  commenced  eatini;  at 
1.10  p.  in.  At  1.27  p.  m.  showed  first  symptoms.  At  3.10  p.  ni.  it  liad  apparently 
nearly  recovered.  Next  morning  It  was  dead.  Stomach  and  crop  contained  9  kernels 
of  wheat. 

No.  2  (1  bird). — Fed  on  hemp  seed  soaked  twenty-four  hours  in  a  solution  of  strych- 
nine (.325  of  a  gram  to  30  c.  c.  of  cold  water)  and  dried.  Bird  commenced  eating  at 
11.35  a.  m. ;  died  at  12.20.    Crop  contained  3  shelled  hemp  seed ;  stomach  none. 

No,  3  (3  birds). — Fed  on  hemp  sesd  soaked  twenty- four  hours  in  a  solution  of  strych- 
nine (.65  of  a  gram  to  30  c.  c.  of  cold  water)  and  dried.  Commenced  feeding  at  12.15 
( it  is  impossible  to  say  that  all  three  commenced  at  that  time).  Bird  No.  1  died  at  12.42. 
Crop  contained  3  shelled  hemp  seeds ;  none  in  stomach.  Bird  No.  2,  at  about  1  oVli)ck, 
showed  first  symptoms  while  eating;  at  3.10,  however,  it  had  partially  recovered, 
It  was  dead  the  next  morning.  Stomach  and  crop  contained  4-5  kernels.  Bint  No, 
3  ate  the  poisoned  hemp  seed  and  non-poisoned  wheat  until  3.10  p.  m.,  seemingly  with- 
out bad  results.  It  was  dead  next  morning.  Three  kernels  of  homp  seed  were  all 
that  could  be  discovered  in  the  stomach  and  crop,  which  contained  also  10-12  kernels 
of  non-poisoned  wheat. 

No.  4  (2  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  forty-five  hours  in  a  solution  of  strychnine 
(.325  of  a  gram  to  30  c.c.  of  cold  water)  and  dried.  Commenced  eating  at  10.20; 
both  dead  at  11.05.     Each  had  eaten  3  kernels  of  wheat. 

No.  5  (1  bird). — Fed  same  as  above.  Commenced  eating  at  12.30,  died  at  1.14  p.  in. 
Stomach  contained  wheat  partially  digested;  nothing  in  crop. 

No.  6  (1  bird). — Fed  on  oats  soaked  twenty  hours  in  a  solution  of  strychnine  (.65 
of  a  gram  to  30  c.  c.  of  cold  water)  and  not  dried.  Bird  commenced  eating  about  11 
o'clock,  but  seemed  not  to  relish  the  food.  At  11.20  the  bird  was  unsteady  in  its 
movements,  but  .at  3.45  it  w  as  in  good  condition.  Next  morning  had  wholly  recov- 
ered; probably  did  not  eat  enough  of  the  poisoned  grain. 

No.  7  (2  birds). — Fed  on  non-poisoned  hemp  seed  and  wheat,  and  given  water  to 
drink  containing  .325  of  a  gran  of  sulphate  strychnine  to  30  c.  c.  of  water.  Four 
hours  afterward  thej  were  visited  and  both  were  found  dead  and  cold. 

No.  8  (5  birds).— Fed  on  wheat  soaked  for  forty-eight  hours  in  a  solution  of  strych- 
nine (.16  of  a  gram  to  30  c.  c.  water).  Commenced  eating  at  11.15  a.  m.  At  1,45  p. 
m.  two  were  dead.  At  2  p.  m.  the  third  was  dead.  At  3  p.  m.  the  fourth  was  dead. 
The  last  was  found  dead  the  next  morning. 

No.  9  (2  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  for  forty-eight  hours  in  solution  of  strych- 
nine (.065  of  a  gram  to  30  c.  c.  of  water).  Commenced  eating  at  10  a.  m.  First  bird 
died  at  10.45.  Its  stomach  and  crop  contained  10  kernels  of  wheat.  At  11.10  the 
second  bird  died.     Its  crop  contained  4  kernels ;  stomach  empty. 


EXPERIMENTS    WITH    POISONS. 


177 


No.  10  (5  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  forty-ci<;lit  hours  in  Holiition  of  strychuiuo 
(.ii'.i  ol'  ii  };;riim  to  ;?0  c.  c.  water).  Comnieiiced  eatiiij^  at  I  p.  in.  At  2  p.  m.  the  lirst 
liinl  «!is  dead  and  another  badly  afteeted,  but  recovered.  Two  were  dead  next 
iiiorninjj:.  Tlic  fifth  bird  was  uot  affected;  probably  did  not  eat  enoiij^h.  Tlii.s  sol.i- 
tiiiii  would  seem  to  be  too  weak  to  K'^'®  certain  resnlt.s. 

KXriORl.MENT  WITH   TIXCTLKK   01"   MX  VOMICA. 

No.  11  (3  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  twcnty-foiir  lionr.s  in  tinctnre  of  iinx 
voii'icii  and  dried.  At  xj.30  a.  ni.  one  bird  eating;  at  10.,')")  allectcd ;  at  1.1")  p.  ni. 
,>i\  iiiiitoms  passing  off;  recovered.  At  1.15  p.  ni.  second  bird  dead  ;  stomach  contained 
H  kiTiiels  (if  wheat ;  crop  empty.  Another  bird  (;oniniencing  to  eat  at  11  a.  m.  died  at 
1,10  ji.  Ill ;  stomach  contained  4  kernels  of  wheat ;  crop  non(i. 

i:.\ri;i!i.Mi;NT  wnii  cdijuosivio  ciilohidk  or  ^iKuciiiv  (cohko.sivi:  srm.iMATi;). 

No.  I'i  (2  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  twenty-four  hours  in  a  satniatcd  .solution 
(ill  water)  of  corrosive  sublimate  and  dried.  Uirds  commenced  to  (!at  at  10.30  a.  m. 
First  biril  died  at  1.1.")  p.  m. ;  stomach  and  crop  cniiily.  Second  liird  ilied  at  3  p.  in. ; 
■I  kernels  of  wheat  in  .stomach;  crop  empty. 

EXPKIUMK.NTS   WITH    WllITl',   AltSKNlC. 

No.  13(1  bird). — Fed  on  Indian  meal  and  white  arsenic  (1")  to  1)  nii.N(Ml  with  a 
litll  •  water  Commenced  to  oat  immediately  (I*. 4")  a.  in.).  At  3.4.")  ji.  in.  bird  .still  in 
i,'o(id  spirits.     Dead  next  morning;  stomach  and  crop  emjity. 

No.  14  (1  liird). — Fed  same  as  No.  13.  Commenced  to  eat  at  It. 30  a.  m.  ;  liadly 
iill'cctcil  at  2  p.  m. ;  dead  at  2.54  p.  m.     Stomaeh  and  crop  csnijity. 

No.  15  (3  birds). — Fed  same  as  Nos.  13  anil  14.  Commenced  to  eat  at  H.45  a.  in.  At 
3  p.  III.  two  alfected,  and  one  seemed  in  good  spirits,  nil  were  dead  ne.\.t  morning. 
Sloiiiachs  and  crops  empty. 

No.  l(i  {2  birds). — Fcsd  on  Indian  meal  and  wliite  arsenic  (15  U>2),  and  moistened. 
Cdiiiiiunced  to  eat  at  10.30  a.  m.  First  binl  died  at  3  p.  ;ii.  ;  stoiiiach  and  crop  empty. 
.Second  bird  afiected  at  3.20 ;  dead  next  morning. 

ExninniKNTs  with  auskniate  ok  soda. 

No.  17  (1  bird). — Fed  on  hemii-seed  soaked  oni'  and  one-half  hours  in  a  .solution 
of  iir.siMiiato  of  soda  (1.5G  grama  to  30  c.  c.  water)  and  dried.  The  liird  ate  freely,  but 
recovered. 

No.  18  (1  bird). — Fed  on  beinp-seed  soaked  one  and  one-half  hours  in  a  .solution  of 
aiseiiintt!  of  soda  (2.10  grains  to  30  e.  c.  water)  and  dried.  I)e.id(tiiiie  not  taken)- 
.Sioiiiacli  and  cro})  contained  12  liemj)  seed. 

No.  l',»  (2  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  soaked  in  a  siMiition  of  arseiiiale  of  soda  (2.10 
^'rniis  !o  30  c.  e.  water)  three  hours  and  dried.  Couimeneed  to  e;it  at '.•.3(i  a.  in.  First 
liinl  (i(  ad  at  10.35  a.  m. ;  ero^j  empty  ;  stomach  coutaiiieil  4  kernels.  .Second  bird  dead 
at  2.35  p,  III.  ;  crop  and  siomach  emiity. 

K.XrKUIMK.NT   WITII    LUJlMIt    I'OTASSI    AlISKNiriS   (I'OWI.Kirs    SOI.ITIoN). 

No.  •,!(!  (2  birds). — I'ed  on  wheat  soaked  for  seventy-two  hours  in  !'\)\vler's  solution 
of  ar.-i'iiic  (liinior  potassi  arsenitis).  Commoueed  eating  at  10  a.  m,  ;  lively  at  t  p.  m. ; 
both  (lead  next  morning. 

ICXri'.IUMKXTS    WITH    AUSEMTK   OK    CALCH'.M    (  I.OMH)\    rCHl'LE). 

No.  21  (1  bird).  -One  hungry  bird  exposed  to  ground  hemp-seed  and  London  pur- 
ple Ho  to  1)  for  live  hours,  but  would  not  touch  it  on  account  of  its  marked  color. 
NoTi;.- AVheii  mixed  with  whole  graia  tljo  color  is  pot  8<)  coiisj)icnoil8  (soo  next  ex- 

periiiieiit). 


178 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAUROW    IN    AMERICA. 


No.  22  (3  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  and  Jjondoii  iiiiiplo  (l."")  to  l)Htirr«d  up  with  a 
little  guni-iiiiiliic  water  and  then  dried.  Commenced  eatin;j  at  l).4r)  a.  ni.  First  one 
dead  at  15.30  p.  ni. ;  Htoma<;h  and  crop  empty.  Second  and  tiiird  badly  atteclcd  at 
3,30  p.  m. ;  dead  next  mornin};  ;  stoiuach  and  crop  empty. 

KXt'KICIMK.NTS   WITH    AKSKNITK   OK   COPPKK   (PAKIS   GHKKN). 

No.  23  (3  birds). — Three  huni'ry  birds  exposed  to  fjround  liemp-.seed  and  I'liiis 
green  for  I'onr  hours,  and  refused  to  eat  it  on  account  of  its  liright  color. 

No.  24  (3  birds). — Fed  on  wheat  and  Paris  ^rt'ew  (15  to  1)  stirred  up  with  a  littli^ 
gum-arabic  wat(M'  and  then  dried.  Connnenced  to  eat  at  9.45  a.  m.  First  bird  di'iul 
at  3.30  J).  u\. ;  stomach  and  crop  cuiiity.  Second  and  third  birds  badly  affected  al 
3.30  p.  m. ;  dead  next  uiorning ;  stomachs  and  crops  empty. 


SECTION  FIFTH. 

THE  TEAPPINa  OF  SPARKOWS  FOR  SPORTING  PURPOSES. 

l$y  W.  T.  Hill, 

HISTORY   AND   DETAILS  OF   THE   UUSINESS. 

Previous  to  April  of  tliis  year  (18S7),  I  did  not  inako  an  exclusive 
business  of  t'urnisliin^'  Spariow.s  for  trap  purposes,  and  kept  no  detaileil 
aeeonnt  of  the  business  done.  TLierefore  it  will  be  iin[>ossible  to  give 
other  than  approximate  numbers  taken  and  shipped,  but  for  present 
purposes  this  will  not  matter.  The  number  taken  daily  or  monthly  de- 
jiends  upon  the  season ;  the  average  number  per  day  for  one  man  would 
be  about  100,  the  largest  number  taken  in  one  day  being  30G. 

I  have  sent  Sparrows  to  a  number  of  places  in  Indiana,  Ohio,  and 
Illinois.  The  farthest  I  have  sent  them  north  was  to  Hudson,  Wis,; 
west,  to  Kearney,  Nebr. ;  east,  to  Orange  Valley,  N.  J. ;  and  south,  to 
Saint  Louis,  Mo.  i  have  also  sent  them  to  several  points  in  Iowa,  tlie 
largest  shipment  made  (1,500)  being  to  Burlington,  and  I  have  sent  them 
into  the  States  of  New  York,  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  West  Virginia, 
and  Michigan,  but  to  no  point  so  far  as  I  know  where  Si)arrows  were 
not  already  established. 

My  first  shipment  of  Sparrows  for  sporting  purpo.ses  consisted  of  two 
lots  of  two  hundred  each  to  Springiield,  Ohio,  and  two  lots,  otie  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  and  one  of  six  hundred  and  tifty,  to  Saint  Louis,  Mo„ 
in  the  fall  of  1885,  which  is  less  than  two  years  ago,  and  Sparrows  were 
very  plentiful  at  both  places  then. 

The  titst  Sparrows  in  Indianapolis  were  two  pairs  sent  to  a  gentleman 
by  Richie  Brothers,  of  New  York,  as  a  curiosi  hich  accidentally 

escaped  from  the  cage.  About  the  same  time  (l8<.i)  several  huiidieil 
"were  procured  and  released  by  i)rivate  individuals.  Soon  after  this, 
when  they  had  become  somewhat  numerous,  it  is  reported  that  train 
men  would  close  the  doors  of  empty  grain  •u-s,  into  whicdi  the  Sparrow.^ 
Invd  entered,  carry  then)  to  a  distance  on  the  road,  and  thou  release  them, 


TRAPPING    SPARROWS, 


i7y 


III  1871-75  [  (;iiuy:lit  .1  few  (all  to<;;ethei-  peiliaps  tlnvc  liuiidre<l  and 
lil'i.v)  for  i)ioi)af;ation  elsewhere.  Of  these  1  have  no  data,  for  they  were 
citlii'i'  disposed  of  tlirough  the  niediuin  of  the  bird-store,  or  those  j^ettiiiij; 
thc'iii  of  me  either  took  them  or  sent  them  away  tliemselves. 

Apart  from  tliis  I  do  not  think  1  am  iu  anyway  responsible  for  the 
(listiibntion  of  the  Si)arrow,  and  from  the  seores  sent  me  by  those  who 
liMvr  nsed  them  for  trap  sliootinj;  I  find  about  seventy  per  cent,  are 
killed;  tlierefore  the  escaping  birds  have  added,  as  it  were,  but  a  "drop 
ill  the  bucket"  to  the  number  already  there. 

From  observations  made  iu  catching  them  I  believe  that  at  the  time 
wlicii  the  i)ropagation  of  the  Sparrow  was  so  strongly  advocated,  they 
were  taken  !>y  enthusiasts  iu  small  numbers  to  this  and  thai  place,  and 
hy  lit'ing  unmolested,  through  the  protection  of  stringent  laws,  they 
iiuroased  in  numbers  rapidly;  their  range,  in  conse(]uenee  of  their 
nomadic,  gregarious  habits,  becoming  wider  each  successive  year,  until 
ill  many  instances  the  birds  from  diftereut  points  have  met. 

This  feature  of  their  "si)reading"  1  lind  to  be  especially  true  of  the 
\()iiiig  birds  in  the  summer  a!id  fall,  and  it  also  applies  to  the  mature 
liiids  ill  early  si)ring  at  the  api)roach  of  the  season  of  nidilication.  After 
every  available  place  is  monopolized  in  cities  and  towns  many  retire  to 
the  ri'iiiote  suburbs,  or  even  to  the  country,  following  the  habitations 
of  man  and  the  works  of  civilization. 

It  is  at  this  season  of  the  year,  perhaps,  when  those  who  object  to  the 
.S|);un)w  can  the  most  elfectively  keep  them  away,  precisely  as  the  Spar- 
row keeps  the  native  birds  away  by  monoi)olizing,  prior  to  their  arrival, 
such  places  as  would  be  suitable  to  them  in  the  work  of  nidiflcation. 
The  Sparrow,  with  its  established  maternal  cares,  protects  these  nesting 
lijiices.  and  the  native  bird,  liaving  less  at  stake  when  it  first  appears, 
is  iiatiually  enough  caused  to  go  further  on. 

My  father-in-law,  living  about  eight  miles  from  the  city,  upon  the  tirst 
appearance  of  the  Sparrow  in  the  spring,  at  once  gets  his  ritle,  and  keeps 
it  handy  for  about  a  month  or  more;  also  in  the  fall,  with  the  young 
binls  he  uses  his  shotgun,  and  by  "nipping  them  in  the  biul"  in  this 
way  lie  snifers  no  inconvenience  or  material  loss. 

The  Sparrow,  while  it  appears  brave,  is  nevertheless  extremely  cau- 
tioiis  and  mistrustful,  and  whenever  it  displays  any  ai»parent  assurance 
it  has  first  learned  by  cautious  approaches  that  there  is  )n>  danger.  I 
live  in  the  suburbs  of  the  city,  and  close  by  is  a  wheat  field  of  some  oO 
acres,  of  which  the  Sparrows  "  took  i)ossession"  last  year,  and  for  alxmt 
two  rounds  of  the  machine  next  thv^  fence  it  was  scarcely  worth  tl.e  cut- 
ting. After  it  was  cut  the  top-sheafs  of  some  of  the  shocks  were  in  some 
cases  comi»leteIy  rausacked.  The  renter  of  the  field  kindly  le(t  nu',  an 
open  cleared  i)lace  on  a  knoll  in  one  corner,  and  in  six  (;onsecntive  days 
1  caught  1,L*-10  Sparrows,  and  they  were  still  snfiiciently  plentiful  to 
make  it  an  object  for  me  to  catch  them  there.  1  advised  this  renter,  if 
ho  suwe<'  whoat  tbc  following  year,  to  watch  the  first  approach  of  the 


'■A 


180 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


Sparrows  to  the  field  .it  tlio  time  the  f^rain  befiaii  to  ripen,  and  told  liim 
that,  by  keeping,'  vijjilaiiee  for  a  few  niorniufjs,  with  the  aid  of  a  .sli()tf,Miii 
they  eould  be  caused  to  turn  their  attention  elsewhere.  This  was  done, 
and  the  consefjuenee  was  that  he  sulfered  no  perceptible  loss,  nor  did  tlicy 
harbor  there  insuflicient  nund)ers  this  season  to  justify  nie  in  tryiii"  to 
catch  thoni.  This  may  have  been  partly  due,  however,  to  the  fact  that 
the  jjrain  ripened  v<>ry  rapidly,  and  there  were  several  other  wheat-lidds 
within  a  mile  of  this  one  which  ripened  earlier;  yet  this  particular  Hold 
was  the  nearest  to  the  city,  and  tiierefore  the  hrstfor  the  birds  to  reacli, 
Yet  about  the  same  coiulitions  exi.>ted  the  previous  year,  and  it  is  my 
linn  oi)inion  that  the  birds  were  driven  away  by  this  timely  inteiriip- 
tion. 

The  buildings  of  the  stock-yards  here  cover  several  acres.  Above 
the  alleys  runninj;'  in  the  center  of  each  shed,  the  roof,  In  the  fonii  of 
a  ventilator,  is  several  feet  hlji;lier  than  the  sheds  proper,  and  at  tlie 
l)olnt  where  the  rafters  end  on  each  side  Is  a  casing,  which  forms  a  (.-av- 
ity  between  the  rafters  about  nine  inches  high,  eighteen  inches  loiij;, 
and  (lie  foot  deep,  with  the  front  (facing  the  pens)  open.  As  all  thi; 
sheds  are  built  alike,  there  are  necessaiily  thousands  of  these  cavities, 
which  seem  to  precisely  suit  the  Sparrow  to  build  its  nest  in.  A  lew 
years  ago  they  were  so  numerous  there  as  to  be  considered  a  nuisaiiee, 
both  dangerous  and  dirty,  and  the  employes  were  often  detailed  to  tear 
out  their  nests  and  destroy  all  the  eggs  and  young  birds  possible.  lUit 
this  attbrded  little  relief,  as  the  birds  seenuul  capable  of  building  tliein 
up  again  about  as  fast  as  they  (-(.uld  be  torn  out.  During  last  winter 
1  made  a  net  suitable  to  catch  them  out  of  the  buildings  at  night;  con- 
sequently at  the  beginning  of  the  breeding  season  (the  first  of  April)  I 
commenced  operations,  and  continued  until  the  beginning  of  June.  1 
went,  in  all,  sixteen  evenings,  and  succeeded  in  taking  one  thousaiui 
three  hundred  and  sixty-four  breeding  birds  (oiien  finding  eggs  on  the 
floor  or  shelves  of  the  bird-house  after  they  were  put  In).  These  wore 
not  all  the  birds  there,  and  some  few  may  have  gone  there  after  I  sto^jped 
netting,  but  with  what  I  caught  and  frightened  away  the  number  there 
this  summer  has  biUMi  so  strikingly  less  as  to  cause  no  trouble  or  alarm. 

There  is  an  old  grave-yard  within  the  city  limits  which  the  young 
birds  heretofore  have  made  their  principal  sleeping  place,  and  for  an 
hour  or  two  in  the  evening  they  wonld  form  one  dense,  continuous  line 
approaching  it.  1  obtained  permission  from  the  sexton  to  catch  them 
there  at  night,  but  I  commenced  too  soon,  for  after  going  there  three 
times  they  left,  and  have  not  as  yet  returned.  It  was  so  well  suited  to 
their  requirements  that  I  scarcely  expected  their  desertion  of  the  place, 
for  they  have  frecpiented  it  for  years,  and  I  have  noticed  their  droppings 
under  many  of  the  trees  so  thick  as  to  (•oiii[)Ietely  cover  the  ground. 

I  havemeidioned  these  few  things  to  show  in  )>art  a  peculiar  cliarae- 
teristic  of  the  bird  which  comes  directly  under  my  notice  in  my  efforts 
to  catch  it;  aiul  if  possible  to  nIiow  how  the  same  characteristic  may 


TT7APriXO    SPAKROWS. 


181 


be  taken  adviiiitivfjfe  ofiii  the  iiitcivst  of  si}4riciiltiiie.  While  1  deein  the 
exteiiiiiiiation  of  the  Spariow  pnictic-iilly  imi)o.s,si!)le,  still  I  hold  that  it 
c;in  ho  in  a  nioasnrc  suppressed  and  itsdevastatinj?  pilferinjj  i)revented, 
if  tilt'  nature  of  the  bird  is  imderstood  and  such  oll'orts  are  made  at  the 
piopiT  time. 

There  are  still  a  few  who  thiidc  the  Sparrows  do  a  greater  i)roportion 
of  <;ii)()d  than  harm,  and  I  am  refused  tlie  i>ri\ile<ieof  catchinf;  them  on 
their  premises.  Some  object  to  the  destruction  of  the  Sparrow  from  the 
standpoint  of  religion  or  humanity,  and  some  (mostly  nnnnuried  ladies) 
hecaiise  they  have  become  attaclied  to  them  as  ])ets  by  feeding  them 
ivgularly  through  the  winter,  and  ''don't  like  to  see  the  poor  little  things 
jiurt.''  In  my  Judgment  all  eiforts  at  exterudnation  would  bo  futile 
unless  such  etfoi'ts  were  simultaneous  ami  univi'rsal,  as  well  as  persist- 
ent and  continuous;  otherwise  the  result  would  be  only  to  drive  them 
from  a  place  of  molestation  to  one  of  security. 

I  liave  been  more  or  less  devot(!d  to  bird-catching  the  whole  of  my 
hie,  and  I  mustsa^y  that  I  have  found  the  Sparrow,  considering  its  num- 
bers, to  bo  the  most  dillieult  of  all  birds  to  catch.  Xo  bird  has  baltled 
and  puzzled  me  in  its  movements  as  has  the  Sparrow.  In  keei)iug  with 
my  i)revious  remarks  I  will  say  here  that  to  be  successful  o,ie  must  use 
the  utmost  care.  On  one  occasion  a  Sparrow  after  being  caught  es- 
caped froui  the  net  Just  as  I  was  about  to  reach  it.  It  remained  near 
uie,  and  on  the  approach  of  other  birds,  by  cries  of  alarm,  or  by  flying 
with  them  and  leading  them  away,  it  succeeded  in  keeping  almost  every 
bird  from  the  net.  I  could  not  frighten  it  away,  but  was  interrupted  by 
itin  this  way  for  upwards  of  an  hour,  when  some  one  passed  with  a  gun 
and  I  had  them  shoot  it,  after  which  I  proceeded  as  usual. 

The  net  usuallj'  used  at  night  is  upon  two  poles,  the  tops  of  which  are 
bent  over  and  hinged  at  the  points. 

After  the  birds  are  caught  they  very  readily  adapt  themselves  to  the 
conditions  of  continement,  yet  never  becomes  reconciled  to  it.  Their 
prineiital  food  is  feed-nu^al  (corn)  and  wheat.  They  are  put  into  a 
buil(liii<,^  designed  esi)ecially  for  them,  capable  of  holding  several  thou- 
sand, Mhich  is  i)rovided  with  innumeral)le  ledges,  slats,  and  i)erches, 
which  are  portable.  In  caging  the  birds  for  shipment,  all  openings  to 
the  house  are  closed,  and  i)erches  removed,  when  the  birds  are  driven 
to  one  end  into  and  through  a  chute,  the  narrow  end  of  which  enters 
the  door  of  a  cage,  in  which  they  are  temporarily  inclosed  until  counted. 
The  loss  by  death,  in  lveei)ing  them,  liiV5  been  about  three  per  cent.,  and 
I  have  had  them  on  hand,  on  an  average,  about  three  weeks. 

TIk  re  are  very  perceptibly  fewer  birds  in  and  aiouud  the  city  now 
than  there  were  a  few  years  ago,  especially  in  my  immediate  field  of 
'•peration.  I  have  taken,  since  the  time  I  ttrst  commenced,  over  4:d,000 
hinls,  and  have  perhaps  driven  many  times  as  many  away  ;  besides 
whi(!li  there  has  been  a  very  general  warfare  upon  them  by  others,  which 
my  eiforts  seem  to  have  stimulated  somewhat.    I  have  been  watched 


182 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


while  at  work  with  no  little  att(Mitioii  by  all  classes  of  |ieoi)le,  receiving 
one  universal  exi)iession,  in  snbstaniH',  "I  wish  you'd  catch 'em  all ; 
they  are  a  darneil  nuisance." 

There  is  no  merchantable  value  on  Sparrows  here  as  an  artich'of 
food,  but  whatever  birds  are  killed  at  a  match  are  always  taken  l»y 
some  one  for  this  purpose.  The  flesh  of  the  young  bird  is  very  edil)lt'. 
and  iu  some  parts  of  England  they  are  sold  by  poulterers  for  one  sliilj- 
ing  a<lozen,  ami  by  many  are  considered  a  delicacy. 

As  far  as  tiie  application  of  the  Si)arrow  to  sporting  purposes  is  con- 
ceriied,  I  do  not  think  its  adnurable  adaptability  can  be  overdrawn, 
The  only  tangible  objection  that  can  be  advanced  is  that  its  si/o  miiUcs 
it  hard  to  hit.  Sparrow  trap-shootiug  is  not  a  new  thing,  but  lias 
been  practiced  in  England  for  a  great  many  years,  in  the  era  of  niiiz- 
zle-loading,  "scatter"  guns.  Charles  Dickens  makes  mention  of  it 
iu  one  of  his  works.  To  day,  with  breech-loading,  hammerless,  (lo.sc 
patterned  guns,  the  Sparrow,  with  itsgrit  and  cunning,  tenacity  of  life, 
and  prompt  and  vigorous  flight,  attbrds  the  sportsman  a  target  involv- 
ing the  highest  type  of  marksmanship,  which  many  are  learning  toap 
predate. 

Everywhere  I  have  sent  Sparrows  (with but  one  exception,  when  tlio 
birds  were  grossly  neglected,  and  were  iu  a  dying  condition  when  used) 
they  have  given  the  greatest  i)0ssible  satisfaction.  While  my  cll'iirts 
at  introducing  them  have  been  attended  with  considerable  expense  and 
la;»or,  still  it  has  demonstrated  the  fact  that  they  can  be  caught  in 
suflicient  numbers  for  trap-shooting,  aiul  that  there  will  be  a  growinj; 
demand  for  them,  provided  they  can  be  obtained  under  more  favoralilc 
circumstances,  and  at  less  price.  In  many  instances,  when  obtained 
from  me,  the  transportation  has  entered  so  largely  into  their  ultimate 
cost  that  they  have  been  even  more  expensive  than  pigeons  procured 
fit  home,  after  deducting  the  amouut  obtainable  for  the  dead  birds. 
Besides,  there  has  been  a  slight  dissatisfaction  as  to  their  price  from 
the  fact  that  the  average  shooter  hasn't  even  the  remotest  idea  of  liie 
manner  in  which  they  are  caught,  and  seems  to  think  I  have  some 
secret  way  of  scooping  them  up  by  the  thousand,  which  I  won't  divuljie, 
and  that  iu  buying  of  me  he  is  patronizing  a  monopoly  that  is  virtually 
robbing  him. 

1  have  frequently  received  letters  of  inquiry  asking  (sometimes,  per- 
haps, from  idle  curiosity)  how  1  catch  them,  and  the  same  question  has 
been  repeatedly  asked  iu  the  various  sporting  papers.  But  it  wonid 
be  impossible  for  me  to  convey  an  adequate  idea  in  diitail  in  a  single 
letter,  even  if  1  had  time  to  devote  to  every  one  that  desired  it.  1  liiive 
endeavored  to  do  so,  however,  but  so  far  as  I  know  no  one  has  suc- 
ceeded. In  all  probability  the  system  is  more  extensive  than  they  liad 
supposed,  and  they  have  refrained  from  entering  into  it  without  a  bet 
ter  understanding  of  it.  But  it  is  all  easily  understood  and  learned- 
Many  of  the  features  and  appliances  end)odied  iu  my  arrangements  are 


wmm 


Mr/nroT)  of  netting. 


183 


(»r  my  own  origination  ami  aro  constructed  with  a  view  to  simplicity 
and  convenience,  and  at  the  same  time  are  so  perfect  that  the  mecbau- 
ical  operation  of  the  nets  is  within  the  bounds  of  a  child's  compreheu- 
sion.  My  little  boy,  nine  years  old,  displays  remarkable  Judfjment  in 
tlieir  manipulation.  I  have  several  outfits,  and  it  has  frequently  been 
necessary  for  me  to  engage  inexperienced  persons  to  operate  them. 
Tiiey  learn  at  once,  and  always  succeed  in  catching  a  number  of  birds, 
the  measure  of  success  depending  upon  individual  intuition  and  dex- 
ti'iity.  Of  course  a  great  deal  depends  upon  a  knowledge  of  the  Imbits 
of  the  bird,  and  the  when  and  where  to  go  to  catch  them  ;  and  while 
tiu're  are  some  given  rules  for  this,  still  in  most  i)art  it  is  perplexing 
even  to  an  expert,  and  exi)ej  ience  alone  can  teach  it. 

The  nets  and  other  iipplian(U's  used  in  trapping  Si)arrows  are  figured 
and  fully  described  in  the  accomi)anying  paper. 


,^!ll 


ENGLISH  SPARROW  CATCHING.* 


DESCRIPTION   OF   Al'l'AIlATUS  AND   METHODS  EMPLOYED. 

If  we  wish  to  catch  a  bird  we  must  first  acquaint  ourselves  with  its 
nature  aiul  habits,  that  we  may  intelligently  bring  to  bear  upon  it  the 
juoper  means  to  insure  success.  Many  birds,  at  certain  seasons  of  the 
year,  are  readily  caught  with  simj)le  devices  carelessly  applied,  but  the 
English  Sparrow,  at  all  times,  is  the  same  cunning,  wary  little  fellow, 
not  to  be  caught  with  cliatt"  alone,  and  great  care  is  necessary  in 
any  approach  upon  it.  Considering,  however,  that  we  have  a  vantage 
Kioiind  in  its  gregarious,  nomadic  habits,  and  following  in  this  direc- 
tion, we  produce  something  that  appeals  directly  to  its  extreme  greedi- 
n(!ss  and  curiosity,  which  shall  be  life-like  and  real;  and,  realizing  that 
it  is  (|ui('k  to  take  alarm,  we  so  apply  it  as  to  cause  the  bird  to  act  im- 
iml.sively,  and  to  enable  us  to  take  it  by  surprise  as  much  as  possible. 

The  method  used  so  successfully  and  almost  exclusively  by  me  re- 
iiniies  nets,  with  decoy  and  braced  birds,  placed  in  the  line  of  flight  of 
the  birds  to  and  from  their  sleeping  and  feeding  places.  The  wild  birds 
are  inlluenced  by  the  <lecoy  birds  and  then  directed  into  the  nets  by 
moans  of  the  braced  birds,  and  are  invariably  caught  while  on  the  wing 
or  ill  the  act  of  settling.  The  nets  can  also  be  used  to  great  ad- 
vantage in  places  wjjere  the  birds  are  known  to  harbor,  in  which  case 
decoy  birds  are  not  necessary ;  but  there  should  be  no  building,  tree, 
or  other  object  for  the  bird  to  alight  upon  inside  of  50  yards  from  the 
nets,  it  being  best  to  attract  its  attention  while  on  the  wing,  as  well  as 
to  prevent  it  from  discerning  anything  unusual.  The  skillful  operation 
of  the  uets,  in  the  main,  consists  in  properly  judging  the  flight  of  the 

"TliiH  articlo,  by  Mr.  Hill,  takoii  from  tlic  Jmiricati  I'lrld  of  Janniiry  14,  1888,  ia 
siibstitnteil  lioro  for  tlio  description  of  apparatus  ami  inotbods  wbicb  accotupauied 
liisoriginal  contribution  of  Sopteiabor  30,  1887. 


-4jiij 


'it 


184 


Tlir,    KNOIJSn    RPAKROVV    IN    AMKRK^A. 


1;^' 


|fp 


Uinl  ill  coiiiunvtioii  witli  tlif  iiiDvciiiciits  of  lli<>  nets,  aii<l  (o  sn  control 
IIhi  Corco  of  i»iilliii^  in  closing;  tlu'in  as  to  ciiiise  the  net  to  striUo  tlic 
bird  wlicii  tlir  radius  of  the  semicircle,  of  either  wiiij;  is  at  a  veiticiil 
point.  Tiie  irregularity  t)f  the  lliglit  of  the  S|)ari()\v  makes  it  ditliciilt 
to  catch  many  ut  one  time. 


Fig.  I. 


Fig.   ii. 


The  mechanical  operation  of  these  nets  is  shown  in  Fi<is.  land  II. 
Fifj.  1  shows  nets  open,  lyin^^  tlat  upon  the  jj;rouiid.  Jiy  pnlliny  i)nll- 
line  {(1)  each  net  is  caused  to  move  upward  and  inward  to  the  coin|>le- 


NETS    AND    ACCESSOR  IKS. 


!«:> 


tjuii  id'a  liall'c'iiclv,  oim^  im'I  NlifjIitl.V  oViMliippiii';-  lln'  oilier  \vh«^ii  closnl, 

assliowii  ill  Fi^'.  II.     TliiHoiii' points  ut' ('<u;li  net    tbriiuMl  by   tlio  two 

ciiwkH  (/)  iiiid  two  liiM'Ipins  (r)  are  on  a  Htraif,fiit  line.    Tiie  iietH  aro 

.strctciicd  ti^lit  over  loj)s  of  stall's  {!>)  \vlii<tli  liavt'isociii't  arfacliiiuMil  anil 

uoili  on  wire  in  clicck  as  a  pivot  or  liiii;ft'.     The  tension  on  pull-lino 

will  keep  the  nets  straij;iit  and  even,  except  when  a  strong;  wind  blows 

across  them,  iu  which  ease  the  arm  ot'piill-linu  is  sliortened  or  a  pulley 

(/■)  iittaelied. 

A  I)i:s<;kii'TIo\  ok  tiik  i>aht.s. 

The  nets  should  be  iiiaib'  of  linen  material,  about  the  si/e  of  No.  .'J5 
uilliii^-tliread,  of  a  dark,  dirty-gnuMi  color,  the  size  of  mesh  beiiifj  thir- 
teen sixteenths  of  an  iiKili  from  knot  to  knot,  or  l."*  knots  to  a  foot.  A 
convenient  and  serviceable  size  of  net  would  be  30  feet  lonj^'  by  7  feet 
(k'l'p,  to  use  with  4  foot  staffs.  They  should  be  provided  with  an  arm- 
inu  of  heavier  cord  at  the  toj)  and  bottom  edges,  which  tlu^  toj)  line  (r, 
Via,  I)  should  be  threaded  tlirouj;h  at  top,  and  to  form  a  stout  edf'ing 
to  permit  of  pegging  to  the  ground  at  bottom. 

The  top-line  of  net  should  be  a  fine  linen  cord,  about  one  eighth  of  an 
iiicli  thick,  provided  at  eiuls  with  a  small  wooden  clamj)  (/,  I'^ig.  I)8iin- 
iliir  (o  those  used  upon  tents;  and  at  the  place  where  the  net  ends  on 
ilic  toi)  line,  one  or  more  loops  or  eyes  should  be  8i)liced,  to  admit  the 
button  on  top  of  stall',  and  also  to  fastcMi  the  arms  of  pull-lino  into. 

77(0 />»//-//w6' should  be  of  same  material  as  top  line,  with  diverging 
anus  at  end  next  the  net.  It  should  be  about  40  yards  long,  which  is 
till'  average  distance  to  stand  from  the  middle  of  net  while  operating  it. 
A  round  jiiece  of  wood,  about  4  inches  long,  is  temporarily  fastened  to 
it  to  permit  of  taking  a  good  grip  in  pulling. 

The  stdJf'N  should  be  about  4  feet  Ituig  and  three  quarters  of  an  iiu-h  in 
(liaiiiftei',  of  some  light,  strong  wood,  with  brass  socket  and  eye  (a.  Fig. 
Ill)  at  bottom,  and  button  and  ridge  (/>,  Fig.  Ill),  also  of  brass,  at  top. 

'/'//('  cheehs  (a,  Fig.  IV)  are  wedge-shaped  stakes  averaging  9  inches 
long,  with  wire  (No.  10)  driven  in  about  an  inch  from  top,  which  at  a 
jMojcction  of  an  inch  is  bent  upward  for  about  an  inch.  They  should 
lie  made  of  hickory  or  other  hard  wood,  and  the  wire  should  tit  in  the 
Wood  so  snugly  as  to  baiely  permit  of  being  moved  with  the  lingers. 

The  heel  pins  {h,  Fig.  IV)  should  also  be  made  of  hard  wood,  about  18 
iiK.lies  long,  and  1  inch  in  diameter  at  thickest  part,  tai)ering  to  a  point, 
with  projection  at  toi>  to  prevent  cord  from  slipping  off. 

The  crooJiH  (c.  Fig.  IV),  which  are  used  for  staking  the  boctom  edge 
of  net  to  the  ground,  are  cut  from  the  branches  of  some  hard  wood  tree, 
the  long  end  being  about  0  iuches  in  length. 

The  h()hbcr[l,  F'ig.  V),  which  is  used  in  connection  with  fly-stick  for  rais- 
in ji'  and  flying  braced  bird,  is  constructed  as  follows :  a  is  a  ])iece  of  hard 
Wood  2^1  inches  long,  half  an  inch  thick,  and  five-eighths  of  an  inch  wide  : 
h  is  a  piece  of  No.  10  wire  that  when  bent  so  as  to  form  an  eye  at  toj) 
is!l  inches  long,  and  passes  through  a,  leaving  a  space  of  half  an  inch 


~ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


1^128 

If      1^ 


I— 

22 

1.8 


U    ill  1.6 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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ft 


*    f 


18G 


THF,    KNGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


between  wires,  in  which  tlie  lly-stick  moves  up  siiid  (h)wii;  c  is  also  of 
No.  10  wire,  bent  us  shown,  piissiug  through  a  horizontally  outside  of 


!;;■!.! 'Sf 


i    il 


Km.  Ill,  Fio.  IV. 

perpendicular  wire  b;  the  ends  being  pointed  and  bent  downward,  are 
forced  into  tho  ground,  together  witli  the  long  ends  of  b,  whieli  keep8 


NETS   AND   ACCESSORIES. 


187 


'A.. 


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it  (irmly  in  position;  d  is  also  a  piece  of  wood  pivoted  on  wire  c,  with 
taiieringholein  end,  into  which  the  fiystick  is  inserted.  The  wires  should 

fit  snagly  in  a,  so  as  to  permit  only  of  being 

•  M  :t  ,  moved  to  suit  the  con<litious  of  hard  and  soft 

*  /'t'h  >'  ground,  and  to  regulate  the  height  of  raising 
bird ;  d  should  work  more  easily  on  wire  c  yet 
not  loosely.  To  raise  Hy-stick  pass  brace-lino 
through  eye  in  topof  wire  6,  and  fasten  to  stick. 

Thejiystick  (2,  Fig.  V)  to  which  the  braced- 
bird  is  attached,  and  on  which  it  is  caused  to 
sit,  is  a  stiff  willow  swiich  about  2  feet  long, 
with  loop  about  4^  inches  long,  made  of  fish- 
ing line,  wrapped  on  the  small  end  by  means 
of  waxed  tiiread. 

The  brace  (Fig.  VI)  m  composed  of  four  cords 
and  swivel,  to  be  placed  uifbn  bird  as  a  means 
of  fastening  it  without  injury,  and  to  leave 
every  movement  of  the  bird  free  and  natural. 
The  ring  should  be  of  German  silver  wire, 
formed  over  a  lead  pencil,  a  common  pin  com- 
l>leting  the  swivel.  The  cord  should  be  of  soft 
cotton,  which  when  stretched  in  a  straight 
line  should  measure  about 
1^  inches.  To  i)ut  it  on  the 
bird  pass  it  over  its  head  so 
as  to  appear  like  two  cords 
encircling  its  body  with 
swivel  at  breast  boue,  and 
the  knot  of  cords  in  center 
of  the  back,  when  it  will 
only  be  necessary  to  put 
each  wing  and  leg  of  the 
bird  (in  the  order  uan.cd) 
between  the  cords  on  each 
side  of  brace. 

The  hruceViiics  should  be 
of  mattress  twine,  50  yards 
long,  and  wound  upon  reel 
to  prevent  twisting. 

Blind  cages  are  also  necessary  to  receive  the 
birds  after  they  are  caught.  Each  consists  of 
a  light  frame  of  wood  about  1  foot  square  by  5 
inches  high,  covered  with  cloth ;  a  stocking 
log  at  top,  in  the  middle,  forming  the  door.  These,  together  with  a  re- 
ccptaolc  for  carrying  them,  called  a  pack  (Fig.  VII),  which  is  a  light 
ligid  frame,  also  covered  with  cloth  (the  nets  and  other  appliances  be- 


h 


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.1' 


■r  A- 


PlO.  TL 


P'fi.  V. — Till!  nbnve  cnt  repre- 
nerit.H  Urai'iHl  bird,  iiud  appliances 
f'>nisiii(r  it ;  1,  bolihor;  2.  lly-»tick; 
3,  limcRd  bird;  4,  braco-Iiuo;  6, 
walcrciip. 


w 


188 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Ml 


I!  ¥: 


ing  rolled  np  on  top),  and  a  snuill  liatcbet,  a  sickle,  and  a  eainp  Htool, 
complete  the  out  tit. 

now  TO  SKT  THE  NETS. 

riavlng  described  each  part  separately,  we  will  now  consider  how  to 
l)ut  them  together.  Taking  for  granted  that  the  place  which  we  have 
selected  to  put  the  nets  down  on  is  perfectly  level  and  clean,  and  that  tlio 
end  of  the  pull  line  will  reach  a  fence  or  other  sliglit  cover,  the  piuk  is 
placed  upon  the  ground  in  the  middle  of  the  place  where  the  net.s  arc 
to  be  set,  and  the  nets  are  laid  in  a  line  on  each  side  of  it.  We  now 
take  two  staffs  and,  lapping  them  about  9  inches,  lay  them  on  ilic 
ground  at  ends  of  top  lines  of  nets,  nearest  where  we  intend  to  stand 
Taking  the  hatchet  we  drive  two  hecl-pius  in  at  the  extremes  ol  tlie 
staffs,  when  the  distance  between  the  two  pins  will  be  tln^  length  ot 
both  staff's,  less  the  1)  inches  we  lapped  them.  I.'aving  taken  each  tt)p 
line  and  allowed  about  a  foot  of  slack  by  means  of  clamps,  and  placed 
them  over  heel  pins,  taking  also  an  extra  turn,  we  go  to  the  other  end 
and  taking  with  us  two  more  heel-pins  repeat  what  we  have  just  done, 
taking  care  that  the  lines  are  stretched  perfectly  straight  and  tijjlit, 
and  that  these  pins,  upon  which  so  much  strtiin  comes,  are  secure.  Tlie 
top  lines  of  nets  now  form  two  straight,  parallel  lines,  and  care  should 
be  taken  not  to  move  them  in  any  way  until  after  thecheeks  are  driven 
in.  These  should  now  be  driven  in  at  tho  points  along  top  line  where 
the  eyes  appear  at  ends  of  nets,  inclining  slightly  outv  ard  so  that  the 
wire  will  project  on  outside  of  line  sufficiently  to  cau.se  the  net  when 
stretched  ou  staff"  and  held  perpendicularly  to  have  a  tendency  to  fall 
inwards.  We  now  pass  the  socket  of  staffs  over  wires  in  the  cheeks, 
and  let  out  sufficient  of  the  slack  of  top  lines  to  permit  of  their  bein,^i 
stretched  over  and  attached  to  button  on  top  of  staffs.    This  being  done 


Fig.  viii. 


we  ]>roceed  to  stake  down  the  bottom  edges  of  nets — first  the  four 
corners,  and  then  the  hollow  places  between  them.  The  bobbers  and 
fly-sticks  come  next,  and  if  five  are  used  they  should  be  placed  as  shown 


NETS   AND    /CCESS0R1E8. 


189 


Fio.  ML 


U"W* 


190 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


h 


11 


t,    ••  /i. 


m 


in  Fig.  I,  the  liues  attached,  Komo  food  for  bird«  placed  at  eiid«  of  Hy- 
sticli  and  their  water-ciips  put  down  and  tilled.  Then  we  can  put  on  tlio 
pull-line,  the  ends  of  the  arms  entering?  into  the  same  eyes  of  top  lines  tlu; 
buttons  of  stall's  have,  as  shown  in  Fig.  VIII.  Now  we  are  all  icadv 
but  the  bracedbirds,  which  are  put  on  sticks  by  passing  the  loop  at  tlm 
end  entirely  through  the  ring  of  bracje,  then  j)assing  bird  thiougli  tlic 
loop  and  pulling  tight  on  ring.  We  now  take  the  empty  pack  and 
retire  to  end  of  pull  line,  and  when  seated  upon  camp-stool  wc  jire 
ready  for  business. 

HOW  TO  TAKK  CAKE  OK  TUB  BIKI>8. 

The  management  and  handling  of  the  birds  after  they  are  cauglit  is 
a  very  imiiortant  feature,  for  if  used  for  trap  i»uri)oses  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  keej)  them  in  the  most  vigorous  condition  possible  from  tliemn 
ment  they  are  caught  until  used.  They  should  bo  given  a  little  seed  in 
the  blind  cages,  as  also  water  in  the  dips  outside,  and  the  cage  must  be 
kei)t  out  of  the  sun,  but  the  sooner  they  can  be  liberated  into  the  ulti 
mate  jdace  designed  for  keeping  them  the  better.  This  can  bo  eitlieru 
room  or  out-building  sufficiently  tight  to  hold  them,  provided  with  ledj^es 
and  perches,  which  would  be  more  convenient  when  catching  theiimut 
again  if  made  portable.  Their  staple  food  here  should  be  feed-meal 
(yellow  corn)  atid  wheat,  with  an  occasional  change  of  some  other  .small 
grain  or  seed,  or  soaked  stale  bread,  and  they  should  be  liberally  fed 
and  watered  at  least  once  a  day.  Their  .vater  should  be  given  in  larije, 
flat  pans,  and  the  floor  of  the  room  should  be  covered  with  sand.  If 
the  room  is  not  too  high  the  birds  can  be  caught  out  of  it  by  means  of 
a  long  landing  net  used  in  Ashing.  A  flat  store  cage  should  be  used  tu 
convey  the  birds  where  they  are  to  be  used,  and  care  taken  of  tlieml)y 
seeing  that  they  have  food  and  water  and  are  kept  in  a  (juiet  place  out 
of  the  sun,  when,  if  there  are  any  left,  they  can  be  returned  to  the  room 
without  injury.  In  handling  the  bird  avoid  pressure  on  its  body ;  hold  it 
firmly,  and  without  tremor,  between  the  forefinger  and  thumb  around 
its  neck — thumb  across  its  throat,  back  of  bird  next  the  palm  of  hand— 
and  when  it  is  necessary  to  change  its  position  in  the  hand,  always  keep 
the  hands  moving  when  doing  so  or  it  may  escape. 

Now  this  nniy  all  iii)pear  too  extensive  and  complicated  at  first  for 
some  to  attempt,  but  there  are  members  of  every  club  who  have  suffi- 
cient ingenuity  and  intnition  to  construct  and  use  their  own  nets,  wliicb 
would  not  only  be  a  gratification  of  their  individual  pleasure,  but  also 
a  source  of  profit  and  advantage  to  the  members  in  general.  With 
these  nets,  and  by  following  the  instructions  given,  the  merest  tyro 
could  catch  a  great  many  birds  in  a  day — frequently  a  hundred  or  more. 
It  should  always  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  method  is  not  in  any  way  to 
be  considered  as  a  baited  trap,  but  that  the  principle  involved  is  to  take 
the  bird  unawares — to  fool  it — and  that  it  is  easier  to  fool  one  than  ten. 
The  number  caught  at  the  end  of  the  day  will  depend  largely  on  bag- 
ging every  bird  that  comes  within  the  scope  of  the  nets.    Make  it  a 


I-  1^ 


EARLY    H18T0RY    AT    SAINT   LOUIS. 


nilo  to  be  Hutislied  with  one,  it'  no  others  lire  in  sight,  lor  after  the  ohl 
adiige  "a  bird  in  the  hand,"  etc.,  a  Sparrow  in  the  nets  is  worth  seven- 
tot'ii  on  the  fence. 

As  to  the  when  and  where  to  f^o,  while  there  are  some  ^fiven  rules  f«>r 
this,  still  the  birds  are  so  <]nick  to  take  alarm,  and  so  communicative, 
that  it  is  not  possible  at  times  to  iccouut  for  their  movements.  Their 
vast  numbers  and  nonnidic  habits,  however,  will  oti'set  this,  and  by  a 
little  study  of  the  habits  of  the  bird,  and  by  a  few  practical  lessons  in 
tlie  shape  of  successes  and  failures.  It  will  not  be  diilicult  to  determine 
where  a  good  catch  can  be  made. 


SKCTION  SIXTH. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  HOUSH  SPAREOW,  PASSER  DOMESTICUS,  AND  THE 

EUROPEAN  TREE  SPARROW,  PASSER  MONTANUS, 

AT  SAINT  LOUIS,  MO. 

Bv  Otto  \Vii>mann.  '      '     ' 

The  first  European  Ilouse  Sparrows  {PdHner  (Umienticm)  were  intro- 
duced at  Saint  Louis  in  18(!l),  when  Mr.  Cairns  received  a  few  pairs 
tVoiu  New  York  City.  Tiiey  were  liberated  in  the  heart  of  the  city, 
but  were  immediately  lost  out  of  sight.  The  following  year  the  same 
party  repeated  the  experinjent  with  the  same  result,  that  is,  the  birds 
(lid  not  remain  in  the  immediate  neighborhood,  but  left  for  parts  uu- 
iiiiown  at  the  time. 

Karly  in  1870  a  Saint  Louis  bird  dealer  imported,  among  other  birds, 
twenty  Tree  Si)arrows  {Panser  montainis)  direct  from  Germany.  Mr. 
KIcinschmidt,  hearing  of  it,  persuaded  Mr.  Daeuzer,  of  the  Anzeiger  dot 
Wcstenn,  who  was  at  that  time  experimenting  with  the  introduction  of 
European  singing  birds,  to  contribute  to  the  i)urchase  of  these  birds. 
Accordingly  they  were  bought  and  taken  to  Lafayette  Park,  in  the  then 
southwestern  part  of  the  city,  and  liberated  Ai)ril  25,  1870.  All  left 
till'  park  immediately,  a'.id  none  were  seen  again  until  April  24  of  the 
following  year,  when  a  single  bird  was  seen  one  mile  east  of  the  i)ark. 
This  discovery  was  considered  worthy  of  mention  in  the  public  press, 
since  at  that  time  the  introduction  of  the  Eiiroi)ean  Sparrow  at  Saint 
Louis  was  thought  to  be  a  failure.  That  this  was  an  error  became  ap- 
paieut  during  the  ensuing  summer,  when  these  discoveries  were  re- 
ported so  often,  and  from  parts  of  the  city  so  widely  separated,  that 
success  could  no  longer  be  doubted. 

During  the  next  few  years  bird  dealers  had  pairs  of  Ilouse  Sparrows 
st'ut  from  New  York,  and  well-meaning  citizens  bought  them  for  libera- 
tion, but  the  exact  number  can  not  be  learned,  since  the  principal  par- 
ties have  died.    lioth  species  increased  amazingly,  and  as  early  as  1875 


'I 


f 


192 


THK    KNGLI8H    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


El     '■ 


i    I 

:  a  iit; 


-wk 


■r      i 


Passer  bad  sprea*!  ov«'r  the  entire  04  square  iiiik'S  which  iiialie  up 
the  city  of  Saint  Loniw.  Jn  the  southern  part  the  Tree  Sparrows  i)ro 
dominated,  and  as  hite  as  1877  no  House  Sparrow  was  seen  on  my  prem- 
ises, one  mile  south  of  the  arsenal,  which  latter  point  they  had  tlien 
occui)ied  in  largo  numbers.  Also  during  the  winter  of  1877-78  all  <»t 
my  twelve  boxes  set  up  for  Sparrows  were  in  undisputed  possession  oi 
the  Tree  Sparrows. 

On  March  28,  1878,  the  first  House  Sparrow  appeared  oi  the  scone, 
and  trouble  began.  One  pair  of  Tree  Sparrows  wjis  di  lodged  jiiid 
}i  pair  of  House  Sparrows  began  nest-building.  That  summer  no 
increase  in  House  Sparrows  took  place  in  my  colony,  and  the  Tin' 
Sparrows  reared  their  broods  in  peace,  but  when  the  first  cold  Octolicr 
nights  forced  the  Sparrows  to  change  their  roost  from  the  now  nciuly 
loaHess  trees  to  some  wai'm  shelter,  a  whole  ilock  of  House  Sparrows 
took  possession  of  the  boxes  and  the  Tree  Sparrows  had  to  leiivc 
Thereafter  the  weaker  Tree  Spjirrow  had  little  chance  to  giiin  a  suit- 
able nesting  site  around  its  old  home.  Oidy  one  pair  continiied  breid 
ing  for  a  few  j'ears  longer,  in  a  box  which,  besides  hanging  lower  tlian 
the  rest,  had  an  entrance  which  the  bigger  House  Sparrows  found  im 
comfortably  small.  It  appeared  to  me  that  the  Tree  Sparrow  would  In- 
much  more  of  a  house  sparrow  if  his  stronger  cousin  did  not  force  liini 
to  be  a  tree  sparrow  by  robbing  him  of  every  suitable  ncstin'^'  anil 
roosting  place  about  human  habitations. 

With  the  increase  of  the  House  Sparrow  the  Tree  Sparrow  had  to 
yield  the  city  almost  entirely  to  him  and  betake  himself  to  the  conntrv, 
spreading  in  all  directions  .and  resorting  to  tree-holes  and  out-ofthewiiy 
places,  wiiile  the  other  took  the  cities  and  towns. 

This  Tree  Sparrow  is  a  much  more  acceptable  acquisition  than  the 
House  Sparrow.  Although  sharing  many  of  its  habits,  it  lacks  tlic 
fighting  qualities  for  which  the  other  is  so  much  hated.  Of  course,  like 
every  bird,  it  defends  its  home  against  intruders,  but  it  is  not  aggress- 
ive. It  never  attacks  other  birds  for  mere  sport,  lik*  its  cousin ;  on  tlic 
contrary,  it  enjoys  the  company  of  our  native  birds,  and  it  is  daily  seen 
associating  with  our  wintering. Tunco  and  Canada  Tree  Sparrow.  With 
this  latter  bird  it  has  some  notes  in  common,  and  it  seems  that  this  re- 
semblance of  the  voice  led  the  early  European  settlers  to  apply  the  name 
of  Tree  Spar.'ow  to  this  otherwise  entirely  different  bir<l,  a  misnoiiier 
which  in  turn  gave  rise  to  the  equally  inappropriate  scientilic  names 
"nmntana"  and  "monticola." 

The  voice  of  the  European  Tree  Sparrow,  although  it  can  not  be  called 
a  song,  is  really  melodious,  especially  when  a  number  of  them,  as  is 
generally  the  case,  join  in  common  concert,  much  like  our  bobolinks  and 
blackbirds. 

Not  more  than  two  broods  are  raised  annually,  while  the  House  Spa*" 
row  often  raises  three,  but  not  four  to  six,  as  some  claim. 

About  the  bud  qualitieaof  tho  imjiorteu  Sparrow  nothing  new  can  Im." 


:li  I 


SPABllOWH   AND    MARTINS    AT    SAINT    LOUIS. 


103 


s.iid,  ami  from  my  own  observation  Ictiii  not  even  corroborate  the  stiito- 
iiKMits  already  ])ubliMhe(l.  It  is  a  strange  coincidence  that  with  tiie  in- 
ciTUseof  the  Si)arrow8  onr  peacliCH  became  more  and  more  scarce,  but 
I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  Pasner  ate  tlicm  before  they  wore  born — 
that  is,  in  the  bud. 

1  call  iiay  that  the  martin,  the  bluebird,  and  the  wren  find  it  hard  to 
witlistand  the  intruder,  but  I  hope  they  will  learn  from  him,  and 
tlici'cby  become  more  cflicient  in  their  resistance.  I  dare  to  say  that 
the  martin  has  already  learned  much  within  the  few  years  of  contact 
ami  contest.  The  martins  have  become  more  careful  in  tlie  guarding 
lit'  their  chosen  liome,  and  I  might  add  they  have  become  more  coura- 
geous ill  defending  tliis  lioue. 

Immediately  on  arriving  in  early  spring  the  martin  seeks  a  box — his 
ohl  lutx  of  last  year,  if  possible.  A  few  days  afterwards  his  mate  Joins 
him,  and  the  pair  regard  the  chosen  box  as  their  home  long  before  they 
hc'^h)  nest-biiilding  During  this  time,  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  tiielr 
honeynioon,  the  pair  used  to  leave  home  together  when  going  out  in 
search  of  food.  Of  late  they  have  begun  to  take  turns,  one  staying  at 
lioiiie  to  keep  the  Sparrows  out.  This  is  an  important  strategical  prog- 
ress, because  it  is  comparatively  easy  to  keei)  the  Si)arrow  out  of  a 
l)ox,  but  it  is  impossible  for  a  martin  to  dislodge  him  after  he  has  built 
a  iiest. 

Besides  being  much  more  intelligent  and  courageous  than  the  birds 
with  which  it  comes  in  contiict,  the  Ilonse  Sparrow  has  several  really 
good  qualities  which  are  worthy  of  imitation  by  our  native  birds.  Its 
(liligence  is  marvelous.  After  removing  their  nest  in  the  evening,  one 
is  siiri)rised  to  see  the  heap  of  material  which  this  single  pair  has  car- 
ried in  within  a  few  hours  the  following  morning ;  and  t\m  is  done  day 
alter  day  with  wonderful  perseverance. 

But  the  most  i)rominent  trait  of  its  character,  and  the  one  which  ex- 
phiins  in  a  great  measure  the  immense  niultipUcatiou  of  the  species,  is 
the  unsurpassed  attachment  of  the  parent  Sparrows  for  their  offspiring. 
A  Sparrow  never  deserts  its  brood.  If  one  of  the  parents  is  killed,  the 
otlier  will  do  all  the  work  alone.  If  a  young  one  hapiiens  to  fall  down 
fio'ii  the  lofty  nest,  it  is  not  lost;  the  parents  feed  it,  shelter,  and  de- 
fend it.  If  a  young  Sparrow  is  taken  from  the  nest  and  placed  in  a 
cage,  the  mother  feeds  it  for  days  and  weeks,  even  if  she  has  to  enter 
ii  rooMi  to  get  to  it.  Many  young  martins  tumble  out  of  their  nests, 
uiiil  are  invariably  lost.  The  parents  make  much  noise  about  it,  am' 
try  to  make  the  young  fly  up,  but  finding  that  they  can  not  do  it,  they 
let  tliein  perish,  and  even  if  placed  where  they  could  easily  get  to  thein, 
they  do  not  feed  them.  In  times  of  drought  many  young  martins  starve 
to  death,  being  pometimes  entirely  deserted  by  the  parents. 

While  from  the  four  to  six  eggs  which  the  martin  lays,  on  an  average 
only  two  young  are  successfidly  reared,  the  Si)arrow  succeeds  in  bring. 
iiig  lip  all  the  young  hatched,  which  are  four  or  Ave. 
8-104-..  liull.  1 la 


Fir 


194 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


I 


f-'     ^  i 


^ 


iM 


II 


I 


IHl 


|-;   I 

^^ 

i- 

TUe  Sparrows  bavo  traits  of  character  which  may  set  a  good  exam- 
ple to  sonic  of  our  birds,  and  I  hope  they  will  follow  it.  If  they  do  ho, 
the  danger  of  being  displaced  by  the  foreigner  will  be  greatly  dimin- 
ished.    (March  lU,  1888.) 

As  a  great  lover  of  birds,  I  am  naturally  inclined  to  be  mild  in  cen- 
suring their  misdeeds,  and  although  I  have  been  living  in  war  with  the 
House  Si)arrow  since  its  appearance,  I  still  hoped  sometimes  that  our 
native  binKs  would  learn  to  repulse  the  intruder,  and  that  its  presence 
might  yet  bu  tolerated  to  a  certain  degree.  It  was  in  such  a  s])irit  of 
reconciliation  that  I  wrote  last  March,  but  the  experience  of  this  sprint; 
has  demonstrated  more  clearly  than  over  that  leniency  toward  the 
House  Sparrow  would  be  a  crime.  A  careful  watch  has  revealed  the 
fact  beyond  doubt  that  the  House  Sparrow  destroys  the  eggs  of  the 
martin  by  eating  them  up  without  leaving  even  a  trace  behind.  Six 
nests  were  thus  destroyed,  with  from  four  to  six  eggs  in  each.  The 
martins  had  defended  their  nests  successfully  until  the  cool  period  abont 
the  middle  of  May,  when  the  scarcity  of  winged  insect^ii  caused  tlieiii 
to  go  far  from  home  and  to  stay  away  long.  This  absence  from  their 
nests  enabled  the  Sparrows  to  enter  the  boxes  and  to  eat  the  eggs. 

In  one  case  Passer  was  hindered  from  proceeding  farther  than  drilling 
holes  {\  by  |  inch),  through  which  he  probably  intended  to  empty  the 
contents  of  the  eggs  and  then  linishby  eating  the  shell.'.  In  the  other 
cases  the  eggs  disappesired  without  leaving  any  traces.  Oidy  in  one 
case  did  the  Sparrows  begin  to  build  in  the  box ;  in  ail  other  cases  the 
nests  were  left  undisturbed. 

The  martins  watch  their  treasures  well  enough  during  the  morning 
hours,  but  in  the  afternoon,  especially  in  cool  or  dry  weather,  they  like 
to  go  oflF  for  a  hunt  and  to  stay  away  for  several  hours.  This  is  the 
time  when  the  Sparrows  sneak  into  the  boxes,  and  it  requires  constant 
vigilance  on  our  part  to  keep  them  ott"  and  to  save  the  eggs  (eighty-five 
contained  in  the  boxes  to-day). 

As  long  as  eight  years  ago,  seeing  that  the  House  Sparrow  became 
irrepressible,  I  tried  to  compromise  with  him  by  putting  up  separate 
boxes  for  his  special  use,  giving  him  to  understand  that  he  would  he 
tolerated  there,  but  nowhere  else.  This  plan  seemed  to  work  well,  but 
for  a  short  time  only,  and  I  soon  found  that  the  only  way  to  deal  with 
them  was  to  destroy  their  nests  and  young  ones. 

Last  spring,  being  much  warmer  than  this  year,  was  favorable  for  the 
martins;  they  could  stay  about  home  nearly  all  the  time,  and  it  really 
seemed  as  if  they  had  learned  to  be  more  cflfective  in  the  defense  and 
repulse.  But  this  cool  8i)ring  showed  me  that  the  martin  is  too  much 
ilependent  on  the  weather  to  be  a  successful  defender  of  its  home,  and 
the  verdict  is,  therefore,  that  the  House  Sparrow  will  no  longer  be  tol- 
erated on  my  grounds,  and  that  it  will  be  destroyed  without  mercy,  by 
any  means,  and  at  every  time  of  the  year,  not  merely  in  spring  as  here- 
tofore.   (Saint  Louis,  Mo.,  June  2,  1888.) 


>d  exam 
ey  «lo  w», 
ly  (liiniii- 


(1  in  ceil- 

with  the 

tliat  our 

presence 

8|)irit  of 

lis  sprint; 

wnnl  tlie 

ealed  tlie 

gs  of  tlie 

liiul.    iSix 

icli.    Tlie 

riod  about 

ised  tlicii) 

ioin  tlieir 

iu  drilling 

empty  the 

I  tbe  other 

ly  in  one 

cases  the 


F^RT    II. 


E  Y  T  D  E  N  C  E 


morning 
I,  they  like 
iiis  is  the 

constant 
iglity-flve 

Iw  became 
separate 

would  be 
well,  but 

Ideal  with 

pie  for  the 
it  really 
Ifeuse  and 
1  too  much 
liome,  and 
ter  be  tol- 
nercy,  by 
as  here- 


195 


EVIDENCE 


SECTION  FIRST.-ORIGINAL  TESTIMONY  IN  DETAIL. 

Little  need  be  added  here  to  what  has  been  Hiiid  already  in  the 
introduction  to  the  Bulletin.  The  majority  ot  the  evidence  printed  here 
\viis  received  in  reply  to  printed  qnestions  contained  in  a  circular  and 
sclu'diile  distributed  in  the  latter  half  of  1880.    These  questions  were 

ii.s  follows : 

The  l)(!|>artiiicut  of  Auriciiltiiro  dcHircH  facts,  from  persoinil  <il)8oiv:ition,  in  answor 
ti)  tliu  following  ({iieHtionH  concerning  the  European  IIouho  Sparrow,  commonly  called 
"Eiij^Iisli  Sparrow,"  in  thiHconntry. 

I.  Ih  your  locality  c'     ,  suburb,  or  country  f 

II.  Ih  the  English  Sparrow  prcHotit  in  your  vicinity  f  If  not,  what  in  the  nearest 
|iniiit  at  which  you  know  it  to  occur?    If  present,  when  «litl  it  lirst  appear  f 

III.  Ih  it  abundant  and  on  the  increaHc  f 

IV.  Ih  it  iirotectert  bv  law  f  >  ' 

V.  Is  it  artilicially  housed  and  fed  T 

VI.  How  many  broods  and  young  does  a  single  pair  rear  in  a  season  f 

VII.  Do  any  of  our  non-predatory  birds  habitually  resist  cncroachmeut.s  of,  or  at- 
ti'inpt  to  drive  off,  the  English  Sparrow  unless  themselves  first  attacked  ?  If  so,  what 
kindH  and  with  what  success  f 

VIII.  Which  of  our  native  birds  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites  when  these 
are  (u:(:ii]>ied  by  ti.e  Sj)arrows  f    Give  examples. 

IX.  Has  the  English  Sparrow  been  observed  tomolest  or  drive  off  any  of  our  native 
liirdii  f  If  so,  what  species  are  so  molested  or  expelled  from  their  former  haunts  f 

X.  Docs  it  injure  shade,  fruit,  or  ornamental  trees  or  vines f    If  so,  give  exam- 

XI.  DocH  it  injure  garden  fruits  and  vegetables  f    If  so,  give  examples. 

XII.  Does  it  injure  grain  crops  f    If  so,  give  examples.  ■ . 

XIII.  Has  any  case  in  which  it  I  »  been  of  marked  benefit  to  the  farmer  or  horti- 
ciiltiiriHt  come  under  your  notice?  If  so,  in  what  way  has  the  benefit  been  de- 
rived f 

XIV.  Under  what  circumstances  does  it  feed  upon  insectH?  What  kinds  of  inju- 
rimiH  or  beneficial  insects  or  their  larva)  does  it  destroy  and  to  what  extent  ? 

XV.  What  means,  if  any,  have  been  taken  to  restrict  the  increase  of  the  English 
Sparrow  f 

XVI.  What  is  the  prevailing  public  dentiroent  in  respect  to  the  bird  t 
iMfiinnation  is  particularly  desired  concerning  the  presence  of  the  English  Spor- 

riiw  ill  the  Southern  States  and  in  the  region  west  of  the  Mississippi. 

A  circnla  ■  issued  by  the  Department  of  Agriculture  in  Jidy,  1885, 
coutaified  three  or  four  questions  ou  the  English  Sparrow,  but  these  are 

-     -.  197 


i 


m 


~ 


198 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


m 


covered  by  the  above  circular,  ex(M^i>l  tliiU  one  question  u.sked  for  in 
formation  as  to  injury  to  "  grapes  or  other  fruits."    Replies  to  some  of 
these  questions  were  received  from  a  few  persons  who  did  not  contribute 
ioformatioo  in  reply  to  the  later  circular. 

About  one  hundred  and  ten  persons  answered  a  circular  sent  out  in 
1883  by  a  committee  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union,  and  tiii'sc 
replies  have  been  incorporated  in  theevi<lence  now  piinted.  Tiie  (luos- 
tions  were  similar  to  those  subsequently  sent  out  by  the  Dei)artin('iit  of 
Agriculture,  but  made  more  particular  inquiries  as  to  the  food  of  old 
and  young  Sparrows,  and  the  variation  in  food  dei)endent  on  sciison 
and  location.  Heplies  to  these  questions  will  be  recognized  readily  by 
the  date — 18b    or  earlier. 

The  replies  fioni  all  these  sources  have  been  grouped  under  spveii 
heads,  us  follows: 

(A)  Distribution  by  States. 

(B)  Kate  of  increase;  checks,  natural  and  artificial. 

(C)  Injury  to  buds  and  foliage. 

(D)  Injury  to  fruits,  garden  seeds,  and  vegetables. 

(E)  Injury  to  grain  crops. 

(F)  Kelation  to  native  birds. 

(G)  Kelation  to  insects. 

The  material  under  each  head  has  been  arranged  alphabeticidly  bv 
States,  and  under  each  State  aliiliabetically  by  post-offices,  lufunna 
tion  relating  to  Canada  follows  tliat  iclating  to  tiie  States. 

As  already  noted  in  the  introduction,  every  scrap  of  information  rel- 
evant to  the  inquiry  will  be  found  herein  its  apinopriate  idace,  uiidt'i' 
the  name  of  the  persoji  contributing  it,  and  accompanied,  Nvhenever  lu; 
sible,  by  the  exact  date  and  locality  to  which  tlie  information  rebites.* 
Moreover,  in  most  cases  each  bit  of  testimony  is  followed  by  the  num- 
ber of  years  which  the  Sparrow  is  believed  to  have  been  present  at  the 
point  named. 

Whenever  possible,  the  replies  have  been  printed  in  the  same  Ibriu 
in  which  they  were  received,  aud  wlien  it  has  been  found  necessary  to 
change  the  form  of  a  reply,  either  in  dismembering  a  statement  rebit 
ing  to  several  subjects  or  in  co/ulensing  several  statements  relating  to 
the  same  subject,  the  utmost  care  has  been  taken  to  preserve  the  exact 
meaning  of  the  observer. 

As  a  rule,  all  statements  received  in  reply  to  questions  have  been 
printed  in  full,  the  main  exceptions  to  this  rule  being  in  cases  of  (a) 
evident  misapprehension  of  the  question  ;  (b)  replies  too  vague  aii<l  in- 
definite to  be  of  any  value;  (c)  hearsay  statements,  which  could  not  lie 
considered  as  evidence. 

As  was  to  be  expected,  a  large  amount  of  purely  negative  eviileiiee 
was  received.    Uund  v'ds  of  observers  wrote  simply  yes  or  no  after 

'Tliis  |ilati  wiib  rehictantly,  but  uecessarily,  adaiuli)uod.  Sea  foot-noU!  on  iiii;^t!  U, 
in  iutrodnction. 


DISTRIBUTION   BY   STATES. 


199 


most  of  the  <iue8tions,  aud  when  such  reports  contained  nothing  to 
show  that  the  writers  had  ever  taken  pains  to  notice  tlie  Sparrow's 
habits  at  all,  it  seemed  unadvisable  to  print  these  replies.  The  fact  has 
been  kept  constantly  in  mind,  however,  that  all  omissions  might  be  con- 
strued by  some  as  evidence  of  partiality  or  prejudice,  and  this  is  the 
oul.v  excuse  for  retaining  man}'  statements  which  seem  to  contain  noth- 
mg  of  value. 

The  friends  of  the  Sparrow,  as  well  as  its  enemies,  have  been  guilty 
of  uumberless  intemperate  utterances,  which  hav(f  served  no  useful  pur- 
pose whatever.  The  following  pages  contain  sufficient  evidence  for  an 
impartial  verdict,  aud  no  apology  is  made  (and  none  is  deemed  neces- 
sary) for  the  omission  of  mere  opinions^  unsupported  by  evidence  of  any 
kind. 


DISTRIBUTION  BY  STATES. 

In  ALABAMA  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  autiiinu  of  1880  at  the  fol- 
lowing places: 


LdCiility. 


Anni.stoii 

Atliiiia 

Auburn  

Brierlifld 

Ciilera 

Ci'Nlro 

Clantou 

Clayton  

CroKH  Plains.. 
Cullman 

Do 

Dadeville 

Edwardsville . 

Vo 

Eufauli' 

(iuulorsville. . 
Hayueville  ... 


appi^tl.  Ol'^'^'-^*'-- 


1883  :  A.  L.  Tyler. 
1R801     Postmaster. 
18«:jt  i  State  Agi'ID.  p't. 
IHR'tt  ;  Jun.  F.  Uondnian. 
1884t  1  P.  T.  Wncii.  r. 
18«4  '  T.J.  11.  McElnitb. 

...   ..  j  F.  A.  ilnuiion. 

ISS,"!  '  E.  R.Qucllin. 

1884  ;  W.  A.  WiLsoii. 
IfSt       S.  n.  Ifcrrin. 

1882       IJr.  W.  L-Mangiini. 
)8tf4       Piiatninster. 
1886       W.H.  Howie. 

1888  I  Postmaster. 

l«^2  ;  E.  L.  Brown. 
1884  Postmaster. 
1886      Tom  Haiue. 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Jneksonvillu 

188n 

Midway 

1880 

Montovallo 

18H5 

Munltoii .       

ltli-5 

Now  Market  ... 

18X0 

Noliisul^a 

18H:(t 

Oxtord 

1881f 

liock  Mills 

1884 

Salem . . 

1884 

Scottsboron^lb  .. 



Talladepn 

1880 

Tuseunil)iti 

iH8;< 

Tiiskepee 

1884 

TTnion  Springs.. 

1880 

Weaver's  S  t  n  - 

1885 

ticm. 

Wetumpka 

1885 

Observer. 


G.  B.  Doulliit. 

M.E.  I'rn.it. 

F.  A.Xorlb. 

J.  M.  Siiiidlin. 

Dr.  (jeorae  I).  Norris. 

Sam.  iJiikf. 

Fannie  Sbnl'ord. 

Postmaster. 

Snni.  W.  Burt. 

A.  SnodiiiiisK. 

11.  K.  Hnnlev. 

F.  A.Koss.  ■ 

Samuel  ().  Hale. 

Henry  Harris. 

Postiiiastiu-. 

O.  A.B.  Suiilb. 


t  About. 


It  was  roportod  not  prosout  ut  the  following  places  in  Alabama  : 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Albcrtville 

William  A.  McCreless. 

Dr.  Andy  Boyd. 
C.  B. Cle% .land. 
K.  K.  Hopkins. 
F.  A.  Seymour. 
Cbrislia'n  Beckcr.- 
Postu, aster. 

Blouut  Springs 

Blountsvillo 

Canulen 

Canolltou 

Columbia 

Daphuo 

Postmaster. 
Knt'iis  B.  Simms. 
il.  J.  Koaob. 
D.  C.  Hodo. 
W.  C  Kornee. 
John  Wilson. 
M.  P.  Brugli. 
PostmastiT. 
.Tobn  A.  Wfcms. 
Postmaster. 
1).  B.Brown. 
Dr.  W.C.  Avory. 
J.  F.  Haloy. 

Linden  

Livinyaton 

Monroeville 

Mount  Vernon 

Ozark J. 

Kutaw 

Prattvilltt  

Oeorge  W.  Ward. 
Post  master. 

Kvcrgreen  

Rutli'dgo 

Flora  

GeucVii 

Tallasseo 

J.  A.  Dnbberly. 
W.  H.  Wilds. 

Gnoil  Water    

(iriMMisbiirough 

Jasper 

Veincm 

York  Station 

A.  A.  Wall. 

K.  B.  Hiijhtower. 

prr 


Um 


1 

1   • 

m- 

1*" 

'.a' 

200 


THE    KNGLISII    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


Ill  ARIZ(.)NA,  ill  I  ho  siiinintu' of  188(3,  the  Simriow  witskiiowu  tobc  present;  at  but  one 

point.     Lieiif.  Hiiiry  C.  Hoimoii  states  that  it  w.asthen  ostalilished  atCaTiipHna(liiir;i. 

It  was repoiteil  not  present  in  the  autumn  of  188G at  the followinj^  places  in  Arizona- 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

01).<!crviT. 

Flai'staft    

J.  U.  Kilnadick. 

Tiirflon              -   ..... 

rtorlxii't  l>i'owii 

Floruiico 

Joliii  Miller. 

Yuma 

.1. 11.  Tiigtjart. 

In  ARKANSAS  the  Spayow  was  reported  preseutiu  the  autumn  of  ISHd  at  tlic  M. 
lowing  iilaces  : 


Locality. 

First 
apppurod. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First, 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Avoca       ..   ..... 

188S 

1 
1).  n.  AnioH.                  j 
I'dstinastoi-.                  i 
HoiacMi  Wiinl. 
T.  M.  CardiT. 
J.O.lJaaw.ll. 
UirtmiddAilly. 
Pustmaster.                 i 

j 

Little  Uocli 

Loiiitke 

Carl  Villi  .I;»{;(i-^tVl.i. 
A.  F.  llinitsiiiaii 

lierrvvillo 

OlaroiKlitn 

Dallas 

1.-80 

1«70 

IS8:i 

ISHOt 

1870 

Mariauna 

18H,-.t 
1H>2 

I'osliiiastii-. 
1).> 

llf-loiui    ...  ..... 

Na,stivlll(i 

Osceola 

I'oplar  Grovo... 

iaau      \Y  .T  Li'c 

HotSpriiiK« 

ISHdt      Dr.  DA.  Kiilinnlsiin. 

IS"!-          .I:Lini'.>4   li    Tiiriii'i' 

t  About. 


It  wa.s  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Artansas : 


Locality. 


Ml 


Arcenta 

Ai'kadelpliia. .. 

Aujcusta 

Atititin 

Uatosville 

IJeebo 

Hoonovillo 

Do 

Doorisborou^li  . 

Cainilen 

(^arli.slu 

('eiitro  Point... 
(Jliarloston. 


Cliiiion  . 

Coal  Hill 

(Jouway 

Corniiij; 

Cotton  PI  nut 

Danville 

Dos  Arc 

Devall'sUliitr... 

Dover 

El  Dorado 

KIdridgo 

Eureka  Spriu){8. 
Fayotteville 

Do 

Do 

Fort  Smith  (?)... 

Do 

(lainesville 

Greenbrier 

Gurdnii 

Uaniptou 


Observer, 


Oliarlea.T.  Iluinpliroys, 

B.Cook. 

.1.  P.  Kergnsou. 

Kohi'it  L.  Brown. 

V.  D.  Dciitou. 

L.  H.Gi.st. 

.Tiilin  M.  Oatliont. 

J.  S.  Lamlikiu. 

W.  D.  McBiide. 

W.  1<'.  A  vera. 

James  llennussey. 

I'ostiii  aster. 

A.  P.  liicliardson. 


Clnrksvillu <  Postmaster. 


Locality. 


Observer. 


W.  Jt.  (Jreesoii. 

•T.  M.  lieueh. 

A.  K.  Witt. 

V.  n.  Heloalo. 

W.  T.  K.hols. 

I'ostniaster. 

J.J.  Hauizli. 

Iteubon  It.  Carl  Lee. 

Jl.  Kiiitbof. 

M.  A.  Craiff. 

Postniasler. 

Juo.  II.  Haniilliin. 

Prof.  V.  L.  Ilarv.'v. 

Prof.  Gi'orjie  D.  Purinton 

Postmaster. 

Dr.  F.  W.Joliiison. 

W.  J.FlemiriK. 

Thomas  W. Crawlonl. 

J.  K.Donnell. 

W.  I).  (Ja«e. 

L.  G.  'luiulinnon. 


Harrison  

Harrisburgh  .  , 

Hope 

Jaeksonport 

Jasper, 

Jonesborou);U 

Lewisville , 

Little  Kock 

Uo   

Loekesbnrsh  

Malvern 

Marshall  

Morrillton    

Moniilain  Homo 

Mniiiitaiii  View 

Mount  Ida 

Mulberry 

Mui'freesborough . . . 

O/iark  

Pine  lUutr ... 

Pocahontas  

Qnitmau 

Koeky  Comfort 

Ko[;or.s    

KiiifseUville 

Searcy  

Sherid.in 

SidphurKock 

Toledo 

Wal.lron 

Warren 

WashinRtiui 

Witehervillo 

Wittsburj{h 


.T.  W.  .\ndr4'\vs. 
M    1).  SininiiiUH, 
T.  11.  Itayli'HS. 
WilliainA.  Sloiiron. 
Postmaslrr. 
.Tolin  W.Oweus. 
15.  P.  Wheat. 
John  Karr. 
S.  II.  Now  lin. 
F.C.  I'"lo\d. 
Itichard  d'Ailly. 
Poatninster. 
H.T.  (iordon. 
J.S.  Itussell. 
Joseph  Ilixsou. 
(i,  I),  (ioodiicr. 
.1.  W.  Hailey. 
Postmastei'. 
Juo.  IJcrry. 
W.  II.  Westbrook. 
S.  T.TIioui|)son. 
W.  M.  (iarnei. 
Sanuud  W allele. 
Postnuvster. 
W.  T.  KoviioldR. 
John  V.  ili-Cauley. 
J.  N.  Noll. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
M.  M.  Heavers. 
Postniasler. 
Carl  von  .riijier.sl'ehl. 
S.  K.  Snillh. 
Po.itmastir. 


DISTRIBUTION    BY   STATES. 


201 


In  CALIFORNIA  the  Syarruw  waa  rfpurted  pi'CHt>ut  iu  tbe  aiituuin  uf  186G  attlio 
fullowing  places:  ■ 


I.o.i.lity. 


I!h1>(I".v 

CIciM  I'iIuIk    

Kuivl,ii 

ll:i\  wiii'iIh 

1)1. 

II..!listcr 

Mis.Hliin  SanJos^ 

N;ip;i  Citv 

(laKland 

Do 

Ri'ilwooil  City  ... 
Sau  Francisco  . . . 


rirst     I 
appfat'L'd.i 


1884 

1884 

IHS.-) 

188U 

1881) 

188:t 

1S85 

18H4t 

18HUt 


1874 
1876» 


ObsurviT. 


Or.M.G.O'l'oolo. 
Jolin  Fit  1(1, 
Cliailcs  Fiebig. 
Dr.  .7.  (}.  (loojior. 
W.  OHo  Knit'i'HUU. 
Will  Stcinbock. 
J.  W.  Mussor. 
Postnuwicr. 
Walti'i  K.  I?i  yant. 
K.  V.  LoMtiiin. 
II.  Jacdbson. 
F.  Gruber. 


Locality. 


San  Francisco  . . 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

Do 

San  Jos6 

Do.  

Stockton 

Do  

Vallejo    


First     I 
appeal  utl. 


Observer. 


]87"t 
1877^ 


187U 


18,-<lt 
]88;i 
'3r0  1?] 


Wm.  U.K.  nintli, 

Geoijio  1".  Lou (11. 
'  J.  (i.  Scoit. 
I  Colonel  Wiiirei'. 

A.  Il.W.l.b. 

E.J.  WiikHon. 

F.  11.  IIollllrN.  , 

A.  L.  I'arUliiirst. 
L.  Bel.lin^'. 
IVnlniiisHT. 
Fred  T.  Bond. 


t  A  bout. 
It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  California ! 


Locality.    ■ 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Arciita  .....■■■•......■ 

Carl  C.  Marrtball. 
Dr.  ('.  11.  (iibbuns. 

Orovillo 

John  J.  Smith 

H.Hlic 

A.M.  I'lilefiau. 
I.  (,".  Gibson. 
Bennett  A.  Pryor. 
I'ostnia.ster. 

B.  F.  Walker. 
\V.  M.  Williams. 
S.  G.  Ltnvis. 

K.  .1. 1'liinimer. 
E.  L.  Ballon. 

C.  A.Menefoe. 
Joseph  I'alla. 
Thomas  Peters. 
John  J.  Snyder. 
Wallace  J.  Williams. 

Quincv 

J.  K.  I*nr*l**(*. 

lidjillilS 

Coins:! 

l)ou iiii'villo  ........... 

Klver.^ide 

Uolinerville   

San  Bntnaventnra 

San  Dio(;o 

Do  

San  Lnis  Obispo 

Santa  Baibura 

SBbastop(d 

U.  P.Chini.lIer. 
S.  H.  CrabtiTo. 
Dr.  Sli'iilit'ii  Itiiwcrs 

Diilili  Flat 

0.  Holleil.oir.jr. 
J.  n.Orciitt. 

(lias.s  Valley 

Iliinronl 

I<n) 

McD.  K.  Venablp. 
William  Lavies. 
John  Uoujjhcrfy. 

Mi.islmil 

Visulia 

Snsman  Mitchell. 

.Miiki'loinno 

Wllniingtou 

A.  Lanbei'slieimer 

B.  F.  lieiUK  1. 

Nevada  City 

Yrcka 

Postmaster. 

Ill  COLORADO  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  only  from  Denver,  and  there  1:1 
soinc  doubt  as  to  its  presence  there  now.  Mr.  Edward  E.  Achert  states  that  he  let 
loo.s(^  hIx  pairs  in  Denver  about  1877,  bnt  all  snbsequcntly  disappeared. 

Mr.  W.  C.  Wynkoop  says  there  were  a  few  there  in  October,  1886,  though  tliciv 
liresiiice  was  not  generally  known.  They  were  first  seen  there  about  a  year  earlier. 
Several  other  residents  of  Denver  are  positive  that  it  did  not  exist  there  in  188G. 

It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Colorado : 


Locality. 


Ainilla 

As|ii'ii 

li.mlilel- 

liiii'iia  Vista 

Cacliloa 

(^afKiii  (,'ity 

Uo... 

(^allin 

•  'iial  Creek 

Ciilorado  Springs  . . 

Do 

Coiipjos 

l!(>roiia 

Deii\'or 

Do 

1)^ 

Do 

Do 

Kckley 

Kli/.abotU 

Erie   


Observer. 


Postmaster. 
James  ('.  Connor. 
J.  A.  Se wall. 
C.  H.  Wilson. 
J.  ]■;.  York. 
A.  L.  Hayes. 
G.  G.  Shaver. 
J.  M.MiClnin. 
G.  S.  Warner. 
Charles  K.  Aiken. 
Postmaster. 
S.  W.  Hatch. 
I'ost  master. 
A.T.  AUen. 
A.  W.  Anthony. 
H.G.  Smilh. 
Mrs.  A.  L.  Peabody. 
H.  F.  Wecener. 
A.  W,  Voovhees. 
Jennie  K.  Piereo. 
M.  S.  lluines. 


Locality. 


i  Evans 

Fair  Play  

,  Fort  Lewis 

j  (iiMir;;eto\vu 

•  Gleiiwood  Springs 
I  Golden      

r.oldHill 

I  Granada  

'  Grand  Junction  .. 

Greeley 

Do 

Holly 

j  Howardsville 

:  Hugo 

Hy.lo   

Ili'tr 

Irwin 

:  Lon'.Miiont 

I  Louisville 

I!  Lovi'lanil 

I'  Ma\svillu 


Obsciver. 


Jolin  n.  Ftirrar. 
A.  Schrinjjer. 
1.  (}.  Priie. 
S.C.  Bennett. 
James  11.  Kerwin. 
Attlmr  Lakes. 
Jay  'I'homp.son. 
Giiy  K.  Potter. 
Thomas  B.  (Crawford. 
O.  Howard. 
C.  W.  White. 
('.  L.  McPhersoii. 
T.  M.  Trippe. 
A.  K. Chirk,  jr. 
Poslmnster. 
H.G.  MohImt. 
Alex.  Fiaser. 
Joseph  .J.  Topleff. 
L.  E.  Andrews. 
,r.  W.  Seaman. 
tt.  K.  HlMt(hl'ord. 


^WP 


itm. 


Ufi 


/i 


!•    - 


v-      -  ;' 


202 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

■ 

Okserrer. 

D.  D.  Hatflild. 
A.K.  Itiiddtrke. 
G.W.McRuvuoldH. 
J.  M.  Harrott. 
Darid  KrakcH. 
G.  Eubank. 
JI.  W.  Nuali. 
PostniaMtor. 

Do. 

Do. 
U.  n.  Jonofi 
Ur.  C.H.  I'nderhill. 
A.D.  Moorlitad. 

Silver  Clltr 

I'ostniftrttcr. 

1).  E.  Risutiurpli. 
Postmaster. 

Soutli  Put'blo 

Orchard 

Starkvillu. ... . ..     .... 

W.  R.  Suiethcrs. 

Ti'lluridi)    

U.  C.  Lay. 

J.  M.  Thompson. 

I).  Muwiiortor. 

Ponu'ho  Spriu^n  

Pueblo  

Tliatclnr 

Oiit)ri(lii 

Toniirld 

E.  K  Blain. 

1  cd  Moiintuiu 

Triui(ind 

Villa  (irovo 

WalMUiburR 

WI(ito  I'ino..  

Wiay 

H.Stark. 

Rocky  Ford 

Postmaster. 

I)o. 

8i»14ila 

Do. 

Hcdffwiok     - 

Kathauiol  Sisson. 

In  CONNECTICUT  the  Si)uiTo\v  was  reported  preseut  iu  the  uutuiun  of  IS&i  at  the 
followiug  places: 


Tiorality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Local 'ty. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Brookflcld    Cen- 

George C.  Jones. 

Willard  E.  Treat. 
S.  T.  Kimball. 
Henry  H.  Maton. 
K.  11.  Austin. 
Mrs.  W.  Stlijrer. 
W.  G.  Talmadfic. 
Daniel  S.Wadsworth 
Dr. (too.  H.Jeunin^H 
James  B.  Olcott. 
I'rof.  U.  F.  Kdons. 
a.  C.  Hull. 
Henry  L.  Stewart. 
Walter  B.  Barrows. 
A.  C.  Sheldon. 

New  Haven 

Do  

1876* 

Louis  B.  Bialio)). 
Frank  S.  I'latt 

tre, 

1878t 

1880t 

878t 

1874}' 

East  Hartford . . . 

Do 

Robert  D.  Camp. 
G.  (lednldif;. 
S.  T.  Holbroek 

Ellington 

Farmineton 

GayloruHville 

Hartford 

Do 

Norwich  

Do  

18721 

IWKit 

18771 

1800 

l.aSi 

ISS.'t 

l«75t 

18741 

Piant«villo 

Portland 

Uidjieti.'ld 

Rockville  

Slianin 

Shelton 

South     Wood- 
stock. 

Stratford  

Siiffleld 

Windsor 

E.  R.  Newell. 
John  H.  Sage. 

Do  

18781 

1875t 

1872 1 

188.'> 

1870 

1878 

1870t 

1871 

(J.  D.  Tucker 

Jewott  City 

Manchenter 

Mausflold 

Crcorge  M.  Marckres. 
J.  Tomlitison. 
Mrs.  G.  S.  F.  Stod- 

Meridcu  

18721 

"'lrt79t 

dard. 

Middle  Haddam. 

Hiddletowu 

Now  Haven 

Robert  W.  Ciirti.is. 
Jesse  F.Smith. 
Stephen  Hills. 

1  About. 

In  DAKOTA,  in  tbo  autumn  of  188G,  the  Sparrow  was  known  to  be  present  at  but 
one  point.  Mr.  O.  M.  Whaling  states  that  it  appeared  at  Milltown  early  in  1885.  It 
was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Dakota: 


Locality. 


Aberdeen 

Alexandria 

Aliamont 

Argusville  [1885] 

Arlington 

Ashton 

Athol 

Aurora 

Bath 

Beresford 

Big  Stone  City 

Bismarck 

Blancbard  

Blunt 

Bon  Homme 

Brandon 

Bristol 

Buxton 

Canton 

Casselton 

Castle  wood 

Cavour 

Chamberlain 

Clark 

Columbia 

Crandon  

earnings 

Dwight 

Bgan 


Observer. 


Charles  A.  Fisher. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
S.M.Edwards. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
C.M.Sullivan. 
Postnuister. 
Thomas  Edwards. 
Thomas  T.  Brady. 
L.  A.  Card. 

Andrew  T.Sherwood. 
Douglas  Robertson. 
Charles  A.Berger. 
B.  D.Graves. 
William  J.  Jones. 
E.Stevenson. 
Po8tmast(!r. 
0.  A.  Rudolph. 
L.J.Fulton. 
William  Alarshall, 
Andrew  J.  Sweetser. 
William  (lilmau. 
S.D.Jeffries. 
J.  R.  James. 
Flora  Z.  Wagner. 
D.  B.  Wilbur. 
S.  R.  Norris. 
Postmaster. 


Locality. 


Elkton 

Ellendale 

Estelline 

Fairview 

FarKo 

Fort  Abraliam  Lincoln 

Goodwin 

Hamilton 

Harold 

Henry 

Hope 

Hudson 

Huron 

Do 

Do  

Hyde  Park 

Iroquois 

Jamestown 

Kelso 

Kindred 

La  Moure 

Larinioru 

Le  IScau 

Lisbon 

Madison 

Manvel 

MapHH 

Marion 

Marvin 


Observer. 


Postmaster. 

Do. 
C.P.Gould. 
W.  H.  Hubbard. 
I'o.st  master. 
William  Cannon. 
G.  F.  Xelson. 
G.  W.  Bovlan. 
J(din  A.fiiiiler. 
E.  H.  Widdron. 
Postmaster, 
T.  W.  Millham. 
Dana  Duran. 
Geoige  T.  I,i>ve, 
George  Wilder. 
James  K,\  lo. 
Postmaster, 

Do. 
George  H.  F.  Jolinson. 
Postmnstcr. 
N.  li.  Wilkinson. 
T.  I'\  ICastgate. 
.T.,T.. Jones. 
J.  Dmbin. 
J.  M.  Preston. 
\V.  B. Stevenson. 
H.K.Stearns. 
.Tohn  Rvan. 
Charles  B.  Williams, 


DISTKIBUTION    BY    STATES. 


203 


Locality. 


Med.lin;; 

M.iliiru  

Mill.lii' 

Millli;iiik 

Miilw 

Milncir 

Miiilo 

l)>i     

Ml. lint  Vormm 

Nirll.' 

Niiitlivillf 

Ndilliwddd  .   .. 

lilivit    

(Iritku 

I'liiki-r 

I'rillKllhl    

I!;ipnl(;ily 

Iti>c'k]iiii  t •. 

UdUHMUU 


Oliservcf. 


C.  N.  Taylor. 
I'ostiua.strr. 
W.J'.  DiiK). 

\V.n.K(i|)liiirt. 
I'oMtiiiimlcf. 
John  'willuglier. 
Kriid.  Xwaiuloy. 
Pustniuster. 

Do. 
S.  K.  Sfiiiilos. 
I'oHtiiiaf  tir. 
G.  W.  liakir. 
AllVftl  (;.  Leo. 
John  J.  (.'utiur. 
H.  A.  Lan;:lio. 
I'ostninstur. 

Do. 
M.  C.  Kou.S8cau. 


Locality. 


Salem 

Sanliiirn 

Sh.Won.   

Sioux  Kills 

SpiiiiK-t'l'l  

Stfolo 

'I  loy 

Vuimillion  (18Hj]. 

V'ciniillioii 

Wahpcton 

Walhallii    

WariKT  

■\\'chnti'r 

Wcntworth. 

Whilo  Laku    

Willows 

AViliiiot, 

Wolscy 

Tauktou 


ObHeiTer. 


PoBimaster, 

Do. 
Jamos  W.  Allen. 
PostuiastiT. 
M.Oiitlin. 
Pustinastur. 

Do. 
Dr.  G.  S.  A  jiorHborc 
C.G.  Shaw. 
B.C.Wilson. 
T.S.  Hill  ley. 

W.  P.  KlUCStO!!. 

J.  It.  I'iruili  rfSHSt. 
PoMnittsttT. 
James  McOauley, 
David  II.  llenniuu. 
Postmaster. 
Ilarrie  A.  WatsoD. 
L.  D.  Palmer. 


In  the  DISTRICT  OF  COLUMHIA  the  Sitairow  was  reported  prescut  in  the  au- 
tuiiiu  of  18Hi!  at  the  followiug  pliiccs: 


Locality. 


Miiiint    Ph'asaiit 
\Vaahiii"toii    ... 


First 
appeared 


lHT2t 
18721 


Observer. 


Loeolity. 


First 
appeared. 


Observer. 


William  llcdmead. 
MicliJclDiivUin. 


Washiii;;ton 
Do... 


Georfjc  neuninj;. 

ISTOi     Roliort  Kidf,'wa.\ . 


t  About. 


In  FLORIDA  tlio  Sparrow  was  reported  preseut  in  the  aiitiiiuu  of  1880  at  the  follow- 
ing; phices : 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Obsci-ver. 

(!rrii)  Gordo  

N.  B.O'Donoho. 
Sidney  L,  ISeuhuin. 

Prof.A.Q  Ilolladay[l882)» 
W.U.  Dall. 

(,'ie.M't' lit  City 

Tampa  .". 

*  First  appeared. 
It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Florida: 


Locality. 


Apiilai'hieola 

Api)(ika 

All  lllT 

liiilihviii 

li.llldW 

DroiiMiin  .   

I'eiliu- Keys .     

(Iliiiiics  

I'lciii-  Water  Harlrar 

t'litliiiiilale 

Ill'  I,;iud 

KiiliTprise 

KiirluT  Anna 

IViliial  I'dlut 

I'l  riiaiidiiia 

(iiiini  sville 

(li'iM'ii  (jovo  Springs.. 


Observer. 


Locality. 


John  W.  Wakelieid. 
I'ostiiiasti'r. 

Do. 
G.  W.  Fold. 
K.  H.  Hurr. 
<;.  K.Taylor. 
I'ostnia.ster. 

Do. 
I.K.  Miinnerlyn. 
John  K.  Vo.x.>(. 
(;.  K.  A.liiclhy. 
J.  K.  Alexander. 
Po.Hliiia.ster. 
J.  F.T.nnlv. 
Saniu.l  T.  iiiddell. 
Frank  M.  (^hapiiian. 
Thomas  Kobirts. 


lliillilaiid Post  muster. 

IloiuKin Dr.  ('..  T.  MeManuen. 

I '" Post  mast  er. 

Jacksonville William  H.Ashinead. 

•'.ii'*l"i'  It.J.McKee. 

Ki\  West :  Postmaster. 

Lake  liutler M.C.  Levy. 


Observer. 


Lake  City* '  J.  T.  Thompson. 

Leesliiuf^li j  V.  (.".Chihis. 

Madison II.  J.  MeCall. 

Mandarin W.  Y.  Merry. 

Muriunna Q.  li^.  llearn. 

Mieanopy j  Postmaster. 

Millview Kix  M.  Koliinson. 

Milton I.  M.  Mctiehoe. 

Monticello John  W.  Garwood. 

Moiinf    I'leasant \  Postmaster. 

New  Heiliii A.  W.  Lawless. 

Norwalk i  D.  L.  Uor^^au. 

Oeala L.  Dorier. 

Oraniio  City. I  F.C.Austin. 

Orlando....' |  E.  W.Speir. 

Pidiner C.S.  (loss. 

Pliint  City E.S.Tyncr. 

(^uinev j   I'ostmnster. 

Ito.iewood :  C.  M.Jaeobs. 

Saint  Aiijiustine '  Postmaster. 

Sciiith  Lake  Weir '  William  Foster. 

Tallahassee  D.  W.Gwynn. 

Tiiniiia* I  H.R.Benjamin. 

Waldo Samuel  J.  Kunnard. 


'  Repo;  ted  present  by  anothec  observer, 


w 


204 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


II 


«■ 


:ii: 


C.  L.  Hopkins  (Dupartiiietit  of  Apriciiltiirc,  Wiiwliiiij;toii,  I).  C) '•'P'"'^**  ""  ^''iKlisli 
Sparrows  seer  or  hoard  of  at  any  points  in  Florida  visited  by  liii.'  Augnst  23  to  Si|i. 
teuibor  10,  1837.  The  points  visited  woro  Jacksonville,  Astor,  l'iii.4tilla,  EustiH, 
Tavari's,  Sanford,  Orlando,  and  intermediate  points. 

In  GEORGIA  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  antnmn  of  I8H<)  at  tlir  fol- 
lowing places: 


Lonality. 

f'lrst 
appenri'd. 

I8R7 
1^81 
18H4 
1870 1 
1880 

Obseiver. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

1870 
18811 
18701 
1884 

"issit 

18831 
18801 
18821 
188U 
1883 

Ohgerver. 

AlhnTiy       

I'ciRtiuastor. 
William  A.  Porter. 
M.  H.  Coiiiiuil. 
W.C.Kuilow. 
I'imtniiiNtfr. 
il.m.W.  A.  Harris. 
li.J.  ItRdilinn;. 
PoHtinastor. 
Dr.J.  1'.  H.  Urowu. 
K.  Hoyco. 

TliiiiiiaR  K.  Lniiipkiu. 
V.  E.  Wnltou. 
J.M.IInrkiiiN. 
MiHs  KUaCiilpvppcr. 
11.  C.  Kolli.KK. 
W.J.FinclKT. 
E.A.Memll. 
M.  K.  Ku88p11. 
William  Miliii-r. 
rustmaster. 

Do. 
iTaiuriH  M.  Levy. 
C  S.  Hargroo. 
Paul  A.Clement. 
J.  K.  Oneii. 
S.U.Pnulilen. 
PoslmnHter. 
(5oorfio  Lntliain. 
I'ostiiiaHter. 
H.  G.  Morris. 
J.G.  Pearson. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
.r.  TI.  Barnes. 

.\ll|.|   A     Wliirllt 

IsalioUa 

Jaekson  

JoiiesliorouKli  -  • 

KiDKHtun 

Kiioxville 

La  (iraiitje 

Lawreiicfvillo  .. 

Lawtoiivilli) 

LoxiiiKtoii 

Lumpkin 

Do  

Mncon  ........•■ 

Postmaster. 

Alplinietta 

AiiK'i'iciiH 

Do       

Do. 
J.  (".  Haws. 
Pu*4t  iiiiisli-r 

AppliiiB    

Alliiutii. 

.r.  H.  Halt. 

Thos.  H.  Whllaker 

1)0  

18701 

l*OHllllllHt4M* 

Do 

IJo. 

AiiiriiHtrA 

18711 

1878 

1884 

1881 

18811 

1882 

1882 

1878 

18851 

1882 

18831 

1884 

1877 

1883 

msfi 

1884 1 

1880 

1870 

1882 

18831 

18701 

1885 

1881 

1882 

1878 

1880 

.John  'ITM  Halm 

Mo   : 

iiuoim  Vista 

Hyi'Oll 

A.  W.  Latimer. 
,^.U.  I.atimer. 
K.  SI.  Fianeis 

(JulllOllIl        

Do 

Do 

'""18701 
1871 

Thomas  Hardemaii 

Pi<)f..I.K.  Wilhl. 

( 'aiiton        

Maiiett4i 

Martin 

Hugh  N.Stanir.i. 

Cairiillton 

Do 

Meriwether 

MidviUe 

MillcdKOTille... 
Morgan 

'""'issfl" 

1880 
1885 
18^4 
1882 

188.' 

If8.".t 

187i)t 

1880 

18821 

1878 

18H1 

18H0t 

1884 

" "  i87r.i ' 

188.-, 
187!) 
18811 

18841 

B.  11.  My  lick. 

Cnrloisville 

(jvi\  irtowii 

D... 
J.  II.  Coram. 

Clayton 

Moultrie 

Oxford 

K.A.Milliiian. 

(!mwt(ir<l 

CuininiiiK 

Ciitlibert 

KHtOIllOll 

Klbcrtoii 

I'alinetto 

Pasehal 

Perry 

I'ope's  Kerry  . . . 

Siiiienii  /ellar.s. 

I'ostmasler. 

T.M.Killen. 

\V.  1).  H..T0I11181111. 

Kairbiirn    

Koit  Valley 

(ir(M'iiet(»\vii 

Savannah 

Smilhville 

Sparta   

.1.  N'.  Johnson. 
0.  \V.  Warwick. 
I'osI  master. 

(lOI'dttll 

Siiiii'iiervillo 

Swalnslioroii);li 

TalUotlou  

Tallapoosa 

TliDiiiaslon  .   ... 
Thoni.soii 

'I'nnloii 

Ways  Station. .. 

Oeorce  D.  Holli.s. 
■LM.Nlllie/.. 
0.  D.Goimaii. 
.1.  H  Davis. 

(irceiii^villn 

GifRiLsboroUKli  ■■ 
Grilllii 

Do 

.1.  I).  Alexaiidir. 
.T.T.Nealaud  Dr.C.. 

W.  Durham. 
R.  S.  IJodgers. 
George  1..  Applili'ii. 

lluinilton 

HHiniony  (irovo. 
nartwcli 

18801 
1884 
1884 

(-'liaili's  L.  Dendy. 
W.W.J.ndnu. 
.Tames  L.tTohnsim. 
A.W.Baum. 

lAbout. 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Georgia : 


Locality. 


Observer. 


Allapiiha 

Arlington 

Barton 

Blakely 

I'oggy 

Boston 

Bragauza  

Brunswick 

Cairo 

Cameron 

Cochran 

Cony  era 

Davisbnrough  . 

Dawson 

Difwsonville  .. 

Dillon 

Douglas 

Dublin 

Eastman , 

EllUny 

Facoville 

FortOainea  ... 

Graham 

Green's  Cut  .. 
Uawkinsville. 


•lames  II.  Kirhy. 
Postmaster.  ' 

Do. 
ir.  0.  Fryer. 
K.  H.Chappelear. 
J.  W.  Carmine. 
M.  Albert  son. 
Moses  Daniel. 
S.  A.  Roddenberg. 
W.  M.Hciidoi'snn. 
Qiiiiin  L.  Harvard. 
William  L.  Peek. 
F.AL  Francis. 
R.  G.  Jones. 
Postmaster. 
T.  W.  Bryan. 
W.K.Googo. 
Postmasior. 

Do. 
W.A.Cox. 
W.  B.McDaniel. 
S.  E.  Lewis. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
E.  P.  King. 


Locality. 


Observer. 


Herndon 

Hollywood 

Hoiiier  • 

llimierville 

Jetlersonvillo 

Jesii]) 

Marlow 

Neilly 

Newton  

Oconee  

Quitman 

Rising  Fawn 

Rocky  Ford 

Roswell 

Saint  Mary's  

Statetborough 

Sun  Hill 

Traders  Hill 

Tnsculiim .... 

Wadlev 

Warcs\)orough . 

Way  cross 

Wayiesvillo 

White  Sulphur  Springs 
Wrightsvillo 


.loneidi  IJ.  .loiies. 
William  H.  Hatticld. 
.1.  E.Stejilieiis. 
Slierod  Smith. 
M.  K.Sidoiiiou. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
N.  A.  Smith. 
B.F.  Hudspeth. 
C.  AV.  Snell. 
Hiram  Hubert. 
Postmaster, 
(reorge  Heard. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
B.E.Tn  ncr. 
C.D.Thigpen. 
R.  Hatcher. 
Postmaster. 
James  A.Tliigpeiin. 
Postmaster. 
A.  H.  Morg*n. 
J.N.Hiehsniith. 
W.A.Gillespie,  jr. 
James  H.  Hicks. 


'  Reported  abundant  six  mouths  later. 


DISTRIBUTION    BY   STATES. 


205 


III  IDAHO,  ill  tlio  aiitiiiiiii  of  1886,  tlio  Sparrow  was  known  to  be  prcHent  at  biitoiio 
|iiiiiit.  Mr.  JaiiioH  Olivctson  NtutfH  that  it  appeared  at  Franklin  in  1884.  It  vun  re- 
]i(irte(l  nut  prcHunt,  in  the  autuuin  of  1886  and  spring  of  1887,  at  the  following  places: 


Lopulity. 

Obserrei. 

^     Locality. 
Rexburirli 

Observer. 

}'!>{»{■  CAt\ 

O.  S.  Himrod. 
Kviiti  G.Joiios. 
.loliii  Stock. 
I'oitlniiiHti'i'. 
Aiiuie  liiitl^^e. 

Henry  Fliiniir. 
V.M  PiiKMiire. 
Will.A.Gilnioio. 
K.  H.  Moore. 

(  '  "viy  (;ri>ok 

Kisii  iliivcn 

MiPiilp 'licr 

Paij.)       

Snii.t,  Charles 

.Slioshono 

Silvpr  City 

WoHton 

Ill  ILLINOIS  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  aiitninn  of  188G  at  the  fol- 
low iiij;  places : 


Locality. 


I     First 
-appeared 


Albion 

.\l.(lo 

1>.) 

Miciii  

.Mtiiii  Jiiiu'tiou.. 


It: 


Itrllrvillc 

liilviclcre 

liiTiiiidolte     

Cuniplii'II  Hill... 

(!ai'liiiiiilaU> 

Carl.vli' 

Cariiii    

CtMiliiilia 

Cliiilliiim 

CliiiMj;i> 

Do  

CiilliiLfvillo 

('(iiiltfrsville 

Culliiiii 

Danville 

Duliiiis 

Kiist  Wheat  land 
Fiiiihury , 

Do. 

Kpinwood 

il'loni 

Korri'stoii   

Fifclmrj;!! .     ... 

liilinaii 

Golriiiida 

(iii^rKsvillo , 

Iliimiltou 

Ilmilin . .. 

llillslioroiiKli  ■-- 
1)0 


Jutlisonvilli' 
1)0 

Jtrsi'vvillo  . 
Do 


18711 

'i»k:,' 

IH72 
13.SJ 


18fi5 

IKnl 

1H8U 

1881 

ISTI! 

187B 

18841 

1874 [f 


1874t 

18801 

1880 

18701 

1882 

18841 

188'il 

188  il 

1881 

1878 

1870 

1877 


18701 

1883 

IS82 

1884 

1879 

1881 


18811 


Observer. 


Oeorjie  FiTriiiian. 
Charles  W.Ciuter. 
J.  V.  Ilender.soii. 
Hon.  Will.  Mc'AdaniH 
John  Koi;li. 
■lohii  Hiady. 
Ally,  liarthel. 
A.  K..Ieiuier. 
Dr.  W.S.  Strode. 
Aiijr.  l>Md(*iil>oHte1, 
I'lof.r..  II.  French. 
William  S.  Ilerrey. 
Dr.  Daniel  Ueriy.' 
ilabez  Web.ster. 
Postmaster, 
H.  K.  Coale. 
Henry  D.  Emory. 
Hoiir'v  Do  Walil. 
Stiles' H.  Wirtrt. 
P.  .J.  Cook. 
W.T.  Ciinniiialiain. 
Isoni  Chesni-y. 
William  I).  PlittcrRon 
C.  F.H.Cnrrithcrs. 
A.  H.  Miiudt. 
Georpe  H.  ILdmes. 
A.T.Gnlbraitb. 
J.  D.  Covell. 
Charles  Becker. 
David  H.  Henman. 
Postmsster. 
T.  W.  Parker. 
C.B.Rockwell, 
Alonzn  H.Carter. 
A.  J.  Kdwarda. 
1'.  J.  Kd wards   and 

AVIUIam  Alibott. 
P.  H.  Knckor. 
Prof.  J.  B.  Turner. 
James  S.  Daniels. 
H.O.  Goodrich. 


Locality. 


First    ' 
nppuared.. 


Obsoiver. 


Jolinsoiiville  .. 

Kno.wille   

Leiizbiir>;li 

Loiiisvillu 

Mnrissa 

M(dine .. 

Moumontli 

Mount  Carroll. 
Do 

Mount  Steiliiij; 

Mount  Vernon. 

New  Athens  . . 

Oak  I'ark 

Odin 

O' Fallon  Depot 

Olney 

0(|iiawka  

Paxton 

Pekin 

Peoria 

Ouiney 

Do   

Roberts 

Rock  lord 

Itoek  I-land  ... 

KuHliville 

Salem  

Do 

Sannemin 

:  Shawneetown... 

Swanwiek 

'  Sycamore 

Tamaroa 

Tildon 

Troy^ 

j  Warsaw 

Wat.seka 

Waiikejtan i 

West  Belleville  \ 

AVoodslock j 

Wright's  Grove.' 


188.1 
1881 
1883 
188U 
1884 
18761 
18721 

"m\Y 

1883 

18781 

1872 


1881 
18()U* 
18741 
1882 


18701 

18811 

1878 

1870 

1878 

1878 


18801 
1870 
18S0 
1880 

isn 

1883 

1K8H 

18831 

1S841 

18701 

18801 

18801 

188U 

'is8oi 

18751 


.Tniiies  .L.TohiiHon. 

O.L.Campbell. 

H,  Volkeiiiii;;. 

Conrad  E.  Kaehler. 

•Tames  L.ToIiiihoh. 

Daniel  W.  Gould. 

Dr.  S.  M.  Hamiltun. 

S.  Hall. 

Dr.  Heurv  Shinier. 

•Tohn  J.  ^IcDannold. 

John  S.  Boyaii. 

Aiijjust  (lierselimr. 

Rev.GeoiKc  It.  Pratt. 

W.  Inprahani. 

D.  D.Garthide. 

J.  C.  Allen. 

Postmaster. 

G.  W.  Anderson. 

Postiiiast.r. 

"W.S.  CoMriflh. 

T.  Butterworlh. 

J.  H.  Riehard.sou. 

E.O.  Newman. 

Dr.  F.H.Kimball. 
'  AV.H.  Hatch. 

John  S.  Bapby. 

1. 1).  Lear. 

Louis  O.  Vopt. 

C.8.  Brydia. 

George  Renrdeu. 

M.  S.  Aehetion. 

L.  K.  Wymau. 

S.  R.  Haines. 

Postmaster. 
i  Robert  Williamson. 
'  Charles  K.  Woilheu. 
j  L.  F.  Wstson. 

James  Miu'.in,  jr. 

George  (.'.  liiiusen. 

A.S.  Wiiglit. 

John  Gall. 


I' 


!'l 


t  About. 


-•  4 

I!  t% 


m  - 


^11 


206  THE    ENGLISH    SI'AUKOW    IN    AMERICA. 

It  waH  reported  tint  present  at  the  following  pliiccs  mi  IlliiioiH  : 


Locality. 


Olworvcr. 


Allioiiv   !  E.  H  OInii. 

l.'oloiiii  StiitUin It  li  Suit'. 

Elliott.   ilimeiili  llicliinniiil. 


I.dcality. 


Oltnervitr. 


Itiiiiiiltim*  \V.  Ldiitliiic 

iiiiivi'l ilcimpliiiic   l'(>(lil(it 

I'crcv-    Ihiiiii  CIhmiiiv. 


*  J.'i'porfi'il  present  l>y  iiiinllicr  (pbsi  rvi<r. 

Ill  INDIANA  the  Sparrow  was  reported  preHciit  in  the  antiiiiiii  of  188(!  at  I  In 
lowing  phu'cs :  • 


Locality 


A  nrou 

Albion 

Aueolii 

Ueafonl 

BirtUove 

KloniiiiiiKtoii 

Do 

Iliionevillf 

llrnzil 

lliii'liiifttnn 

(JiinidiMi 

Clmrli'stowii  ... 

Uo 

Coniniin 

('riiiiilRll 

(^yiithiaiiii 

Doer  Oreelc 

Delphi 

Diipontr 

Kiist  Enterpri.se 

EilwanlsviJlo 

Evansvillo 

Karnilaiid 

Eerdinaiid 

Fort  Knnieh 

Frankfort 

Fretlonia 

(lenrgotown 

(lOslieu 

Groeiieastlo  

Harristown 

Hazlflton 

Henr.wille , 

Holman  Station. 

H'lmo , 

Hoolcor 

Hiintingburgli.. 

Indianapolis 

Ireland 

Irvington 


FirHt 
appealed. 


1882 

lH80t 

188(1 

187!) 

1H«'J 

1878 

1875t 

187')t 

1870 

18701 

1881 1 

1874 

188-.:t 

1881 

issn 

1876 
1877t 

1886" 

1882t 

1882 

1873 

1884t 

1878t 

1882t 

1878 

1884t 


]8«0t 
1872t 


1880t 
1881 
1882 
1884 


1880 
1870t 
1880t 
1870 


Observer. 


Liicality. 


F.  W.Seaver. 
Charles  M.  Clapp. 
Frank  M.  I'owers. 
Noyes  E.  Stroiit. 
iluiinan  Kiienicr. 
(!.  U.Kollnian. 
TrolMJ.  W.Kveriiiami 
Willinni  Swint. 
1).  \V.  llrattin. 
W.  A.  Wriglit. 
F.  C.Orouiiiger. 
I'oHtiiiaster. 
Dennis  F.  Willcy. 
W.  .T.  Lanninj;. 
(r.  \V.  Jenkins. 
Josepli  L.  15la.se. 
ISarnard  and  Plank. 
John  Barnard. 
T.S.  Williams. 
William  TI.  Madison. 
Edwin  Yeiiowine. 
Dr.  Willinni   Weber. 
N.  W.  Wright. 
A.J.Fisher. 
C.  F.  Garrison. 
A.  B.  Ghere. 
S.  MeFall. 
L.M.  Moltwe'ler. 
John  W.  Irwin. 
W.  H.  Ragan. 
E.  G.  Berkoy. 
J.  H.  Briner. 
PostmasttM'. 
W.  V.  Hardy. 
A.B.  Tevis. 
Mary  Benson. 
Morman  Fislier. 
J.  G.  Kingslmry. 
Sue  E.  Williaiiis. 
Hon.  S.Johnson. 


First 
appeared.! 


Jasper 

Laeonia    

La  Kayetle 

Dii 

La  I'orto 

Leavenworth  . .. 

Magnolia 

Marengo 

Markland 

Milltown    

Monnt  Vernon.. 

Miineie    

N'ebrnska ' 

Xow  Albaiiv  ...  j 

Do  .....| 

Newliern 

Xewburgh I 

Xew  ilarnidny .  .■ 
Xew  Wasliingt'n] 
Oakland  (Mty  .   . 

Owensville 

I'atiika 

Patriot      I 

Posey  ville i 

Jtieliniond ' 

J{iK;liesler j 

Itonio    

Jiosewood 

Salem 

Seottsburgh  . .. 
Stonv  Point  ... 

Tell  City 

Tobinsport 

Valparaiso 

Vernon 

Vevav  

West  ville 

Wheatland 

Yeoman  


l.'<80 

1^8it 

l»S7lt 

i88o' 

1875 

1HH4 

lH«:i|.'| 

1K78 

188  It 

18711 

1880t 

1Hh:i 
I8rr.l 
I8nr.(?| 
I8s:i 

1874 
lH7(i 
188.' 
IHKl 
18801 

"1881  " 
1H82 
18(i9 


1882 
IKK4 
18801 


1875 

1874 

188fl 

1880 

1872t 

]873t 

1881t 

1877 

1882 


Ohscrr.r. 


J.  F.  Friedman, 
(ieoigo  li.  Itvraia 
J.  M.  Dresser 
V.  M    \V    bslel 
Dr.  Geo..,  .\ii,Uvw. 
I'ostniastei 
Pelev   J.Deir       ., 
I'ostinasle'' 
Jnlia  IS.  Iininii 
Ciiarles  P.  Trnttir. 
A.  A.  S|>ai  Ks. 
(iianville  Cowihj.'. 
J.  1).  Kn>'ter. 
Jcdin  II.  Mili'lMll. 
.rallies  N.  i'avlon. 
U.  F.Gliek.  ' 
.1.  IJ.  Mi'Kimiev. 
Frank  D,  Hcilliiii. 
II.  !•'.  Work. 
J.  H.  Me'lellan. 
ILL.  Stri<klaii.l 
William  (;.  KisliiT. 
J.  T.  Bodkin, 
diaries  Kiglillv. 
■loseph  ('.  l;allill'. 
•Tolin  SL  DavjM. 
J.  T.  Connor. 
John  II.  <;alvhi. 
Tliad.  Iliistdii. 
Melvin  lliibli;irii, 
'J'lios.  H.  Watliuiti.n. 
John  L.  Hiiber, 
(.".(".  Whitehead. 
K.  S.  Beaeli. 
Dalton  Iliiichinaii. 
William  I!.  .Siiallcail. 
E.  L.  I!eyii..hl.s. 
Kobert  itidgway. 
Charles  Metskei , 


t  About. 


In  INDIAN  TERRITORY  the  Sparrow  was  reported  not  present  in  the  antmnii  of 
1886  at  the  following  places : 


Locality. 


Cadilo,  Choctaw  Nation 1  F.  C.  Meadows. 

Mnseogee,  Creek  Nation..'  Postmaster. 
Oak  Lodge.Choctaw  Nation!  C.  H.  Patterson 


Localit  V. 


Okimilgee.  f^ret  k  Xatioii. 
Vinita, Cherokee  Xaiion 


Observer. 


(".  ('..  Behbor. 
W.  G.  Nellies. 


DISTRIBUTION    HY    STATES. 


207 


In  IOWA  the  Spiirrow  was  roptrted  proseut  in  the  nutimiu  of  ISriG,  at  the  follow 
inj;  pliicfs:  , 


Locality. 


Aoklt'V 

Apiiiv 

Alliia.' 

All<  IKIII 

lUMlliinl 

Itclii'vnc.    

llliioinliclil.  ... 
iliiilili;.'li>n  ... 

Do.    

Cellar  liapidx 
fliaridiii 

li.i  

(;iai'iiiila 

(.'iii:ihilU> 

('.irvdiiii 

Cirsldli 

Davciipiirt  ... 


Ui'iiniaiU 

Di's  MciiiiuH... 

|l(.  

Ho 

li.p  

Ho  Wilt.    ... 
1I||I>UI|III' 

Ho 

Ito     

I)MI«vilIr  .  ... 

Hlilliiliio 

I'liiiiicld 

Fuili'.v 

F(M  I  >    

(Jlcnwood  . ... 
(irinni'll 

Do 

Do     

Ciiiiciilicri.'... 
naiiil>iirj:li  . . . 


Flriit 
appeared. 


18«St 

187(1 

188.'> 

1881 

18841 

1870 

188t 


Obierver. 


188(1       \V.  FiHiiclx. 

1884       K.  T.  Sasic. 
K  .M.  .Milliluii. 

188')       J.  H..la(|ii<'K. 

I88II      A..J.So\v(iH. 

187(1       1)1.  I.auii'iico  Milliir. 

I881I      II.  I  .  KvaiLx. 
I  I).  Y.  Ovnloii. 

180!)!      IlownnI   KiiijrslmrN. 

1874t  !  Ali'X.CIuitUs. 

('.('.  SlIlllllOUH. 

TlioiiiUH  Spciicur. 

II.  K.    'roniliiiHoii. 

Joliii  'I'lioM.  I'aiiitiii. 

.I.S.  Whit  laker. 

S,  K.  I)a\i«. 

Uavviiport  Aciulcmv 
Natiiial  SricnccH. 

(J.  It.  lini.Urlt. 

.laiiii'S  l>.  (iiccii. 

!SSli      Hr.  K.  M.  Moiii^.ti. 
18S."i        (iiiii (."'  II-  Niiliols. 
D-81       (;.  K.  Kt'.V's. 
188-.'       J.D.Hoiirnc. 
1S70       K.lwniil  '1.  Koiiii. 
187!t       A    I'Mlol'tM. 
18781      Thro.  \V.  Kiirte. 

1883  1!.  W.lJadsd.ii. 
18751      M.  Il.Cnhlmwood. 

!  'rh()ma.s  (J.  Kohh. 
If8.'i      \V.  V.  Oldrldtii-. 

K.  EvHand. 

188lt     Theo.  WMvory. 

1884  .loliii    lloiijihtuu. 
I.viids  Joiii-s. 

18«1       Cliil  Ki'lsry. 
188(1       .laiiiPH  Schiocdpr. 
1881       Sidney  Moor. 


Locnllty, 


Hiiiii|it(>n 
Iii<h'|M'iid(>n('e 
low  11  City 

Do ..:.. 

Kiioxville. . 

I.eiMix  

L('Ht  Natluii 

I.voim . . 

Afai|iii)ke'a    .. 

MaicntJ'. 

MarHl'.iilltown 

MoiKierllo 

MoiitroHi 

Moiiiiii^Siiii 

.Moiiltoii 

MdHcatiii 

Ni'wton 

Osaac . . 

Do I 

O.skaloosa 1 

Do... 
Ottiinnva | 

Do  

PaikciHbiirjih  .  j 
ItcdOak i 

Do 

Sheiiandoal)  . 

Sidney 

Solon 

Vail 

Vinton 

Wapello 

Wankoii..   .. 

Do 

West  I.iheity 
AViiithrop.  ... 
A\(dcott 


1880 


188:11 

188j 

18811 

1884 

18841 

18821 

188'.'t 

1880 

1880 

18771 

188.-. 

188-J 


( 'buervcr. 


J.  n.  Peek. 
David  Dorinau. 
11.  L.  liond. 
C.  C.Nntfliitt. 
Oeoice  K.tllierrle. 
A.C.  Bilce. 
K.  M.  Flakier. 
M.H.  Westhrook. 
V.  W.Crane. 
A.J.  MoitIhoii. 
Max  Krn.skopr. 
P.O.  Itnheoek. 
ThoninH  W.ird. 
W.  A.  MiCoimick. 
.t.M.Willett. 
Janie8  J.  KiiHxell. 
W.  K.  DinKniuu. 
F.  W.  Annis. 
S.  It.  <Mia!ie. 
It.  F.  I.iiidly. 
Gid.  B.  McFnll. 
1).  C.  Hennnui. 

F.  M.  Milllkcu. 
N.  G.  Baker. 
Jaeoli  li.  Itakc. 
H.  E.  D.enier. 
J.  K.  Uatekin. 

G.  V.  Swearingen. 
C.  H.  Shirelilt 
M..r.  ('H.sev. 

S  D.  Kedlieid. 
L.  M.'IaniiHon. 
K.  M.  Ilaneoek. 
D  W.  Kee.l. 
Dr.  K.  Il.Kinp. 
M.  A.C'lianilierlaio. 
L.  ItiiMiiewit/. 


t  Ahoiit. 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  followiny  jtlaccs  iu  Iowa ; 


I-ocality. 


Alhicm 

All.n 

Altdona 

Aini'.-i 

.\ndi('W 

A|)lin;;ton 

Arcadia 

A voea  

llntlleCreek... 

Iiavard 

Biiicon 

Hlair.stown 

linono 

Britt 

Binoklyn 

Butler  Centre.. 

Canibridac 

Centieville  .... 

Clinrles  City... 

Do....... 

Coin 

Collax 

Coiiwa 

CorrLM'tionvillc. 

Dakota 

I1a\t(in 

lli'eorah 

Ditiaiiie 

pt'hisun 


Observer. 


Locality. 


Postniaxler. 

II.  A.Liel). 

W.  II.  Tompkins. 

Prof.  Ilerbeit  UMborn 

C.  W.  Lon-r. 

C.J.  Fitzpatriek. 

Postnnister. 

A.  P.  (,'rnnier. 

l'o.stnmstei'. 

Elmer  S.  Shi^nnon. 

Slary  SalisbiK'y. 

Carrie  Applet;.ite. 

John  A.  Hall. 

Po»tnin»ler. 

W.  T.  Sharp. 

H.  N.  Walker. 

J.  B.  Green. 

H.C.  Havnes. 

Dr.  Joel 'W.Smith. 

T.A.Hand. 

Po«ttnnster. 

S.V.Wilson. 

R.  A.  Holland. 

PoHtniHHter. 

Do. 

Do. 
.Tohn  Finn. 
PoHtniaiter. 

Do, 


Observer. 


Do  Soto 

Easle  (Jrove.. 

Karlin;; 

Early 

EldoVa 

Elkader  

El  wood 

Enimet.slMirfili 

Epworth 

Essex 

Estherville  ... 
Exira 


Famijiiit 

Ferry 

Fletcher 

Foutauello 

Forest  City 

Fort  Dodge 

Garnavillo 

Gilman 

Gilmoro  City  ... 
(irand  Jnnetion. 

1  Greene 

Greentield 

(rnthrie  Centre . 

Harlan 

Hawarden 

Homestead 

Hull 


E.  C.  Payne. 
Postniast<'r. 
J.H.Kuhl. 
Pf.straaster. 
M.  W.  Moir. 
D  (i.Gritlith. 
S.  II.  Clark. 
I'ostni  aster. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 

Do. 
S.J.  Beach. 
V.  Eveland. 
W.H.Mong. 
Postmaster. 
Martin  Cooper. 
Mr.  Rain. 

Theo.  J.  Krasinsky. 
J.  H.Seages. 

F.  E.  Beers. 
Tcnny  Smith. 
Postmaster. 
Paul  Dowlio. 
Postmaster. 
B.  I.Kinsey. 
J.  C.  Miller. 
William  Moersbel. 
Edward  O.  PInnibe. 


w 


208 


THE    KNGLI8H    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


liooslitjr. 


Ittii  (irnvo 

liiinKi'iiH 

IiiiliaiKilii 

Do 

lown  (JIty 

Jl'HIIII 

.I.'W.ll 

KiOlt'i'ton 

Lake  MilU.. 

LaiiHtii); 

Lu  MarM 

Do 

Lnoii 

liCWlH 

I/lv.'inioro 

L<i);iin 

I.VIIMVUU'   

Alai'cilnniit 

M(',(ii'i<f;i>i' 

Do 

MackHliiirKli 

MalviTii 

Marlilr  liock  .... 

MapK-toii 

Mariiu 

MaHoii  (Mty 

Munlo 

Do 

MplroHo 

MillorabiirKli 

>Iiiil)iiiii 

Mnnnioiitli 

NnHluia  

Niivoda 

Novinvillo 

Now  Pr<>viiU>nf(( 
Noitliboroiinh  . . . 

Oiiklniiil 

Odoliolt 

Ooaua 

Do 

Orango  C!Uy 

I'aiiora 

Porsia 

Terry 


Obtcrver. 


Ooorgr  S.  Witters. 

I'oHtiiiaHtcr. 

1. 1..  Kiio. 

K.  M.AIilliki'ii. 

Iloniy  N.  UtTiy 

PoHliiiaitter. 

Do. 
K.tl.Hinith. 
PoHtnumter. 
J.  Until. 
N.  ItiMlinon. 
.1.  K.  Voct. 

PoHtlliaHllT. 

V.  M.Cdiirud. 
PoHtiiiBKlor. 
J.T.St..Mi. 
.r.S.  KItcIi. 
PoHtniaHtiT. 
A.  K.  llotVr. 
O.  A.  Ki'iiyoii. 
Jolni  D.  Ijovo. 
H.  l..(il(lley. 
0.  K.  Wooit. 
W.  K.Siott. 
Oliif.  lii'imen. 
11.  K",'il. 
A.II.CiriHell. 
U.  It.Sliavi'i. 
ilaiiirs  DiifiKnn. 
Kli  Swc«t. 
D.C.BlitjIi. 
L.  W.lliilibard. 
J.M.dinilaiiil. 
K.  D.  Kfiiii. 
■r..T.Crawlunl. 
O.K.  Miller. 
C.  P.  Greene. 
J.  A.T.  Ball's. 
V.  K.  HtiiiH'tt. 
K.  P.  FLslu-r. 
C.(}.  Perkins. 
W.  ll.CiiHaily. 
Postninsler. 
Janiex  Lain);. 
D.U.  West. 


Locality. 


PnteiRon 

PoealiontUH ... 

Poiiieroy 

Poatvillu 

PreHtoii 

Prinitflinr 

Rnnilolpli 

ICoinlieek ...:... 

Korkl'oril    

Kock  Hapids 

Rock  Valley 

RiinnellH 

Kiitliveu 

HaoClty 

Sanborn  

ScliuUer 

Seymour 

Shertioia   

UhellabiirKli 

Shelby 

Sheldon 

Sibley 

Silver  City 

Sioux  Kapids 

Hloan    ; 

Stnlthlnnd 

Spencer ' 

Spirit  Lake 

Strawberry  Point 

Tenipleton 

Unioiirillo 

Urbanna 

Van  Horn 

Victor 

Villisea 

Wall  Lake 1 

Walnut 

AVebstor  City 

Wo.siev 

West  I'oint -I 

Westside 

Whittemoro 

Wiola 

Woodbine 

Worthinjitou 


Ui>acrvi)r. 


Piistniaster. 
J.  K.  Harlan. 
William  T.Ivey. 
N.J.  Heedy. 
.V.  (iodes. 
F.  M.  Long. 
I'ostnmster. 
William  K.  Kallas. 
C.  K.  Myers. 
Messrs.  Pierce  &  Co. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 

Do. 
.I.W.  (iarrii    i. 
D.U.  Phelps. 
F.(i.l!utler. 
M.ti.Cain. 
W.S.  Uowen. 
Alex.  Kun\on. 
It.  D.  Prouty. 
('..S.  M.  Lanry. 
A.  D.  Tinslev. 
J.C.ChristV. 
A.  P.  Roberts. 
J.  S.  MeSparran. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
.rolin  Mosher. 
P.AV.Keilh. 
Peter  Neu. 
A.  Hicks. 
K.  (ice. 
I'ost  master. 
W.  L.  Kckliard. 
P.  1).  Merrick. 
li.Pattison. 
W.  IIoppci'. 
Cliailes  Alilrich. 
Poslniaslev, 
John  KempkiT.  jr. 
L.  Scotteia. 
H.  P.  Hatch. 
A.S.  lialier. 
L.  W.White. 
Postmaster. 


In  KANSAS  tbo  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  iiulnnui  of  18ril5  at  llic  lol- 
lowing  places: 


Locality. 


First 
appeared 


Abilene 

Do 

Arvonia 

Baker 

Baldwin  City 

Reattie 

Rlaluc 

Rronsou 

Rurlinpvme 

Burlintrtou 

Cedar  Point 

Chauiite 

Cherry  vale 

Circlc'villo 

CoUiny 

Cottoiiwood  Fallh 

Derby 

Doniphan 

EllinKliam 

Kl  Dorado 

KImdale 

Kniporia 

Enterprise 

Kureka 

Fail  River 

Foptaua 


1880t 

IKHI 
IHHL'I 

itw;it 

l«7r.l 
1884 
IHHt 
1H8U 


Observer. 


II.  II.  Flovd. 
Prof.Jno.W.Robson 
Postmaster. 
Do. 

1)0. 

Do. 
Do. 

A.  Ford. 

J.  Mayborrj'. 

Patrick  W.  floyd. 

Wilham  M.  Doi'igbty, 

S.  II.  Scott. 

Postmaster. 

M.  H.  Roller. 

Postmaster. 

W.  P.  Martin. 

Michael  Cooke. 

Postmaster. 

J.  A.  Cohoon. 

Postmaster. 

James  It.  JelFrey. 

Rev.  Henry  Mackay. 

Prof.  J.  AV.  Rolison. 
I  A.W.Hart. 
I   William  McBrown. 
j  M.J.  Cam]ihcll. 


Fort  Riley 

Fort  Scott 

B'rankl'oit 

Fulton 

Onrnott 

Do 

Greeley 

Greuola 

Ilavensville 

Hiawatha 

Highland 

Ilillsboro 

loin 

Larkiu 

Lawrence 

Lobo 

Le  Roy 

Louisburiih 

Mcl'her.sun 

Manhattan 

Do 

Marion 

Melvern    

Morantown  

Moi;{anvilli'  ... 
Moirill 


First 
appeared. 


1880t 

18,S5 

1880 

]8K'J 

188.-) 

188(1 

1883 

18831 

1881) 

18S4 

188.-I 

1885 

I88:i 

1877 

'1881 " 
I88t 
188)1 
18821 
1880 
1884 
18!<0 
188,'i 
i88!-. 
18841 


John  D.  Parker. 
J.  F.Cottrell. 
Postmaster. 
D.C.Johnston. 
J.S.  McCartney. 
M.A.Pafie. 
Postmaster. 
Thos.B.  Hatcher. 
L.  W.  Dennen. 
11.  C.Baker. 
WeslevTievett. 
John  (>.  Hill. 
Altes  II.  Campbell. 
P.C.Sweauey. 
R.F.  Smith. 
J.D.Ambrose. 
A.V.CoOiiL 
R.A.Wrii;ht. 
Warren  Kuans. 
l)r.(;has.P.  iilailil.v, 
Prof.  1).  K.  Lanlz. 
Charles  Hardca.stle. 
It.  D.tJriss. 
P.J.  McUla-shan. 
Postmaster. 
A.Cottrel), 


I  About. 


Iviy. 


KiillaH. 

nve  St.  Co. 

r. 


II    1. 

>H. 
I'. 

Ml. 

\(lll. 

t.V- 

my. 
l.\v. 
l.v. 
rlH. 

HI'IHII. 

r. 

IIT. 

h. 


ir. 

Iiiiril. 

•irk. 

M. 

l.'lii.h. 

pkiT,  Jr. 

ii. 
1-. 

itu. 
>r. 


!()  at  till'  M- 


jb.scrver. 


D.  Paikor. 
ottiiU 
imtcr. 

IlllllStOII. 

IcCartiicy. 
Pa;;!!. 
laHtcr. 
B. IlatcbiT. 
Diiiiicu. 
UakiT. 

Tii'Vi'tt. 
...Hill. 
H.CampbiU. 
wcaucy. 
iiiilli. 
\niliroHi\ 
JoOiiL 
Wii«lit. 
n  Kuans, 
las.  1'.  lHailily. 
1).  K.  I.aiitz. 
s  Uarilcastle. 
JrixH. 

Ictiliisliaii. 
lasttir. 
trell. 


DISTKIUUTION    IJV    STATEM. 


209 


t  About. 


It  waH  reported  not  prciciit  at  tbu  fullo\viii<{  phices  iu  KiiiiHUH: 


Locality. 


.Maniiita 

Alma 

Alliiiiiiiiit 

AlliMiiia , 

AhIiIuiiiI 

Atniioil 

11,1  relay , 

Harm's 

Hcniiiiii^tDii 

lli'liiit 

Dciitiiii 

Do , 

liliii'  Miiiiud 

t'alilwfll 

Cawkci'  City 

Odai'villu 

Chfcwi- , 

(lav  (.riitro 

Dollar  Citj' 

HoiTniici! , 

DdWiis  

Klk  l''iills 

Kiiilma 

Kainswoitli  

Fivdcinia  (1887) 
(iai'ili'ii  Plain  ... 

(iailicid 

Iliraiil 

(ll,i.«i(i 

(iriat  I'fMil 

(Iieciiliat' , 

lliiysCity , 

Hoplei' 

lluiiiifwoU 

Iluli'liiiison 

Imlii.slry 

Idiiia 

•rviiiK 

Iiika 

Jetuiiiio , 

•rrwHi , 

Klimli-y , 

Kliwiii 

Laruuil 

Do 

Lonora  

Liberty , 


Obscrvor. 


M.S.Kotcli. 
Matt  Tboin.son. 
PoHtiiiantiT. 
M.  Atiiiii'u. 
M.  Milton  liailcy. 
PdstinaHtcr. 
David  11.  Knibi'i'O, 
PdHlmaHtcv. 
U.W.  Ilnuiiioy. 
K.  A.'^a^^lI•. 
W.ll.MtBonJf. 
PostniaHter. 
Ui). 

().  Ht'CHOII. 

AVilliaiii  Wliitnoy. 

T.  W.  Koa. 

Pint'. .loliii  W.Kobson. 

K.C.AVilson. 

I''.  M.  Kt!('iin'r. 

li.J.ltankin. 

D.  S.Gardintr. 
Groigo  Kain. 
T.C.DiiiliiiK. 
(tt'orfio  H.  llalcmun. 
Iti'oico  B.  Brown. 
J.S.tiill.M'st. 

M.  \V.  KIdci'. 
K.  A.  WasKcr. 
Noali  Wolcli. 
H.  P.  Bain. 
O.K.  Howo. 
JoHBiili  K.  Wilson. 
J.T.Didliikc. 
J.  O.  Uivwster. 

E.  M.  Yodeii. 
A.  T.  Mnnvoc. 
Ht'i'mau  (3i)l8ou. 
PoHtniastiT. 

S.  W.  Taylor. 
J.  W.  Winn. 
K.W.  Hill. 
James  P.  Alcorn. 
C.  K.  Moii.dl. 
S.  8.  Dickinson. 
Jleury  ISootb. 
T.J.Gilbert. 
A.F.Johnson. 


Locality. 


Observer. 


Lincoln 

Litcbllcld 

LyoiiH 

Do 

McPI.iUSou* 

Do 

^lankato 

Ma|>li'tiiii 

Jlaniiii'tli) 

Marvin 

Millbrookc 

Molino 

Monrovia 

Miiniiinrnt 

Mound  Valley  .. 
Miillierry  Grovi 

Norton 

Oak  Valley 

Opiilis 

Osliorim 

Piltsliiiiuli 

Plainville 

Pottervillu 

Pratt 

I'roscott 

Kecco 

]{iisli  (y'entro 

KiiHsell 

Scandia 

Sudan 

tSlieniianvillu  . .. 
Stiiilll  (,'eiitio  ... 
Soliinion  City*  .. 
Soiitli  Haven  ... 

Steiliiiir 

Towiiiida 

UnioutoAU 

Viiiiinf 

Wa  Keeiiey 

Wasliin^ttiin 

Wateiville 

Wallieiia 

WVir 

AVestplialia 

Wliito  Kdck  .... 
White  Cloud.... 
Winfield 


J.  IVQiifr. 
W.  11.  Dennison. 
(iiMiiKo  W.Clark. 
W.T.  NielicdaH. 
Tbe'dloro  lioima. 
15.  .S.  Boiiiiev. 
K.  P.  llaneiolt. 
K.  P.  llijsby. 
J.  A.  Foster. 
Pfwtiiiaster. 
W.  11.  Aiidersou. 
J.F.Gooeh. 
Thomas  K.Cook. 
John  11.  Knnis. 
Po»liim.stir. 
AdaL.MiUor. 
Walter  U.  (/'nnnon, 
(leornc  U.  Sator. 
PoHtiuaster. 
Leroy  T.  Weeks. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
W.ti.Short. 
Postinaster. 

Do. 

Do. 
K.F.  Mnllay. 
F.  K.  Jeionio. 
William  Walker. 
D.J.Mooro. 
PiKStniaster. 
L.  K  l!ee,se. 
D.W.  Wilson. 
M.  ^Iiisjirovo. 
J.  Il.Sclilieliter. 
A.Swi^iyett. 
J.  U.  Moore. 
I'ost  master. 
Geoiuo  M.rtfora. 
PoHtimister. 
George  H.  Titconib 
Po.st  master. 
J.  Morgan,  jr. 
Postinaster. 
A.  11.  VVarnor. 
Samiiel  Flinu. 
tieorj;e  C.  Penibaiigh. 


8404— Bull.  1- 


'  Reported  present  by  another  observer. 

—14 


J  i\ 


m 


210 


TlIK    KNOLISII    SI'AKUOW    IN    AMKUICA.. 


h' 

.. 

If 

\" 

m 

-, 

IHn^ 

II 

^:  •i; 


Id  KENTUCKY  tho  Himrrow  was  ruported  iiroHcnt  in  tUo  autuiiiu  of  IHHfl  at  tho 
following  }ilacoH: 


Luciility, 


AilnirviUo 

Allinny 

Aiibiiiji 

AitKiiHtii 

liiiffilitil 

Uiirliiiui'iivillo.... 

Ilitrilwul   

BciUonl 

Dloomllrld 

liooiiovllle 

Uuwiing    Urooii 

( ii«ar  J . 
ltuwlin){(ii'«oii. .. 
Bi'ownMvillii  .... 

BurkHHvillu 

Jtlll'liDKtOIl 

Ciuliz 

CiiiToUton 

CttHky 

'  CalluCUbiirKli  ■■■ 

C'lintoii 

Coltinibiis 

(!ro8criit  mil 

l)itnvillu 

I))nvH()ii 

lillzalintlitown... 

Elkton 

Kniluunco 

Kiibaiik 

yaliiioiitli 

Fluiiiiii)!Hbiir){li .. 

Kiiiiikfoit 

Vi'iiiikliii 

I'llllOIl 

Ooi-niiintowii 

Glifiit 

(irayHoii 

(Jio(mHlnirt;li 

OnMdivllli! 

UanlinHbiirj;!! .  .- 

]Inrt ford  

Hawcsvillo 

Ulckiuan 


Klmt 
appdarod. 


1884 
lK78t 

IHMIt 

IHTIIt 

IHHU 

IHH.'S 

1KH3 

1808t 

1883 

18h:ii 

IH78 

lH8t 

18801 

IHHOt 

IHHIi 

18Hlf 

1K8U 

1870) 

18H4 

1HH3 

ISiHOI 

1874 

1883 


IKMOI 

18821 

1880 

18t^0l 

1881 


188-.'l 

188-1 

1880 

187K1 

1877 

1H81 

1880 

ml)' 

18701 
1877 


A.M.  Miwdy. 
W.I,.Siiiiir.' 
1.1).  I'rrkiiiH.     * 

.l.ll.IioiKll-. 

K.  r  DtMilo... 

'rilDIIIIIH  II.  AniiH. 
ifoliii  \V.  TiiHk 
I.roiiaril  (i.  IVak. 
Joliii  Allan  TiTi'i'll. 
lliiii.iii'cni  lli'i'i'tliiiir. 
W.Co.>k. 

PDHtiiiaHttr. 

Jlonry  K.Siiiitli. 

AV.  K.  Aloxuiidcr. 

Puxtiiiiuitcr. 

U.Kiiiitli. 

I'oHtniantBr 

Kiank  li.  llniicock. 

.I.C.Kanlln. 

W.  C.  Porter. 
"F.  II.  Uanlnnr. 
■  'I'lioinaH  S.  K<>mir«ly. 
I  JatiioH  K,  MaiTH. 

AV.I).  llnllnnian. 

I    t'OHllllllHtor. 

K.  W.  Weill  liors. 
I  I'oHlniiisti'i'. 
j  Joliii  li.  l.owin. 

MtH.M.  A.Claik. 

II.(\  AhIiIuii. 
I  (!.  IC.  liiiwiiinn. 

T.  M.(io<.ilKiiij;lit. 

II.  K.  Taylor. 

J.  A.  Walton. 

OeorucU.Bowio. 

A.K.lim. 

\V.,1.  Taylor. 

C.  W.Sliort. 

I    J.  K.  JollIIHOtl. 

A.li.  liaiid. 
>  I).  L.  Adair. 
I  L.O.l'iudar. 


Locality. 


apt  '  aird. 


IIopkiiiHvllIu  . .. 

IBV.t 

1 1114% 

1884 

Irvitio 

1883 

■luiiiimlowii 

1H82 

I.a  (iiaiixu 

18711 

I.uiicaNlt'r 

18771 

l.(txliiutoti 

18081 

Mliiirty 

1884 

1882 

1870 

I.olliHVillu 

1874 

Madlxoiivillo 

18S0 

1882 

Maysvillo 

18781 

Moi';;aiill(dd 

i  881)1 

Now  itavon 

18741 

Now  LibiTtv.... 

l«80t 

Newport 

Nit^liolaivillo  . .. 

1878 

Do  



I'aintHvillo 

1884 

I'Ikcvlllo 

18H» 

rrovideiico 

1881 

iticliMioiid 

187!)i 

Sanilv  Hook 

IKH.15 

Seliri'O 

18H4I 

Sliolbvvillo 

1878i 

SlioplicrdMvillo. . 

I8.'i;( 

.Sinipmiiivlllu,.. 

1H71) 

.SinlMilaiid 

ISH) 

SiiiidrH  (irovo.. 

IhH:.' 

1><HII 
lt-81 

Soiitli  ('iimilltou 

Stmiloid 

1873 

TavlorHvillo 

18781 

TonipkiiiHVlllo. . 

18K5 

Tioiitoii 

IH82t 

V»iicrliiir(jli 

lK70t 

Went  Libiily. .. 

1884 

Williaiuslowu  .. 

187(it 

Olmorver. 


JoliM  \V.  Mil'liiisiiu 
N.  W.Cniui. 
iliiiio  It.  I'liriv. 

I'llHllllllNtor. 

.I.K.CInvk. 
W.II.WIioirill, 
Dr.  U0I..1 1  IVltT 
I'tiHtiiiantir. 
U.  M.JackHoii. 
Mrn.  (',  C .Sullivan. 
.r.  11.  Nail. 

.1.  V.  Dl'IMpMOV. 

J. (I.  KoclieHlir. 

A.O.  Kl'HpONN. 

II.  It.  lIiiKJu'S. 

W.T.Scott. 

Dr.  II.O.  KodiiiMii. 

•roiiii  Coi'Mh. 

I*.  11.  .Spi'rico. 

INwInoiMtcr. 

Do  \Vln(.'.SIi.lv. 

W.C.rliirk.       ' 

I'oMtina.st(i'. 

K.  (;.  Hatclicr. 

.1.  A.Uiidy. 

Stoplicti  I).  I'aiiixli. 

1..  llaiiry. 

.loliii  A.  \Villiii:;liaiii, 

Dr.OrniMli'  lii.n. 

»'.('.  1,(0. 

K.  11.(1. otKc. 
A.. I.  Itclioiit. 
I'oHtiiiastor. 
John  Iniiiaii. 
.1.0.  Kvorl.v. 
ThoiiiaH  Kirlriiils. 
Itiilli  C.  r.tii'ton. 
I'ostMiaNtii'. 
I..  II.  Arnold. 
.T.  Spark..*. 
William  M.  Kmilall 
I'ostinastor. 


t  About. 
It  was  reportoil  not  present  at  tbu  fullowitig  placoH  iu  Kuntiicky  : 


Locftllty. 

Observer. 

Loeality. 

Observer. 

Backiiatttircrh 

Henry  ('.  Wade. 
SV.  L.  Hi  idgewatcr. 
W.l.  Watmm. 
J.  1'.  Miller. 

Edmonton 

J.  I'.  Van  Zant. 

W.  D.  Cardwelt. 

Blantlvilio 

Salyersville 

Young's  Springs 

S.  K.  Ilajzer. 
AVilliani  11.  tJaragan. 

In  LOUISIANA  tho  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  tbff  autumn  of  188G  at  tlie 
following  places : 


Locality.         ^^;^^ 

Observer. 

I"""*"*^-         apjewed.             "'"'«^ver. 

Barataria 

Bavoa  U-ouIa 

18831 

William  B.Borthoud. 
W.  C.  Percy,  jr. 
P.L.Viallon. 
W.C.Percy,  jr. 
L.  E.  Bentley. 
CbarlosE.  Nesmitli. 
Postmastef. 
Joseph  W.  Carcw. 
Postmaster. 

Napoleonvillo  ..         1884      Dr.CIiarlosMe.ivilli-. 
New  Orleans '        18741  ,  W.  W.  Edwanls. 

%o .....: ... 

i882t 

1884 

1881 

Plaquemiuo 1        I8HO    ;  fMinrles  E.  Dimiiv. 

Black  Hawk 

Donaldsonvillo... 
Do 

1  Pointe  Coupee.. 

i  Port  Hudson 

1  Saint  Joseph 

;  Schriover 

1885 
1882 
1886 
1885 

Postmaster. 
Do. 

A.  Itouduannt. 

Edgard 

1884 
1881 
1880 

I'ostiiirtstpr. 

Hahnville 

J,  A.  Burbauk. 

Lafourche  Cross- 
ing. 

t  About. 


volt. 
'iiragRii. 

188G  at  tho 


UISTRiniJTION    MY    8TATKS. 
It  wax  ruporlod  not  iiroNoiit  nt  tho  fullowiiiK  pIncoH  in  LouiHiaiiit: 


211 


In  MAINE  tlio  Sparrow  wus  roporteil  prosoiit  in  tlio  iintmim  of  188(3  at  tho  follow- 

ii|i;  [iIiiuoh: 


Locality. 

First 
niiiH'urud. 

Ob.server. 

Locality. 

First 
aiiiicarod. 

(Hiscrvur. 

Bangor  

Until 

F.  P.  BriggH. 
Oporgo  h.  Niiwiiiaii. 
Ooorge  K.  Brackott. 
Manly  llaiily. 
Gcorgt)  A.  Boimlniiin. 
Dr.  (f.  A.  Mai  till. 
K.AV.Diinbai. 
>r.  D.  (.'ocliiaiio. 
Jns.O.  WliittiJiiioio. 
E.E.KicUaids. 
Joliii  StHwart. 
W.K.  Wright, 

North  LI  vermoin 
OgiiiKIuit 

1883 

18821 

IMHI 

1858 

Goorgo  TT.  Borry. 
Daniel  W.  I'ork'ins. 

Bill'iist 

1883 

188*f 

18831 

1884 

1883 

■"'mot' 

18801 

I'lof.  (;.  II.  Furiiald. 

I)re\yt'r 

Portland 

Do  

Nathan  ii.  Brown. 

Cliiiiii 

Do  

18701 

1858 

(!.  1'.  MattcK'h. 

Do 

Everett  Smith. 

llextcr 

PrciHijiio  Talo. ... 

John  Stowart. 

Fiiirllflil 

KoiuUlcId 

•      -1886 

II.O.  Nickfison. 

Kiiiminnliiii 

Hoiiltuii 

Arthur  II.  Norton. 

Sontli  Windliaiii 
WatcrbiJiough.. 

(;.  K.  Alhin. 

Lvwistmi 

18S2 

C.  W.  Cu.stcllow. 

1  About. 


It  w;i,s  reported  not  present  at  tho  following  places  in  Maine: 


Locality. 

Obsorver. 

Locality, 

Observer. 

East  Siivry 

Samuel  Warsou. 
F.P.Biiggs. 

Skowlicgan 

A.  U.  Smiloy. 

lludsou 

rlHsMn.ivilli' 
Edwards. 

E.  Dupw.V- 

iter. 


P5:    .■  W"^- 


m 

Si:': 


212 


THE    ENGLISH    BPARUOW    IN    AMElilCA. 


m 


'W- 


ill 


In  MARYLAND  tho  Sparrow  was  rcimrtcd  preseut  in  tbo  autumu  of  188G  at  tbu 
following  place.s: 


Locality. 

First 
appeared, 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

18771 

1878 

18701 

187.ii 

18.S0 

18.801 

187!lt 

18781 

18701 

18701 

18771 

187et 

1870 

Observer. 

F.  K.  Stc'('le. 
Otto  Lusjjer. 
Itobi'rt  Lamar. 
William  C.Karn. 
L.  I'ltcrnian. 
A.Willi.son. 
S.  N.McNair. 
C.  H.  Walker, 
ticorj^o  1*.  Tliisile. 
W.  T.  Swartz. 
S.C.  Crown. 
Patrick  Carroll. 
Adam  Shower. 

Mcdianicstowii. 
i  MUUlU^tiiwu  .... 

New  WiiiiLsor  .. 

Oakland 

,  Salisbury 

1  Sandv  Sprinj; .. 
1       Do 

K.  L.  Hoblilz. 

E.M.liowlii.s. 

J.  K.  liiilliui'toii. 

1'.  Ifaniill. 

K  Stanley  Tdnilviii 

Henry  (MliilliiHtll, 

11  II  Miller 

Ijaltimoro 

]!ooii.sbor()iij;li  ■  - . 
lIurkittKvillo  ... 

Clear  Spring 

Cuiiiberlaiid 

Kiiimitsbiirf; 

Frostliuruh 

Grautavillo 

Ilafjerstowii 

Hancock 

Loimcouiuii; 

Manchester 

i87.n 

]S7!»t 

18701 

1808 

18791 

1878t 

1880 

18701 

180.") 

18781 

1872t 

Sliiirp.slmrjili 

SiMillisliiirjih  . .. 

'I'ane.vlown 

ITiiioii  ]5iid);e. .. 
Westminster  ... 
Williatiisport . .. 

Henry  M.  JdIiii.siiu. 
Manoali  Metz. 
J.  A.  lirioclnu  r. 
Edward  W.  L.  ed-s. 
JoHcpli  I!.  Uoyle. 
S.  11.  Wolf. 

t  About. 

In  MASSACHUSETTS  tbo  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  antunin  of  lA'^G 
at  tho  following  places : 


Locality. 


Amherst 

Uoston 

Brookline 

Do -... 

Canibridgo 

Do 

CottafioCity 

Cutty  hunk 

Drac'ut 

Ea.st  Templcton  . 

Edgartown 

Falmouth , 

Fitehbiif}: 

Ilolyoke 

bo 

Do 

Lynn 

Do 

Medford 

Middloborouf;li  .. 

Nantucket 

Newton 


First 
appeared. 


Observer, 


Locality. 


I     First 
a])poarcd. 


1874t 
]87.'it 

188:;  t 


18721  !  Ilubort  L.  Clark. 

Jo.sepli  M.  Wade. 

1808    :  X.  A.l'raiu'i.s. 

(lordon  I'luninier. 

William  BreW'.ster. 

Dr.  II.  A.  llaKen. 

F.  r.  Vineont. 

Alou/.o  DajiK"''- 

Asa  Clenuiut. 

Charles  E.  Inf;all». 

Henry  A. Pease. 

F.  J.  C.  Swift. 

rrof.F.E.L.iJeal. 

T"  onuis  Chalmers, 

\  ■    Mam  y.  Lamb. 

li.if.Metcalf. 

)873t  i  Waldo  Tli()ni])S()u. 

I  .John  Ij.  Tolman. 

18091  ;  .lohn  Ayies. 
187,51  ;  H.A.ISowen. 
18S2t     J.F.  Murphcy. 
18771     J.  W.l'earson. 


i88;i 

1880 

18811 

188'2t 

1872t 

18701 


Newton  11  i  g  h- 
lands. 
Now  Worcester. 

Norfolk  

North  Adams... 
Noi  thaiiipton ... 

Kehobotli 

Siusconsct  

Somerset 

Speiuir 

Spi  inglield 

Do 

Do 

Taunton 

Do  

Tyngsborough.. 
Vuioyard  Haven 

West  ford 

West  Koxbury.. 
"West      Spring- 
Held. 

'Woburn 

Woods  lIoU 


I 


18741 

188;if 

1880 

187,51 

187!) 

18801 

1874 

187.".  1 

"i8eoV 

]  8V  0 1 
H78t 


II-;.  Ht 
188;!t 
18701 
18801 

18751 
1881 


Observer, 


James  F,C,  Ilydt. 

Tlieo.G,Ball, 
L.C.Keith. 
Nelson  Diipny. 
L.  0.  Ferry. 
1'.  H.  Cariientcr. 
I'.M.Aliny. 
Elislia  Slade. 
(Uarence  L.  Cate. 
J.  W.  Adams, 
(ieorgo  A.Sollv. 
Dr.P.  L.  li..Stiikn.y. 
Charles  II.  AimIih.-i.' 
John  C.  (^alieiJii. 
C.W.  Swallow. 
John  F.  lioliiusou. 
L.W.  Wheeler. 
C.  A.  Ilewins. 
J.  N.  Hagg. 

E.  11,  Itichaids, 
J,  II,  Kidder. 


t  About. 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  tho  following  places  in  Massachnsetts: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

! 

Observer. 

AVni.  A.  Vanderhoop. 
O.  A.l'arker. 
Miss  M.  E.  I'aiue. 

Spencer  feountryl 

West  Xiabury 

II.  H.  Kingsbury. 
C.  W.  Nickerson. 

Malil'ax 

iLOVILlutuU    ............. 

DISTUinUTKXN    IJY    STATES. 


213 


880  lit  tbu 


f  In  MICHIGAN  the  Sparrow  wixs  iei)oitctl  presoiit  in  tlio  autumn  of  1886  at  the 
following  iilaces: 


Locality. 


linn  of  18H6 


Ada 

AciiiiiltiiriilCol- 


1)1). 


Alliioii 

Alli';;aii 

Alli'ii 

Alma 

Aliiiiiiil 

Al]M>iia 

Ann  Ailior 

AiIkiim 

liail  A  NO 

1)0 

lialihviii  (It-SS).. 

liivCitv 

li,.ar  Lalic 

ILllairr  (1888)  .. 

r>i'ii/ii]ii:i 

lieniiii  SpiiiigH 

r.l:;  ItapliU 

iidViu'  (Jily 

I'loyiic  Falls , 

liiicliaiian 

ItMnlii'kvillo 

Itiirlin^tnii 

I'iili'dmiiii      Sta- 

linll. 
Cassnpolis  ..«..., 

I'lMllll'VillO 

('li.nli)Iti' 

(.'Ii('1iiiv;;aii 

I'iari'  '. , 

I'dlllw.ltcT 

t'('!i('(iril 

Ij.niiiiia 

Itciniit  (1888)... 

llniT 

Kalon  Rajiiils  ... 

KIk  Uapiii.s 

Ksoaiiaim , 

I'.vart 

Vaniiiniilou 

I'an^-i'll , 

Kill-  Lake 

I'raiikruit 

I).).  

Kaiiii's  Station. .. 

(ialicii 

lil.iilwiii , 

(jrand  llavcii 

(iraiid  Kai)ids 

Do 

Orass  Lake 

Ilravliiiir , 

(ilvi'llVilli' 

llarlmr  Spriiiss.. 
Ilun'isoii 

1)0 

llirnsvillo 

llavl 

Do 

Han  lord 

Ila.stiiiu's. 

liiliiiiaii 

llilUdalo 

Holland 

Hmnir 

Hii|ikiii.<'     St.T- 
lion. 

Hmlson 

Huron    

'iiila.v  i'My 

llljftcu ...'. 


Firflt 
appeared. 


188« 

1885 


1885 

"mi 
"im'\ 


1«7(U 
1882 

1883 


187!) 
188;!t 


188,">1 
188;i 
18781 
18H:! 

188.-. 
18711 
1881 
]8H:t 

1881 

1881t 
1879 
187r) 
1882 

'1870" 
1881 
1881 


188.'> 
IWll 
1880 
)S7(i 

18.-:; 


1H.-1 

IKftl 

18.-llt 

1882 

1876 

1882 

1884 

1.871f 

I88i 

18811 

i882" 


18,'<2 
1881 


Observer. 


Po.stniaster. 
A.. I.  Conk. 

I'rofe.s.siir  of  botany 

nni!  (nii'nli-y. 
Alai'tin  Haven. 
Kev.  I).  D.CIiapin. 
Jolui  ]I.  Parish. 
T.  n.  Kly. 
K.  G.  And  ins. 
William  Honllon. 
J.  1!.  Sleere. 
J.  F.(;uli). 
Hell  Invin. 
.T.  T.  Korick. 
Jiobert  J.  MattbowH. 
F.  W.  (JrinMcll. 
■John  N.  ISriidie. 
A.  S.  Abbott. 
I'Mson  l'o(diiird. 
Frenninl  D.  Nii  liids. 
J.  T.  Ksci.tl. 
Walter    Ware     and 

.las.  ly  Ciiinplndl 
IMonroe  l)i<  kinsnn. 
.I.L.  Kiebartls. 
A.  S.  Fritz. 
I'dstmaster. 
Kate,  KonUle. 


Locality. 


First 
'appeared. 


Itliaca 

Jaekson  (1881).. 

1)0  ...do  .. 

Do  ...do.... 

.Tonesville 

Kalania/.iio 

l)u  

KentCily 

KIniisli'y 

I,an.''in'; 

1.  ipeer 

Lenaweo  Jnnc- 

ti(in. 
Licdvley  Corner.^. 

I.oeke  

.MrMillan 

Manisti'e  (1888). 
.Manisti(|iie 


18,^0 


18^2 

18701 

187(i 

188) 

1874 

1882 

1878 

18.S3 

187.-> 
18.-<5 
]88;t 
1878 


L.ir.  (Mover. 
J.A.l{n.s.sell. 
(;.  S.  Jiarrett. 
C.A.(Jalla};lnr. 
A,(;.  Aldrleh. 
David  U.  Dennis. 
David  K.  llaskiiis. 
1)1'.  (J.  T.  Arnistioiis. 
lialpli  I'belp.s.Jr. 
Frank  Sonnner. 
S.  i;.  Fnller. 
■lann's  K.  Uaukin 
T.  Killiai.. 
U'.L.  Stoddard. 
Frank  D.Clark. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
Cliailes  Hiirmeister. 
Wni.  (t.  Viiorlieis. 
N.  P.  Se(land. 
(i.  A.Hlakeslee. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
.fames  Cox. 
Chailes  W.  Oarnebl. 
Frank  ().  IDllier. 
,T.().  Iladlev. 
.J.  F.Tavb.r. 
Will  K,  ilaniplon. 
William  W.  (!ruuu. 
Postmaster. 

Do. 
F.T.  Mnoford. 
K.  1).  Ilii'linmml, 
Kdward  Finley. 
.Tolin  Hessmer. 
Postoiastcr. 
Ira  I!.  Card. 
William  Verboek. 
C.  F.  Collins. 
I'ostmaster. 

A.  11.  Ib)ie.-.. 
Andrew  Shaw. 
K..1.  Landers. 
O.  F.  Jai'ksou. 


irarquetto 

Do 

Maishall  

Martin 

May 

Mears 

Menominee 

Merrill 

Midland 

Do 

Millet 

Monroe 

Moreiici 

Monnt  ('liMnens. 

Mn-ikef.'nn(l.v8) 

Nashville 

Xew  Haven   

Niirtli  Adams. . . 

N'l.rlli  lir.ineli .. . 

North ville    

Nnniia 

Onni     

()s<o(la  

Otisvdlo 

Owo.sso 

I'aw   Paw 

Perry  

Petersbui-oh 

Pineknev 

Pittsford 

Plainwell    

PIs'nMintli 

Piirlland 

Keadin;; 

J'eosi^ 

Kielimond    

Jio^iers       City 
(1888). 

.Saoinaw 

Saint  Clair 

Saint     John's 
ji       (188.'i). 
'  Salini^ 

Sand  Hill 

Hamlnskv 

j  Sandusky  (1888) 
1;  Saranae     

Sanir.itnck 

.    Sa'ilt.     do     Sle. 
,       :        M.irie. 

I  Sehooleiaft 

'!  Shelby 

Sherwood 

;  Sparta  .   

'  Sprinoport 

i  .Stanton 

If  I'awas  (!ity 

t  About. 


1882 

18801 

18701 

18741 

1884 

18701 

18781 

1882 

1885 

'i876t 
18711 

1885 
1882 


1884 


18851 
]8.'-0 
1881 
1882 
18811 
1882 
188:i 
1881 
18781? 
1884 
187;!t 
1.878 
188:1 

187!) 

'i.S8i"' 

'i88o" 
1881 
18,S.-. 
1870 
1880t 
]87(i 
1874 
1881 
18771 
1878 


Observer. 


18741 

187(i 

l.SMll 

18^1 

1878 


18851 


TT.  Morrison. 
William  K. Gibson 
P.  U.  Loomis. 
(iiove  H.  Wtdcott. 
U.  J.  Coryell. 
Dr.  Morris  Oibbs. 
Frank  Little. 
Henry  H.  WyPo. 
A.  (r.  Fal wards. 
Jason  K.  Nichols. 
Fred  S.  Odlo. 
M.  Graves. 

A.  IT.  Caivor. 

Dr.  II.  A.  Atkins. 

1).  L.  West. 
I  KobiM  t  tlohnson. 
I  W.  H.  Hill  and  Cor- 

win  .Adkins. 
I   W.  W.  Di  nf. 
!  Frank  K.  Wood. 

Saninel  S.  Lacey. 
!  Georjie  Kedpatii. 

O.  A.  Myers. 

George  Wyekoir. 

■T.  W.  P.ird". 

Postmnsti'r. 

ILL.  Fairehild. 

Postmaster. 

I,.  E.  Crane. 

ilames  (;.  Criteliett. 

Henry  S.  Wyman. 

.Tohn  1).  Leonardson. 

Martin  Waalkes. 
i  Jann  s  M.  Pilheam. 
'  ilidin  Leonardson. 
I  O.C.  Smith. 
!  U.A.  McDoncnll. 

Dean  F.tJtiswold. 

J.  .1.  Wiseman. 

J.H.  Didknap. 

IL(Mvinj;. 

I'ostmaster. 

A.  Leo  Williaina. 

Postmaster. 
Do. 

.Terome  Tronibloy. 

Postmaster. 
Do. 

A.  (J.  Kobei  ts. 

W..I.  lliiirow. 

V.  M.  Ciiteheon. 

11.  F.  Doty. 

Jidin  J.  (lies. 

K.F.  Hunt. 

Hermann  Iloeft. 

F.  S.  Smith. 
T.D.Harron. 
James  H.  ('onn. 

Norman  A.  Wood. 
Wni.  J.  Mnldragh. 
Thomas  Doyle. 
(Jliris.  Mniiiby. 
M.  S.  Lord. 
Poslnnister. 
^"illiam  S.  Sbaw. 

P.D.Miller. 
Geo.  W.  Woodward. 
Postmaster. 
K  Hradl'ord. 
J.  It.Conklln. 
Postmaster. 
Do. 


mr 


B 


m 


Sff 


214 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Localily. 

First 
apprtired. 

If82 
1882 
1881 
1884 
1883 
1883 

Observer. 

Tecumseh 

Thomson 

Thorn  villo 

Traverse  (Mty.  .. 
IJtic.a '. 

1870 

18701  ?] 
1882 
1878 
1881 
1870t 
1882 

C.  A.  AVrlRht  and  C. 

A.  Story. 
K.  H.  Wallace. 
Dr.  JtilmS.  (Jaiilkins. 
][.  I).  Campbell. 
.Samuel  1'.  St.  John. 
Levi  II.  Emerson. 
W.  E.  Waldon. 

Watrousvillo  ... 
i  Wayl.iud 

West  Bay  City.. 
1  West  Windsor . . 

White  Cloud.... 

Wliittemoro  .... 

E.  B.  Hayes. 
John  Grave.". 
Postmaster. 
Mary  E.  Tiitll.'. 
n.S.Trask. 
Frank  Dnplaiity. 

Watcrvliet 

Ypsilautl 

18801 

William  iiamliie. 

t  About, 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  iu  Michigan : 


Locality. 

Ob.scrver. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Atlantic  Mine  .... ..... 

Postmaster. 

Andrew  O/.mnn. 

A.  T.  Streeter. 

J.B.Alward. 

Postmaster. 

James  15.  Loonoy. 

E.K.  Penbontry. 

Postmaster. 

F.O.  (laffney. 

Postmaster. 

John  y.  MeKoman. 

Mi(;hii.'<amino   ... 

Postmaster. 

Baldwin 

AfiiiiiHiuu *.----- .-.-.. 

W.  A.Cox. 

(JaliinU)t 

(Jamdon  

Nowborry 

OntoiiJi*'"oii 

T.  J.  Stewart. 
Asa  A.  Parker. 

Crystal  Falls 

Kaneoek 

OuiimoHCc 

Postmaster. 

John  MaKiiivo. 

Jlouphton  

liipley  .- 

Frank  E.  Wood. 

Iron  Mountain  

Hives' Junetion 

Saint  Tfjimco 

Saint  Jame.s 

Lake  Ci'y 

Lake  Linden 

L'Anso 

It.  W.  Ilornbaeli. 
James  K.Gibson. 

*  Reported  present  in  1887. 

In  MINNESOTA  flic  Sparrow  was  reported  pre.sent  in  tlio  antmnn  of  18HC  at  tlio 
following  places : 


Locality. 

Fir.Ht 
appeared. 

1881-, 
1885 
1884 
18.S0 
1880 
1870 
1870 
18.S2 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

18811 
If  88 

1H70 

1880 

1880 

188Gt 

1880 

Observer. 

n.  0.  Bayard, 
(r.  L.  Case. 
John  U.Jones. 
Vernon  Bailey. 
Dr.  J.  C.  Uvoilef. 
Dr.P.L.llateli. 
Dr.  Tlios.  S.  Uoberts.  ' 
William  Tubbs. 

Kedwood  Falls  . 

Kochestcr 

Do 

Do 

Samuel  De  Wull'. 

Chatfield 

W.  D.  lluilliiil. 

Elk  River  (lf87)  . 
Lauosborouirh  . . . 

Minneiipolis 

Do. 

Saint  Paul 

Wabasha 

Wase(!a 

|)r.Th<is.  S.  Knlii'ils, 
J.  11.  Evans. 
D.MeLaiiyl.liii. 
Prof.  J.M.I  [(ilsiiiKfi. 

MontieoUo 

Do 

Postmastei'. 

t  About. 
It  was  roponcn  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Minnesota ; 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Albert  Lea 

Pv.B.  Abbott. 
J.  A.  Foote. 
K.F.  Barrett. 
Mareus  Joiin.son. 
Georuo  Wendel. 
J.  Leon  Wielaud. 
E.  K.CIiatlield. 
John  D.  Lyons. 
F.I,.PMtIer. 
J.  11.  Sprout. 
Il.Cliampion. 
(ioorjie  F.  (Jook. 
A.  L.  Darlin;;. 
J.  C.  Nuaent. 
Charles  Jolinson. 
Postnmster. 
Ooorne  F.  Tabcr. 

Clonuot             .         ... 

Hamilton  (^un'v 

Detroit  City '. . 

Duluth 

Elk  Rlvpv* 

S.  N.  ll(nrueli. 

Aitkin 

John  KKnu. 
U.  P.  Bun  ell. 

Amlubou 

Dr.  James  U.  Wiillicr. 

Beaver  Falls 

BelloPlaiuo 

Faiinioiit 

l''iirMiiu"'(oii 

A.L.War<l. 
Hamilton  11.  Jucl.'<un 

ISensou 

Victor  Koberson. 

Bird  Island 

1  (iUmiwooiI 

Tbonuis  SchweifiiT. 

Blue  Earth  City 

Breckonridgo 

1  Olyndou 

!  Griiuito  Falls 

Ilnllook  

J.  W.  UodKers. 
C.  A.  Bennett. 

Do 

William  Thcmpsmi. 

Brownsville 

Kamlino 

llastinj^s 

K.  B.IIiKBins. 
Uev.  (ioorjie  B.  Pnitt. 
(ie(U'){0  Beekmaii. 
Adam  Buck. 
S.  B.  Melntiro. 

BulFalo 

Carver 

Ceutro  city 

Chaska 

Helena 

i  Houston 

*  lloportcd  present  by  another  observer. 


DISTRIBUTION   QY   STATES. 


215 


f  188G  at  the 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Mark  Fosket. . 
Martin  \V.  Donnell. 
John  Feildos. 
Michael  Beck. 
(teorgoB.  Arnolil. 
M.  F.  Shnwell, 
John  S.  Harris. 
Thomas  Minshall. 
David  0.  Irwin. 
George  II.  Selovcr. 
M.W.Kelly. 
(J.  BjorRO. 
C.ri.  French. 
I.  M.  Farmer; 
E.  R.  Smith . 
A.J.Rcvill. 
Jl.F.Christliob. 

C.  0.  llawfis. 
A.  H.  Benton. 
James  Cannon. 
Cliarlea  Weatcrgrcn. 
Squire  D.  How. 

T.  Fee. 
llonry  Dels. 

D.  M.  Burwoll. 

E.  L.  Kempo. 
E.  Fay. 

Stanton  D.Seavcy. 
Francis  Baasen. 
PosfniBater. 
John  Sclirooten, 
Joseph  Stroiff. 
Daniel  Uairo. 

William  Krneeer. 
h  L  Wheelook. 

Oxford 

Stephen  Hewaon. 
Henrv  Kemper. 
D.  E.  Sweet. 

JordiUi 

Pt*rhara 

Thomas  Hall. 

Princeton 

!  Rit'litipld 

i)i)  

LakcCity 

Do  

Rush  Citv 

I*.  MclCAon. 

Do 

H  I     Roliio 

T.akii  Oystal 

Ukel'ark 

Riishronl 

Saint  Charles 

Saint  Cloud 

D.  F.  Aliirphy. 
John  Pickert. 

Saint  Paul* 

D.  L.  Kiehle. 

Do  

Saint  Peter's 

ClinrlpH  A  irolinson 

Lilililielil 

Sauk  Centre   

CliarUm  F.  Uondryx. 

1  Sauk  Rapids 

Luvcrno 

t  Shakopeo 

CluirlnH  Hurnartli. 

Miiilclia / 

Miiiikato 

Marino  Mills 

I  Stillwater 

Taylor's  Falls 

Tower 

K.C.ButtH. 

N.  W.  llniiiphrQy. 

rlolin  AiKluraoii. 

MaiNlinll 

Tvlor 

Ml  iidota 

Miiriam  Jnnction 

Miiinetonka 

Vcrndalo 

Warren 

Washburn... 

E.E.Parker. 
A.l'.  Mclutiro. 
Frederick  Miller. 
J.  W.  P.dleys. 
Daniel  (Jetty. 
O.Selvig. 

Mitutevitlco 

Wells 

MiKirlioatl 

1  White  Bear  Lake 

Willmar 

i)0           .^U  .miitiiinn 

North  Star 

Onk  Dale 

Olivia 

AVinnebago .! 

Wortliington 

Zumbruta 

A.B.Davis. 
L  B.  Bennett. 
C.  H.  Anderson. 

*Reported  present  by  another  observer. 

In  MISSISSIPPI  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  autumn  of  1886  at  tho 
following  places: 


I.noiility. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
ai)peared 

18721 

18821 

1881 

IHSli 

1884 

18811 

"  "issii" 

1880 
18831 

Observer. 

Alicrdcen 

])„  

Ill 

M.lI.Oillcipie, 

A.  A.  Wall. 

R.  E.  Marshall. 

J.  F.  Kelly. 

Dayton  Hale. 

I). '(',.  Hodo. 

Postmaster. 

Dr.  RawIiugaToung. 

F.  D.  Robinson. 

R.  N.  Hall. 

Hernando 

Holly  Sjiriiigs  .. 

D.  M.  Slocumb. 
John  S.  Fiiibiy. 
A.  T.  Scruggs, 

(JollVevillo.            i        1)<«it 

18831 
18841 
1884 

Ripley 

Seuatobia 

Stark  villo 

Tu])elo 

E.  W.  Simpson, 
C.  P.  Varner. 

Do 

Corinth 

W.B.  Stark. 

Do      

F.  M.  Goar. 

Fiiar'a  Point 

'irciiada 

18781 
•       18811 

West  Point 

,  Willi. iia 

1 

,r.  H.  Brinkcr. 
I).  S.  Young. 

I  About. 


m 


w 


1  :aL: 


If 
^11 


ir: 


:? 


216  THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 

It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Mississippi: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Magnolia 

Mississippi  City 

Moiitirollo  ........... 

Obaerver. 

Agricultural  (Jollpjjo  .. 
AuHtiu 

W.  B.  Stark. 
T.  \V.  L.  Askow. 
T.  B.  St  nl.lis. 
Ella  E.  loor. 
V.  M.  Ilanitlct. 
Jos.  11.  'jiant. 
M.Allio  Davis. 
V.  I..  Tylor. 
G.  W.  Tlioma.s. 
M.  E.  hove. 
T.  <i.  Uicc. 
Tlindtlctis  Boomor. 
W.  V.  AVosttott. 
U.  ll.Smilh. 
M.E.  Itvrno. 
Hi  Eastland. 
T.  1..  Hotf. 
1).  M.(;artor. 
Wirt  Adam. 
John  K.  liaiid. 
C  Barnes. 
U.  Bovd. 
Daniel  ^r(•^cod. 
Lehinau  Colin. 
V,.  a.  Kellogg. 
T.J.Stokes. 

E.  Safford. 
C.  I'holps. 
W.  V.  Mclniils. 

Italil  w,v  II 

Bay  Saint  Louis 

Morton 

li.  U.  Mooi'o, 

35oUiiig'3r'8MilU(1885). 

IJoltoirs  Di'pot 

Brookliavoii 

Do 

Miildon 

Pass  (Christian 

I'ontotiK' 

C.  11.  Woo.i. 

J.  C.  Ciiniilngliani. 

Howard  i*.  B(!(^nKiii 

Cdiitoii  .  ....  ..  ..   .. 

Samuel  Miller. 

I'oplarviile 

K.  L.  Katlitr. 

Quitman  

Unloigli 

Itodiiey  

UoUing  Eork 

E.  E.  West. 

(ieorge  W.  Ciirrio. 
C.idooii  Malili.'lt. 
S.  W.  Langford. 
T.  K.  Mctiiiln. 

Edwards 

Entcrpriso 

Korest 

Glo.ster 

HnttiBsUurgli 

iTai'kson 

Siiniinit 

IM".  God  hold. 
W.  M.  Braooy. 
11.  J.  Sariett. 

Utira 

Jolmsoiivillo. ..  .,.--. 

Vieksbiir*^ 

William  (»roomo. 

Jonestown 

Koseiiisko 

Do 

Way  ne.'Sborongb 

V.  M.  Webster. 
O.  K.  Williams. 
Kato  Bostwiek. 

Willl.imsburgh 

Woodvillo    

McComb 

W.  A.  Elder. 

In  MISSOURI  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  tlio  anturnn  of  1S8(J  at  the  fol- 
lowing places: 


f  About. 


ill 


41 


DISTRIBUTION    HY   STATES.      -,   . 
It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Missouri ; 


217 


Locality. 


Advaiico 

Aiiplitoii  City 

Ash  (JiDVo 

Austin 

Av;i 

Ki'lliany 

liolivar 

Hiillalo 

Cubdiil 

riiitiiii^o 

l)c.  

Cassvillo 

CliirkHliiirith 

('oH'ovslnircti 

Collcui'  Mmiiid 

Ciiliii 

Dadovillo 

Duiiipliaii 

Kl  Uiiiailo  Springs  — 

I'oisytli 

Ficdi  rick  town 

lialpiiii 

(ill'llWdOll" 

Goldtii  City 


Observer. 


David  (!,  Fly  nil. 
•runiOH  Ilorlkins. 
Henry  1£.  Hall. 
William  Shields. 
M.  ().  Uoynoldu. 
(}.!,.  T'liillips. 
C.  \V.  KMiinan. 

Jollll  Credlfll". 

Oeorge  !•'.  T'cttigfow. 
G.lUaUney. 
Z.  T.  UnsHolI. 
T.  V.  Steele. 
A.  jr.  Mole.s. 
J.  It,  ('iinninglinni. 
R  I).  Sinuleton. 
A.  U.  Farrow, 
.losejili  W.Tohim. 
J.  A.  Ferj;iis(iii. 
J.din  \V.S.dl>y. 
II.  C.Everett.' 
A.  A.  l)((iiiiri>. 
S.  A.Carr. 
H.D.J?.  Culler. 
J.  I'ooro. 


Locality. 


Grnnl>y 

(ireeli  Ciistle 

(ireenridne 

Indian  S|ii'ln<;.s 

.Iiimesiiort 

Lamar 

Lebanon 

Linn  Crock 

Linecdn 

Maiden   

:M.iUa  Itend 

Miiriouvillo 

M.iysvillo 

Moniidvillo  

Now  .M.idriil 

I'nrdy 

KieliTnond 

Saloni 

Siiriiijitii'lil 

Do 

TTnionvillo 

Vorsailles 

AVest  Plains 


Observer. 


Oeorgo  A.  Sweet. 
H.  T.  .Jones. 
■Jamr.H  S.  J{eam. 
Jt.AV.  Williams. 
C.  K.  Oreutt. 
iJolin  H.  Dou;^1as. 
R.J.  Wiekersliam. 
C.  I'.Cburcliill. 
Fred  Urill. 
AV.  ll.Slielton. 
A.(;.Hailev. 
IMi.  Gillette. 
Ilenrv  E.  Gla/.ior. 
L.  ll.Oindorlf. 
Cbarle.s  A.  Loforge. 
Wash.  E.  Smith. 
S.  F.  liassett. 
I'o.tt  master. 
1).  S.  Holman. 
W.  H.  IMpliiii. 
Alex.  Klson. 
James  H.  Spnrloek. 
Samuel  Itislev. 


*I?f  ported  pre.sciit  by  nnotlier  observer. 


Ill  MONTANA,  in  tlio  .autumn  of  1880,  the  Sp.arrow  wns  known  to  bo  present  at  but 
oiHsiioint.  Mr.  .1.  R.  Widniycr  st.ite.s  that  it  .appeared  .at  Gloiidivo  in  188.').  It  w.as 
reported  not  present,  in  tbo  autumn  of  188G,  at  the  following  places  in  Montana: 


Locality. 

Ob.scrvor. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Angnsta. 

Billiie's 

P.  A.  Manix. 

T.  Wbitnev. 
R.  1".  Menefoo. 
W.  Kybert  Smith. 

Miles  City 

Missoula 

I'ark  City 

Jollll  M<'AusIaiid. 

liii/eiiian 

liiilte  ('ity 

Dilliin 

I'orl  Assinaboiiie 

Joseph  S.  lioolb. 

I'.E.  I'oindexter. 
i;.  L.MeCulloh. 
Tlieodor  I'oriip. 
J.  H.  MelCniRht. 
E.G.  Ilnlszir. 
Cliarl.  s  D.  Carlis. 
Willii'.-  ■  jibbs. 

riiillii.slmryh  

UadersbM!-;jli 

Slieiidan   

1  'I'ownsend 

■Jollll  W.  Dawson. 
E.  M  liatehehler. 

I'nrt  Sliaw  

William  Wood. 

(iliMidale  

HclcilM 

Di)          

VirKinia 

Walkerville 

White  SiiliihnrSiiriiiga 

Mary  Deimlins;. 
Daniel  O'Grady. 
J.  J.  lleliiiessv. 

Livi]n;stoii    

F.  W.  Wrisbt. 

Ill  NEBRASKA  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  tlie  autumu  of  188G  at  tht 
following  places: 


Lneality. 

First 
appeared. 

I 
Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
apiieated. 

18-<5i 

Observer. 

lii'.Tliieo... 

18821 

]8>i:t 

1885 

""'i88Jf' 

]8Kn 
i8-i:)t 

3S86 
18S5 
18841 
1885 

Samuel  E.  RipR. 
Chas.  W.  lletllev. 
W.  11.  Eller.       ' 
Eds.'ir  Hilton, 
R.  T.  Raiiiey. 
.John  (!.  Lotriie. 
C.L.Howell. 
William  M.  Pcebler. 
<r.  J.  Evans. 
J.  F.  Walsh. 
Prof.  C.  E.  Hessey. 

Albert  AVatkiils. 

lit'iinet 

Louisville  ...... 

Thomas  W.  Sliryoek. 
'I'homas  Alorloii. 
Charles  K.Coutant. 

lilier 

i'Mlle  Hill 

Nebraska  City.. 

i870t 

liiowiivill,) 

'.Viitial  (lity 

•  riand  Islaild 

Hirdy 

lliiHl  i'lifia 

HiiiiiIkiUU 

Liueolu 

I'almyra  

Papillion  

I'lattsmoiitli 

Sterlinj; 

Talinaye 

Teeumseh 

18811 

lK-i,-> 

18741 

18S1 

188t 

1882 

T.  W.  Foster. 

.1.  P.  Siiearniau. 

J.N.Wise. 

Charles  C.  Wilsor. 

H.  IJord. 

(.'.  M.  Wil.son. 

t  About. 


w 


218  THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 

It  was  reported  not  present  at  tlio  following  places  in  Njbraska: 


Locality. 


M 


Ainaworth 

Albion 

Alma 

Ariipalino 

AtkniHou 

Aurora 

]?ii/,ilo  Mills 

llrndHlinw 

liroki^n  I5ow 

t^nrlntoii 

Coniral  City* 

Clay  Cciitor 

Do 

Cloarwator 

ColiiinbiiH 

Oozad 

Crete , 

CiillHTtaon 

Dakota 

David  City 

Fairbiiry 

Falls  City 

FulltTtou 

Geneva 

Do 

ITartinsf  on 

Jlolilrc);" 


Observer. 


O.B.  nipiily. 

H.  liioo. 

(!.AV.  Stewart. 

Thomas  15.  Mcriiorson. 

Willaid  A.  Wheeler. 

.Tohn  Twccdv. 

(I.  \V.  Jlaii.eV. 

Ku^ene  Sliallenborger. 

I.  T.  Merchant. 

W. T.Shawho 

S.  L.  Wiser. 

Mr.s.  S.  ('riiickHliank. 

Hairy  1$.  Strong. 

Mareils  N.  Pnlmer. 

W.N.I  lensley. 

Samuel  W.  Sehooloy. 

T.  A.  C.  Heard. 

H.  eleven. 

Ilenrv  llerweg. 

R  10.  Wilson. 

Will.  W.  Wat.son. 

W.  K.  Crook. 

E.  (i.  Cook. 

W.  Il.Cooksey. 

V.C.Shiekley. 

.r.l'.Jenal. 

T.  D.  Trovi.s. 


Locality. 


Keaiuoy 

I.eo  Pjirk 

Mnweod  (ia85) 

Long  Pine 

Loup  City 

Madi.son 

Minden   

Do. 


Obseiver. 


K.  n,  Wntaon. 
J.  L.IL  Knight. 
W.J.  Kingsbury. 
(M{.(i  lover 
("ynis  M.  WaUvortli. 
Di'.  F.  A.  Long. 
''.  'J'.  MeGinni.s. 
L.MePbeelv. 


Ncligh. :  W."  Kstes. 


Nemaha  City. 
North  I'latto  . 
O'Neill  City  .. 

Osceola 

Plainview 

Ponca  

Do 

Red  Cloud . . . . 
Saint  Paul... 

Sehuyler 

Scotia 

Seward 

Sidney 

Wahoo 

Wayne 

Wo.st  Point... 
York 


11.  J.  t>   een. 

Adam   ''urgnson. 

.lann's  Miller. 

A.  C.  f  liallenbcrger. 

Hen  S  otson. 

L  Con.ier. 

J.  W.  Kadford. 

A.  S.  Marsh. 

(;.  K.  Forbes. 

J.  F.  AVoods. 

L.J.  Travner. 

John  S.  Kittle. 

William  J.Ureeniiin. 

L.  W.  (Jilcbrist. 

M.  Dearborn. 

I!.  F.  Keoke. 

F.  L.  Whtdon. 


*  Reiiorted  iirescnt  by  another  observer. 

In  NEVADA,  in  the  antnmn  of  1886,  the  Sparrow  was  not  known  lo  be  present  at 
any  point.    It  was  reported  not  pre.sent  at  the  following  places: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locnlity. 

Observer. 

J.A.l^iill. 
(i.e.  White. 
Daniel  Jt.  Collins. 
John  Lothroji. 
C.  H.  Spronh'. 

Willi.am  J.  Smith 

CiirHOii  (.'itv  . 

tienoa  . .          ........ 

W.  L.  (!o\. 

F.  A.  An^ell. 

l)avton 

Elto 

Paradise  Valley 

J.  15.  <;ase. 

In  NEW  IIAMPSFIIRE  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  the  antnmn  of  186il  at 
the  following  places : 


Locnlity. 

First 
ap]>cnred. 

Observer. 

Lofality. 

First 
appeared. 

Ob'crver. 

Frnnklin  Falls  .. 

187!)t 

(loorgo  Stolwortbj'. 

Lisbon  (1881)  ... 
lililford 

lR81t 
1878t 
18771 

Dr.  C.n.Hoynlnn. 

Lancaster 

I.  W.  Quimby. 

Portsmouth  ('81) 

Sarah  11.  Foster. 

f  About. 


DISTRIBUTION   BY   STATES. 


219 


II  of  issdat 


111  NEW  JERSEY  tlio  Sparrow  was  reported  preseut  in  Iho  autniua  of  188C  at  the 
following  places : 


Locality. 


First 
appeared, 


llliiwi'iiliiirgli 

llii(l;;itou 

CmMwi-H 

(;|i;i|Ikiiii 

K.(lraiiCti(1884)  . 

ricJiiiiiKloK 

I'nvhnld 

iliickciiHiick 

1)0 

IliiiUloiilield 

lliiili.nntvillo  ... 


1883 

IKOH 
IHTOI 
]8(iHt 
1877t 

"iHTs" 
1H71 
IHVOt 
1870^1 
187flt 


Observer. 


David  0.  Voorlioes, 
Clinrlrs  V).  Hollows. 
Atarciis  S.  (Iiiino. 
(}«ori:oM.  Swuiiu. 
II.IJ.  Uftlloy. 
J.  L.  Coiiii.st. 
I),  n.  Doiiiso. 
Woldoii  K.  Foadlclc. 
Ilciity  Stfwait. 
SaiiiuVl  N.  Jilioads. 
Kdward  Bmrougli. 


Locality. 


Mount  llollv... 
N(!\v  I'rovidolici 

Oraii;;o 

Do 

I'assaic  liridKO 
I'ciiniuKton. ... 
Kitl};<iWood  .... 

Tuckeitdii 

Trenton 

Woodstown  ... 


First 
appeared. 


IHClil 


lfl8U 

1872 

]K7:)t 

18701 

1874 


Observer. 


npiirv  I.  Hudd. 
II.F.'niirroll. 
Mo.vdSliK.r.arri 
Scicno  Vj.  Todd. 
K.  M.t'aiivl. 
H.W.  Wciitwood. 
Homy  ilalos. 
.S  Jilison. 
I'rot.  A.  ('.  Ajifrai'. 
Jami's  D.  Luusi'U. 


tAbont. 


Ill  NEW  MEXICO,  in  tbo  antuiim  of  1880,  tho  Sparrow  was  not  known  to  bo 
jirosent  at  any  point.    It  was  reported  not  present  at  tlio  followiofj;  places: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

A.  Cox. 

(i.  Doufilas  Uobortson. 
.T.  l'\ Canington. 
Kd.  D.  Woodbury. 
Dr.  U.  W.  Sluilol'df. 
T.  Labodie. 

Raton R.  K.  Vaiidivcr. 

Clilorido  (1885) 

Santa  I'V' A.  Siliginan. 

Sih-erClty ().  I.. -Siott. 

Socorro I.  E.  liOoiiavd. 

Springer A.. J.  Uowill. 

Kli/,al)otlitown 

I'dit  Union 

Flirt  Wingato  ...  - 

Ill  NEW  YORK  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  tbo  antumn  of  188G  at  the  fol- 
Inwing  places: 


Lociility. 


Alliion 

AllVi'd  Centre  ... 

Aimi'lira 

.Vil.Miticvillo 

1883 
188U 

liiilli 

187U 

l''iiiL'lianiton 

Hiitinvilto 

]871t 

Do   

187M 

lliiiiiklvn 

Do 

riillalo 

Ciiiro 

Caiiaspraga 

Cliiiilton  

Clydi. 

•  'iiiis.aliloville..  . 

Ciiiistantia  

linlilis  I'Viiy 

Dniikiik 

Ivisl  (ii.noa(18H4) 
KliHliing  (1881).. 
I'lirl  .Sfimyler  .. . 
I'liilmila 

lirlll'Va 

Ollrllt 

llllltll 

llii-'liland     Falls 
(1884). 

Hinsdale  .   

lliiilson 

llliara 

.)» 

I.o  lioy 

Li  (tie  Valley  .... 


First 
appeared 


1850 
1871t 

18781 

1877 


Observer. 


1881t 
]800t 

'irat 

187»t 


18701 


1878t 
l^Ot 
1871t 

1882t 
18801 

"im 


L.  11.  Iloacli. 
F.  S.  Place. 
Andrew  (.'liiciioster. 
K.  D.  Itarnuni. 
Kugono  A.  .Tackson. 
Rev.  W.   M.   lieau- 

cliainp. 
Reuben  K.  Roliio. 
H..T.(iaylord. 
A.  M.  (Jl'innli. 
Edward  Snow. 
W.  ,T.  Ken  yon. 
Hon.  Nicoia.i  Fike. 
Dr.  W.  ir.Hergtold. 
().  T.  Schorinorliorn. 
K.  S.  r.ilhcit. 
F.  D.  Cuitis. 
William  McLacblan. 
S.  T.  Miller. 
Wallace  D.  Rhinos. 
Dr.0. 1!.  Mo()iH'3feii. 
D.  A.  A.Nichols. 
T.J.  Homy. 
D.C.Rean'i. 
Alexander  Ferreira. 
(;.  E.  l{artram. 
C.S.l'lnnib. 
Georg<(T.  Powell. 
Howard  Buihans 
Dr.  E.  A.Mcanis. 

C.  R.  Bowf  11. 
Charles  W.  Snyder. 
A.G.  (lennng. 
I'rof.  L  P.  Robert.'). 
Prof.  F.M.OoniHtock, 
ir.  S.  Huntley. 


Locality. 


LocUport 

Lyons  

Mexico  (If 8*)... 
New  York  (1884) 

Do 

Northporl  (1881) 
Old  We.stbiiiv.. 
0.swego  (1881)  .. 

i|  Painted  Post 

Penii  Yan 

I'luenix 

Pt.  Wasliingtfin 

Do 

Po'kee]isie(1884) 
Rochester  (1881) 

Rochester 

Rochester  (sub- 
urbs). 

Rochester 

Schuyler's  Lake 
Shelter  Island  .: 
Sing  Sing  (1887) 
Soiithaiiijiton  ... 

Spaiklll 

St  at  en  I.siand. .. 

Syracuse  

T'nlly 

TTtica 

Vernmi  Centre.. 

Warsaw 

AVatertown 

AVcst  Rrighton  . 

West  Fnrins 

"Wo.stport 

WiiiHi'ld 

Youkers  (1884)  . 


First 
appeared. 


187(it 
18(141 


18701 
187(!l 


1884 


18041 
18091 
187U 
1875 1 

1805t 

1880 
18771 
18(101 

]87."it 


18031 

1878 

18011 

1878 

1877 


1804t 

1870 

1870t 


Observer. 


lewis  H.  lliH. 
■I.S.  Uoy,s 
(Jeorge  A.  Davis. 
W.  A.Coiiklin. 
•lames  U.  Williams. 
William  Cr.i/.ier. 
.lohn  D.  Hicks. 
D.D.Stone. 
A.H.  AVood. 
(i.  (,".  Snow. 
Hen.jamin  I''.  Iless. 
Hi^nry  M.  liurtis. 
I'eiev  Hicks. 
Dr.  A.  llaslirouok. 
H.lioy  (iilhiit. 
Ml  nry  Harrison. 
n.  M.  Jennings. 

P.  C.  Reynolds. 
LeCr.  Sdiithworth. 
W.  W.  Worlliinglim. 
Dr.  (ieiirt:e  .1.  I''islicr. 
(}.  H.  White. 
J.  U.  Itell. 
'I'liomas  Muiiroe. 

E.  M.Haslirouck. 
J.A.Dakin. 
Thomas  Hirt. 
(iraham  lironson. 
.raniesO,  Mc.tMure. 
Herbert  M.  Hill. 
C.  M.  Raymond. 
James  Angus. 
George  C.  Osborne. 
().  P.  Hitchings. 

F.  T.  Holder. 


t  Aimiit. 


w 


III 


81- 
if 


220  THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA, 

It  was  reported  not  proscut  at  tlio  following  placcH  in  Now  York : 


Locality. 


Ontro  TJslo. 
(iillM'rtsville. 


Observer. 


A.T..  Itond. 
■I.e.  Domililson, 


Locality. 

Observer. 

D.  B.  Wnito. 

In  NORTH  CAROLINA  tlio  Sparrow  was  reported  present  in  <lie  iuitmnn  itf  Ivi; 
fit  tho  following  pliiceH: 


Lociility. 

First 
appeared. 

Obaerver. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Alhonnirle 

188.')  1 
1884 
188(i 
188:11 


""mii" 

1884 

18841 

]88;i 

1883 
1870 

188:il 

188:it 

187.')t 

188;il 

18841 

]88;il 

18841 

188;-. 

18801 

18841 

18701 

'"']877'" 
1 88111 
18831 

1882 
1SS5 
•      18801 
18811 
188(1 
18701 
18Si 
1878 

J.M.Bivins. 
J.  1).  Cameron. 
B.C.  Lankforil. 
(i.e.  Graves. 
E.J.  Bennett, 
D.K.Collins. 
W.  J.  V.  Thurston. 
('.  P.  Johnson. 

C.  E.  Tatem. 
M.M.  SholVner. 
Mary  ]{.  Dii.senlier;^. 
Mrs.  S.  A.Mooro. 
N.A.Martin. 
.T.H.Allen. 

L.  L.  lirinkl(!V. 
T.  L.  Whitaker. 
(r.  W.  Lawrence. 
.1.  B.  Smith. 
JohnO.  Harrison. 
H.  S.  Furman. 
William  T.  Ci'oss. 
John  Jl.llill. 
Kobeit  J.  Tliompsou. 
Postmaster. 
■1.  L.  E<:erton. 
Postmaster. 

D.  A.  .Tordaii. 
.1.  1).  Thomas. 
Mary  A.  Watson, 
.4.  II.  Lind"ay. 
W.  A.  Maunev. 
W.  J.  llarrett. 

,J.  n.  Widhy. 
John  C.  Hiint. 

Milton 

18771 

11-81I 

188111 

1880 

18815 

1877 

18701 

»'I.  W.  Faucet  te 

Ashevillo 

Moeksville 

Morfianton 

Mount  Aiiy 

Alount  (illead.. . 
MurlVecshoro... 

New  lierno 

Do 

•  1  :ine  I'j.  Austin 

Brovanl 

(larlhaije 

(yusiiiers 

Chatlestou 

Clayton 

('linton  .......... 

.).  A.  Clay  well. 
1!.  Y.(; raves. 
1/.  A.  Christian. 
W.  H.  Speiieer. 
M.  Manly. 
John])  Wliitl'onl 

('oluml)iiv 

Company's  Shops 

Conoonl 

Dallas 

N(nv  Market 

Oxford   

188:! 
18841 

""issit" 

1881) 

188.51 

1884 

18811 

18801 

18811 

l»83t 

'""i88r>r 

18831 

18S21 

18811 

1881) 

188-|t 

18811 

18sr. 

18811 

18811 

1881) 

1883 

18761 

H.  H.  liee.soii. 
J..\.Ta\lor. 

Pificmi  (1887)  ... 
Pittsl)orou;;li  ... 

Pittslxmuijili  ... 

PIvmoutli  

Po'lkton 

l{aleii;h 

Do 

Do 

lioekinuliam 

i  Itoeky  Mount... 
Iviitherl'ordton. . 

Salisbury 

Snow  Hill 

.Stati  svilli) 

i)„ 

Dr.  C.  Hart  Mi  i  rum. 

D.anbiiry...   ..... 

Hill. 

Eclenton 

Enlit'lil 

J.I5.  llilion. 
U.  li.  (laddy. 

FayetlevilK) 

1)(, 

S,  A.Ashe, 
("h'inent  S.  I'riiidev 

Fr.'tnklin 

T.  (;.  Williams. 

Frauklintou 

Gatesvillo 

(loiilsliorouj;!! 

(iraliam  (I8^8)  ... 

Henderson 

Henderson viUo  .. 

I'.W.Staiisill. 
S.L.Hart. 
Alliert  L.  Grayson. 

PostUMHter. 

James  T.  Sugg. 
W.S.Lewis. 

Jaekson  

!  Trenton 

1  Washington 

j  Waynesviilo  .. 
1  Wentwortli. . . . 
]  Wilke.sborongli. 

1  Wlllian)St(in 

!  Wilmington 

M.  C.Giddiiis. 

Jollerson    

Kenausville 

Kornersvillo 

Kiuit's  Mountain 
Kinstou 

Maeon  Ilonuer. 
John  M.  Davis. 
XuiiiiV  K  llauodck. 
A.  Kdiisseau. 
.Idhn  I;.  I,;iuier. 

William  M.Gay. 

i 

t  About. 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  North  Carolina: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Aaron 

1'  vy borough 

BcauCdrt 

0.  C.  Banner. 
AV.  H.Sawyer. 
Davi<l  Pieioo. 
I).  B.  Daughertv. 
A.H.Pmldison. 
Julo  A.  Abornatby. 
W.ll.Mallett.       ■ 
A.  K.  (Jromaslic. 
n.  I..  Young. 
Jesse  llargrave. 

Mann's  Harbor 

Mar.shall 

Muil.hy 

Xasliville 

Jnlia  A.  Mann. 
K.C.  Ebbs. 
J.  W.King, 

Bdduo 

William  T.  Grillin. 

liurgiiw 

liiiniflvillo           .         ... 

Xinv  Market 

Sniithvillo 

Vineyard 

AVeleh 

Yadkinsvillo 

H.  H.  Heeson. 
W.  K.  Fer^ei'soJi, 

Chaiiel  Hill 

S.  Otho  Wilson. 

'1'.  J.  Welch. 

Fairtiehl 

X.  K.  Thoonirron. 

Laurel  Hill 

m. 


DISTRinUTION    I5Y    STATES. 


221 


III  OHIO  tbu  Spunuw  was  ruported  pruyeut  iu  tUu  autuuiu  oi'  IbdG  at  tho  follow- 

ill);;  pluct's: 


Locality. 


Akron . 

IK). 


AhIiIi'V 

Aiiuiista 

Aviiiiilali). .. 
I!uuiliriili;(t  . 
Iluny 


iiiitavia... 
lifll.iiro... 

Ilfira  .... 


llfVil 

ItricliHvilli! 

liriilu'riMirt 

Ilniihilii'lil 

Illlr\  Ills 

ISiiitdii 

l.'aMwcll 

CaiiiliiiilLIo 

Canal  DuviT 

Canton  

('aiilia^o 

Ca.slallii    

(.'Iin^i  in  Fulls... 

Chc'slir  llill 

Clii'viot 

(;iiillicotlio 

Cini'iiiuali 

Ciniinuall  (1888) 

Ciiiiiiiiiati   

IliMiiltoaCoiiiity 

Circli'vi'.lo 

Clariiiitloii 

Cleveland 

Do 

Ho 

1)0  

1)0 

ClrVr.s 

(!i)alloii   

Ciir  lliil^o 

Ciillainci' 

Cnlli'-oIIi  1 

Do  

Ciillinwooil 

CiiliiniliiiH  (1884)  . 

CiMliortoil 

Daylon  (1884).... 

Di'iawaiv 

Dint 

Dovt'i' 

Imnliirk 

Kisl  I.ivirpool  .. 
lia.ll    Koukpoit 

(IfCI). 
East  Uockport... 
Kliila 


Kiiiliil 

Favftto 

liallipolia 

(iaiii'ltsvillo 

("iiii'S.'t;towii 

(ilc'iilalo 

(ill  nvilli) , 

Orc'inville 

Haniiltim 

Ilanison 

Hillslioiough 

Ironton 

Ji'llVrsou 

Ki'niptou , 

Kiiiton , 

Kiii;;stou 

Lebanon  

Leo 

Lcetunia 


l''h  Ml  lip- 
pill 


il  Ml  lip. 

iiarcil. 


187.'5 
1875 

18801 
18811 

'18741 
188(1 
I860 


18801 

1871t 

18781 

1881 

18,S0t 

1878 

18rlt 

188lt 

18;<U 

1.S81 

I88:i 

1875 

18781 

187ti 

188  J 

18711 

187U 

'ison' 


1878 

18781 

1877 

187;il 

18721 

18(ii) 

187U 

187(i| 

188;tl 

187!)t 

18701 


1870 


18801 

18721 

1881 

18811 

18701 

"ml" 

18081 

18741 

188;M 

18771 

18701 

1885 

1885 

18781 

18841 

1884 

187»t 


Obsorvor. 


18811 

18721 

1874 

18li71 

18701 

18741 

18711 

18811 

18781 


IMof.  K.  \V.  Cliiypolc, 
FiM'ilinanil  Svliuiiia- 

cli.i-. 
W.  W.  SI  rat  ton. 
A.  ill  Lean. 
Cliarlr.s  Uiiry. 
A.  iS.  JoiicH. 
IT.  U.  (ioidon. 
Sti'i)luii  (.^iiiinrr. 
1).  \V. 'Jooprr. 
W.  IC.  Miin'iHon. 
Dan  V.  Steal  nH. 
(iHoi-jji)  A.  Wyikoll. 
(i(ioi{;i)  W.  UuUis. 
.Tolih  (!ook. 
J.  U.  Cliirli. 
Sliaiiiion  C'ltMueiitH. 
1'.  W.  I'anni'lfc. 
I).  S.  Sni  i;;(;,s. 
W.  II.  II.  Alollyas. 
S.M.Mr  Lean. 
J.  K.  Nirsz. 
(!.  S.  Joliii.soii. 
K  A.  Uci-ilian. 
J.  J.  Stranalian. 
(.'liarli's  Ai      ir. 
Faniiit)  Ila;..  ii. 
William  E.  (iilnioro. 
Win.  lIiiblusllKiKlKT, 
Dr.  F.  W.  Laiisdon. 
Ailolpli  Jyt'iii). 
F.  (r.  SUiniicr. 
Dr.  Uowaiil  Jones. 
11.  ir.Mallory. 
L.  M.  Davics. 
W.  F.  DDirlfiibach. 
S.K.  Iii-rr.(oll. 
Dr.  F.  Stirling. 
'1'.  1'.  Sjiencor. 
•lainr.s  Oailin. 
.loliii  IJraily. 
II.  ().  Carpenter. 
L.  A  Steele. 
II.  A.Koeli. 
W.  T.  Soiitliaate. 
(,'lias.  L.  (iilhrealli. 
Dr.,).M.'Wlieaton. 
II.  D.  r.eaeli. 
Jolin  L.  II.  Frank, 
tieo.  W.  (JaiiiplMll. 
William  Oetliimer. 
X.  D.  Ihir.-it. 
(Jliaile.s  Malion. 
llnrry  H.Siiil.s. 
Henry  AV.  KUiutt. 


I  A.  Hall. 

S.  D.Crites. 
i  I'^ihviiril  I).  I'oltou. 
;  Samuel  llinns. 

S.  F.  Neal. 
1  A.J.  Sinitli. 
\  Klizabeth  Koth. 

Mrs.  M.  Dovauney. 

M.  W.  Miles. 

il.  N.  Lowry. 

{jeorjio  llarbroa. 

D.G.Jones. 

Kdwaril  L.  Warsou. 

IJ.  F.  EUslierry. 

A.C.  Whito. 

S.  \V.  Kemp. 

N.  R.  I'ipcr. 

IJonj.  V.  Asbury. 

Martin  A.  JaiuuBOU. 

Henry  Fisher. 

C.  K.  Schmick. 


Locality. 


Linm 

L<)j:aii 

l.onilon 

McAilliur 

MiCoiiiiolsville 

Maeksliui{;li 

Mailuira 

Malta 

Mariottiv 

MartiiiH  Ferry 

MartiiiHvilU) 

Mary.svillo 

ilecliaiiicstown 

Mentor 

MiiliUetown  ... 

Milnersvillo 

Morri,>itowu 

Do 

Mount  Airv 

Moniit  Heiiltliy 
Mount  Vernon.. 

Napoleon 

!Ne\v  Athens  .. 

Now  l.l.ilion 

Now  I'hiladel- 

pliia. 
Newton  Falls  ... 
Now    WinehcH- 

ter. 

Niles 

Nohlo 

North  lloml 

North  T.iiindalo. 
North  Itoyalton 

Nor  walk 

Do 

Nottinuhan. 

Oak  Hill 

Olmsted 

Oxford 

rarina 

Pctt;rshiirj;h ... 

I'lainvillo 

I'oinoioy 

Portsmouth 

I'reston 

I'roiit 

lieadiiij; 

Kiilueway  

Uipley    . . 

Saint'Clalrsville 
Sale 


First  a 
pear 


1  an- 
ruu. 


Do 

Sandusky 

.Seiotovillo 

Sharon  Centre.. 
Sidney  (1887)  ... 

Solon 

Sparta  

.Sprinylleld 

Stcuheuvillo 

Strongsvilli) 

Su;;ar  (i  rovo  — 

Urhana 

\Vad8Wortli(l887) 

Wakeinaii 

Wapakoueta  .. 

"Warren 

Warsaw 

Wanseon 

Waverly 

Wollston 

WestUerlin... 


Weston 

West  Uuion  . . 


t  About. 


18SI 
18811 
1880 
18781 

18Kil 

18821 

18841 

187U1 

18821 

18821 

1880 

18811 

18811 

18741 

18821 


18821 
1884 

isViii' 

18701 
1882 
1880 
18841 

1881 
18821 

18781 

1881 

1875 

18781 

lh701 

187U1 

18801 

18801 

1882) 

18771 

18781 

1884 

18761 

18701 

188U1 

18741 

1875 

18771 

18741 

18741 

18701 


18781 


18811 

1884 

1883 


]S8:t 

18821 

18801 

18751 

18811 

18801 

18741 

18811 

18821 

1809 

16801 

1884 


18821 
1883 

1884 
1883t 


Obscn-er. 


II.  W.  Molly. 

A.  II.  Wil.son. 

T.  W.  lilaekiston. 

(Jeorjj;i'  Lant/,. 

(;.  II.  .Morris. 

()  S.Cileliriest. 

Jos.  A.  Miiehnioio. 

(ieoiKe  II.  Street. 

Dudley  S.  Nye. 

James  V.  Patterson. 

'i'homnsll.  (jaddis. 
!  K.  W.  Porter. 
!  K.S.  Martin. 

I.  M.  Keek. 
Lewis  LainhriHht. 
J.  T.  Johnson. 
John  H.  (Jarey. 
W.  A.  Feiiton. 
lleiiry  Ti'ljthcder. 
Knipson  Keeves. 
IJ.  L.  Swethind. 

J.  L.  Ilaltes. 
T.  .M.  Sewell. 
J.  F.  llenuer. 
K.Fribley. 

F.  W.  Turnor. 
Joaiah  Keiter. 

H.  H.  Mason. 

A.  I).  Lowden. 

1{.  II.  Warder    and 

James  Ii.  Matsuu. 
Kobert  Linn. 
Thomas  C.Cuatz. 
S.  U  ray. 

lieor;:e  Lainkiu. 
J.. I.  Luikart. 
J.  (;.  Alexamler. 
A.  Oshoin. 
L.  N.  Ponliain. 
Oliver  Fiiieisou. 
J.  L.  ICrust. 
A.  L.  IJodiuo. 
C.  Ihle. 
S.  It.  Koss. 
Tlioma.s  Shroyer. 
S.  C.  Piout. 
H.  H.  Varjohar. 
Jidin  Davis. 
M.  M.  Murphy. 
T.  W.  Einerson. 
Mrs.  L.  S.  Solheru. 
James  W.  Suliot. 
John  T.  M.ick. 
J.  II.  llolmau. 
F.  (J.Cottinsham. 
Kdward  Kiissell. 
W.  W.  Itiehards. 
J.  C  Swethind. 
James  Johnson, 
(ieoi^i'  Moore. 
J.  (Jalliip. 
Dr.  S.  Keiishaw. 
S.  L.  P.  Stone. 
Dr.  J.  F.  Detwciler. 
W.  15.  Hall. 
D.J.Davis. 
William  IIap<;ood. 
Levi  Gamble. 
Thomas  Mikesell. 

II.  H.  Overman. 
Minor  11.  Potter. 
CharloH  U.  Sbaw  and 

J.  I'.  IJoloson. 
J.  O.  Avery. 
T.W.Elliaon. 


222 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAKKOW    IN   AMEUICA. 


LofUty. 


Kirht  an- 
puMruu. 


Wcyiuoiitli It'SOt     I»r.  Krmik  Yoiins. 

Wil'liiw IfHl    I  Klliiii  0.  KiiiK«l»iiry. 

Wiliuinutou  .-••         Iti^li       William  (;l«viiij,'('r. 

Do 1 '  if.M.  IIiiviiiH. 

Do 1 Niillinii  M.  Linton. 

WHmou'h  MillH..         IS8:i       U.S.  (iiliiioru. 
Wiiiclii)»tiir !        l»'KO      J.OMlmni. 


WintiTHviUo.... 
Wiiiton  riiicd  .. 

Woo.Ull.lil 

Do 

Wyoiiiiiij: 

Voini;;  Ilickuiy. 
Voiiu^Hvillo 


Flrxt  up- 
puiiruu. 


IK7» 

1K71)I 
lH7lt 
IMHI 
loHll 


ObHurvur. 


llfv.  K  I.  Swiincv. 
ir.Jl.(:i-..\vl. 
(iiMU'mi  I'.  Dull'. 

JllM.    li.   MolllH. 

(J.  V.  Slcplniinoii. 
Jus.  M.  lllllc'liuituli, 
I'.  A.Siliolt. 


t  About. 


It  wus  icportetl  not  proscnt  at  the  following  places  in  Ohio : 


Locnlity. 

Obaorvur. 

Locality. 

Ob.siTVuiv 

Vau.  J.  Slioriuau. 

Wiudsor  Mills. 

Pustiunsti'r. 

Ill  OREGON,  in  tlio  autiinin  of  188(i,  tbo  Sparrow  was  not  known  to  bo  present  at 
uuy  point.    It  wuh  rojtortcd  uot  prcseut  at  tlio  followiug  placoa : 


In  PENNSYLVANIA  the  Sparrow  wa8  reported  present  in  tbo  autumn  of  18«t)  at 
the  following  places: 


Locality. 


Albion 

Allej;lionj' 

A  Itooiia 

Apollo 

Athlon 

ISarnlmrt'H  Mills 
Beatty 


IJcavor  Fiilla . 
licllo  Vpinou 
IJlair.svillo  ... 
ISlooiiisburgh 

IJraiUbid 

Do 

liristol 


Urockwavvillo  . 

Brookvillo 

Browusvillo 

BrynMaur 

Butler 

Carmichaol's... 

Do 

ChambursbnrgU 


Observer. 


J.  A.  Uobison. 
Jobn  Swan. 
T.  B.  I'attou. 
Labanab  Town.son. 
Williaiii  D.  Doaii. 
I'.  A.  Kattigaii. 
Sarali  A.  aud  George 

H,  AdatiiB. 
S.  S.  McFon  ail. 
James  Hagerty. 
Isabella  Campbell. 
Goorgo  A.  (Jhuk. 
Jas.  A.  Toulon. 
(;.  B.  Wbitehead. 
Dr.  J.  Do  Bennoville 

Abbott. 
B.  T.  Cbapiii. 
Laselle  11.  Erdlec. 
J.  Holmoa  I'atton. 
A.  R.  Montgomery. 
W.  P.  Koessing. 
Cli.wlos  AV.  Barkman. 
G.  W.  Daiighcrty. 
Davison  Grecnftwalt. 


Locality. 


First 
appeared. 


Clarion 

Cloarlleld . . . 
CoUegevillo. 


Columbia  

Coimeautvillo... 

Cdudersport 

Danvillo 

Deliiiont , 

Du  Mois 

Diincanuon 

East  Bethlehem 
Ebonsburgh  .. 

Elk  Lick 

Eiiilontown 

Emporium 

Enon  Valley . . . 

Erie 

Do 

Fayette  City... 

Foxburgh 

Franklin 

Gap 

Germantown... 


1877t 
1870 1 


1874t  I 
187'Jt  i 
]880t   i 
18H0t 
1884 
18781 


188J 

18711 

18821 

18801 

1874 

1875t 

187U 

1874t 

1880t 

1882 


Observer. 


Miller  Benttv. 
A.  B.  Weaver. 
C.  Augustus  Itittt'U- 

house. 
C  V.  Young. 
"William  A.  lliiriiiiion. 
M.  S.  Xhimipson. 
Thomas  (Jlialt'ain. 
J.  D.  Paily. 
J.  P.  Taylor. 
Jos.  M.  Shatti). 
Emma  C.  Adaiiij. 
Jas.  G.  llas.soii. 
Silas  A.  Wagiier. 
II.  A.  Ilamillou. 
J.  M.Judd. 
JohuO.  Ca.'ikpy. 
T.  Dwight  IngersoU. 
H.  C.  Shannon. 
J.  M.  Barker. 
John  G.  Ilager. 
1).  D.  Grant. 
John  'J.  Linville. 
Thomas  Meohau. 


t  About. 


DISTllIBUTION 


LiMulity. 


FirBt 
npiicurtHl, 


(Jcrnwiitown  . . 
Do 

(Irtl.VHlMinjll... 

(Ili'ii  liock 

dri'diia^ll". 

(iiii'imliiiioiinh.. 
(;ri'iiiNliiiit;li 

li.lllllVCI'     

ILiii'n  Viillo.v 

llullillilV-'l'IICJjIl-- 

l»ii  

Iliinliii;;(lt)ii 

Imiii 

Jiinu'slii"  II 

Jiiliiixtinvii 

Kitliiiiiii); 

I,;iiii;islt^i' 

l.ii  I'mlc 

Liliiilu' 

1,1'wisliiiiKli 

I.vwisliiw  II 

I.i!;nnlci'    

I.iick  llavi'li 

Mr(;(jiiiiill»liurj{lj 

MiPoiiaia 

McKii'fiMirt 

Miiu^ll.ld 

Muinliflcl  Valloy. 

Maivsvilli) 

Miii'dvillK 

MrviTHillllc 

Mi(Mll-l)lll-;rl, 

MiilillcldWii 

Millliiitiiwii 

Millnnl 

Miiiiiini::ilit<liiC'.v 
Moiinl   I'liasaiit.  ■ 

MiMICV     

Ni'W  i'li'dtoril 

Xiw  r.i  tlili'liom. . 
New  lliijiliton... . 
New  Ciistlo 

1)(. 

Xi'w  l.ixiiiLitf.n. .. 
Xc«p(iil   {l*<Kt),.. 

Xi'wvillc 

Xcw  Wilniiii^iton. 
Xoilli  Kast....... 

Do 


1873t 


IHWIt 
IH-lil 

\HH\ 

\HT>\ 

IHHH 

I^Tlit 

IHHll 

IXTHt 

1 S7J  t 

IHTHt 

IXTHt 

l«7(It 

!><70l 

lHM2f 

IHH:) 

18711 


187(il 


IS'tll 
1H8U 

why 

18741 

YmV 

1HI)8f 

]87(U 

1K7Kf 

1 87  It 

188Ut 

187!lt 

JK7U 

lH81t 

18771 

18801 

1881 

187;t 

I87r.t 

187:U 

1874t 

188J 

18801 

18781 


Olim'ivci 


,  Wltinor  SliPiir. 

I   Win.  Kotrh  WlstiT. 

I   II.  I..  Ili'i r. 

]..  \V.  Shaf.  r. 

II.  I'.l'nilliir. 

A.  V.  HdiihIiium-. 

\V.<;.  Luor. 

Willlain  lliiltisi'l. 

iSaiiiiul  11.  (irri'im. 

.laiiii-H  M.  l,iii;,'ari'U. 

M.  A.  Yoiiii;;. 

Margaret  A.Tyliurst. 

S.  I).  LaiiiriT. 

M.  K.  Giuilucr. 
I   llt'i'iiiaii  Itaiimcd. 
I  K.  A.Jiioillit'ail. 
1  Dr.  S,  S.  liatlivoii. 

Walter  S|n'iiciT. 

.foliii  A.  Sliiiwaltov. 

Dr  (icMiiKii  •••  (irolV. 

U.  W.  I'alton. 

C.  K.  Maik.M-. 

Wminiii  W.  Kiinkln, 
I  J.  S.  Sliado. 
J  I*.  Hi)«y. 

J.  11.  Slialo. 

N.  A.KIliot. 
I  »r.i;.L.  Walker. 
1  W.S.  Ciaiilt. 
I  K.  W.McAvUiiir. 
I  M.  A.KuttiT. 

l.d.IlaihiT. 
I  Kva  lio.>(w  Wic'slliii}:. 
j  Cliarlo,s  1!.  (J  raw  (old. 

U.  W.  Uiiiimiik. 
I  JaiiicH  n.  M<ior(>. 
I  John  1).  McCalil). 
j  J.  ILFiilmcr. 

Martin  Jnckaoii. 
I  •lanio.H  K.  Williams. 
I  W.d.  Bradtiii. 
I  William  T.liutz. 

William  (iDi'doii. 

Dr.  H.  1).  M(.(ir<>. 
,  K.  L.  Kiiijilit. 

.lolin  M.  Woodbiirii. 
ilii{;li  Wilson. 
Isaac  llortaii. 
Harry  E,  McNicliol. 


i    13Y   STATES 

• 

T^d 

r.ocnlity. 

First 
ippeareil. 

Ohsirvor. 

Noiiliiimlii'i'Iand 

18721 

J.  C.  Fi>r«ytb. 

Osrt'ula  Mills... 

18771 

■Tai'oli  Kil/.mnn. 

i  I'arlvtn's  l.iindlii^ 

187.M 

1>.  Ilrarkt'ii. 

i  I'hiliid.'lidiia  ... 

J.  I'c  ri'v  Moori'. 

'         Do... 

F.  It.  W.lsli. 

riillliiisliiirKli  .. 

18HD 

ilidiii  (iowlaiiil. 

I'iltsl.iiryli 

18711 

J.  II.  I,arkin. 

I'liHsaiilvlllii 

1881 

(ifo.  li.  Ilawoi'tli. 

I'litthlown      .... 

187III 

John  II.  iStovle. 

riiiixsotawiicy . 

18.'<.ll 

II.  C.  I'.air. 

Itadiior 

I8;si 

\V.  \\ .  .Munt^oinery. 

Kl'llI'lrW 

18.-81 

F.  II.  Iliown. 

ItoMioldsvillo  . . 

U8l 

W.C.  S1I111II/.0. 

'  Itiduwav 

1881  1 

.T.H.IIaK.rly. 

Uockwood 

18K,) 

Ilairison  Snydor. 

1  Housdvillc 

18701 

(li'oi;;ii  A.  I.vrulil. 

1  Haenerstown  . .. 

1878 

t'.K.  Iliiiitcr. 

SaltsbiiiKli 

18781 

I'laiicis  l.aird. 

Siottdalo 

1880 

.1.  I'.Ow.ns. 

!  Sidiii's  (irovii  . . 

187(11 

(icori;!'  11.  Iloiidilcks. 

i  Sliiiioii 

(;.  W.  l!av. 

bliippi'uslmr;;!!. 

181181 

.I.A.O.  M.Ciino. 

Hnuitliport 

11-81 

M.  A.  Spra^iio. 

Soinor.K^t 

I87!t 

J.  IC.  Colliotli. 

Do 

187(i 

J.  II.  Fritz. 

Soiilli  lictlili'liciii 

iiolMMt  W.  Ilarrtdl. 

StoidtoM  

W.  11.  II.  Hii'!.'. 

Slroiidsl)iir;:li  .. 

I87iit 

Darius  Dnkcr. 

[  Ta\  lui'Htuwn 

ll-8-.'l 

Jidiii  Knox. 

Tiilioiito 

188:i 

William  11.  Dawson. 

Tionostii 

lH80f 

Samutl  II.  lla.slut. 

Titnsvillo 

IS71t 

M.  N.  Allon. 

'I'owaiula 

187til 

E.  A.  I'arsoiis. 

Trov 

1.>I7.'>I 

A.  K.  T.iiiduMuau. 

187:)| 

F.  A.liicd. 

Uiiioiitowii 

M.D.  Uakor. 

llrsina 

18811 

I,.  J.  I'.inforil. 

Wanipiiiii 

188il 

ChaiU's  (;.  (Jox. 

Wai  roil 

18701 
1874 

FostinaHter. 

Wasliincton 

.Ta.s.  IJiadv. 

Wayiioslmroii;;!! 

18781 

E.  li.  KiiBlo. 

Wiiyiu'sbiir^li.. . 

18711 

•la.-t.  8.  ifi'iiniiiKS. 

West  Olii'slor ... 

Dr.  li.  H.  Warren. 

Wi'st  Newton.. . 

18811 

A.  M.  l>iik. 

"Williamnport  .. . 

187Gt 

W.  F.  IiOi;aii. 

Willow  Ktii'et  .. 

,  . 

Dr.  I.  H.  Mayer. 

Wiinlitsvillo..  . 

18071 

Jacob  H.  Fri'et. 

:  York 

James  Ktll  and  IT.  L. 

1 

1 

Fisher. 

A.bout. 


It  was  roportecl  not  pi-eseut  at  tLo  following  places  in  Pcuusylvauia: 


Locality. 

Obsorvor. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Diishoi'o  

E.  A.  Stronj;. 
1.  WiUoH  Shaw. 

John  H.  Steele. 

Millcd),'eville 

224 


THIO    KNGMSII    Sl'AUliOW    IN    AMKKICA. 


Ill   UlIODK   I^^LAND  till)  Spairow  was  rciiortoil  iniHciit  in  tho  autiium  of  IfJWiat 
thu  fullowiiig  places: 


i        !-! 


Locality. 

First 
appcarud. 

""isTBt 
1881 

Ubfcvrvoi'. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Colli I'^il  FiiIIh  — 

Ilill'M  (ilOVU 

Mowpoit 

I),) 

Wllliain  H.  I.t^wlH. 
Fred.   T.  .IciickH. 
CliMH.  II.  Kawtdii  and 
iloliii  ,].  rcclvliain. 
.roliii  M.  Swan, .jr. 
Williiin.  ll.L.'WJH. 
Eli   Whitmv  ISlaki-, 

IVaciDalo 

riiividi'iito 

11(1 

I8r.8 

18l)((l 

K. (J.  Hazard, '-M. 
Fred.  T.  .Ii-iickn. 
\V.  V.  (iNlurliiiiil 

Wcilcilv 

U(i 

1874 

II.  K.  MaxHDii. 

lt\  roll  .1.  IN'('k]i;irii 

Wfst  KinsMtou. 

1881!  t 

Juliii  U.Chukc. 

I'eaco  Dale 

1 18&8] 

t  About. 


Ill  SOUTH  CAROFilNA  the  Sinirrow  was  reportod  proaont  iu  the  uutuuiu  of  IssO 
at  tho  following  pliicfs:  ,.  , 


m 


Locality. 

First 
appuarfd. 

188(1 
18811 

"'"'i88«i 
188J 

""i88ii 
1871; 
i87:i 

1  Willi 

188;)1 

18811 
18811 
18701 

188U 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Groonville  Coun- 
ty   

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Aiken 

James  IC.  (Jrosland. 

Charles  W.  Webb.     ' 

]>.  I'MIooloii.               1 

'1',  1..  CioHlaiiil. 

I).  C.  Kirklry.             ' 

Dr.  (i.  K.  MaiiiuaiiU. 

M.W.  1)11  vail. 

.r.lC.IIiur.v. 

J.  N.  VoiiiiKblood. 

W.  Il.(;ibbu.s. 

15.  C.  Law. 

AV.  II.  lininson. 

N.C.  Smad. 

S.  S.Critttnden. 

Joseph  Cooper. 

1881 

188-2 

1881 

1881t 

188111 

18811 

188.''. 

18701 

I881lt 

188;il 

"'"i88ir 

AiKU^rson  C.  11  . . 

Dr.  M.  A.  TTuuttT 

Baiiiberjj 

IJoiiiiottHviilo 

James  iNlaiid. . . 

Joiiesvilie 

Lancaster  C.  11  . 
Laurens  C.  II.. . 

Sleriwelbcr 

:Miiunl  rioasaiit 
Newlu'irv  (J.  11. 

Koekllil'l 

Si  noi'ii 

W.  I.  Iliuson. 
K.A.  \Vliltlo.k. 
Howell  J.  Ui-<'js(iiy. 
11.  W.  Anderm.n. 

Charlfstou  (1881) 

ClieHli'i\(;.  U 

111) 

J,  K.  Tliomlinsun. 
D.  O.  Herbert 

Coluiiil>ia 

l)iirliii"t()ii(J.  11 

lUu'iia  V.  Wood. 

Ed^oll.ild  C.U... 

(lUtl'lltW...  ...... 

Sumter  (MI.... 
Winnsboioiigli  . 

D.J.Auld.       " 
D.  Et;le»tou. 

Gii'i'iivillo 

Greeiivillo  Couu- 
tv 

t  About. 


It  was  reported  uot  present  at  tho  following  phices  in  South  Carolina 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Aikon* 

S.  V.  Sattertbwait. 
Jauu'H  11. 1'orter. 
Walter  Hoxie. 
S.  M.  Ward. 
John  11.  llinnicker. 
John  A.  Wbitteniore. 

Conwiiv...... .......... 

Marion  tJ  H  . 

(leorpitown 

Waltoriioroiiuh 

Wav.srloy  Mills 

Edward  M.  Jones. 
\Y.  St.  I.  Mazyck. 

KiiifTHtroo  ..---- 

■  Reported  present  by  another  observer. 


■mms- 


DhSTKIDlITION    BY   STATES. 


225 


III  TKNNKHSKK  tho  8purruw  was  repoitud  imiHcut,  in  the  uutuiuu  of  18dC,  at  tho 
following  plucfs: 


I.ocHlity. 

Flrnt 
Mppourod. 

Ubsorvor. 

Locality. 

Mvinftatoii 

Loudon  ......... 

KlrHt 
appeart-d. 

ObHorvor. 

AlllllHI 

AriliTHOiivillii  . .. 
Aslilaiid  CUy... 

Mlicn^ 

llnmiMvillo 

18841 
lK8;i| 

lh8« 

18781 

187!U 

1881 

1881 

1W51 

1S85 

187111 

18H1 
1885 
1870 
1HM4 
188'.' 

1881;  1 

18811 
188Jt 

18k;ii 

iM-'il 
18811 
18h:J 

It.O.riunlR. 
.I.K.I'.  WuUiico. 

\V.  •,V.S«IMl.Tt4. 

Joliti  (j..Slraiit;u. 
iliiliii  (Clinton. 
W.A.SUckJr. 
Callio  Mcioiiv. 
1).  W.Culloiii. 
.1.  11.  r.iiHmdI. 
(ii'iii;4(i  W.  Martin. 

M.  Il.>)(lllIIHOII. 

ro.HliiiaHlir. 
W.  Y.  Moi)tii«ao. 
U.S.  Kliiciiid. 
Ju.s.  AI.  lliiidH. 
.luH.  livnv.'t. 
W.  M.IIall. 
H.C.  Hoittli. 
W.T.  liioylcB. 

I.  U.  AnaiitH. 
■I.II.Stiiiit. 
Kiiiioiio  IvclNcy. 
W.  I'.  llniUin.' 
I.I.Slaniiiir. 
\l.  V.  Iloriim, 
\V.  M..siirll,.jr. 
N.O.  'riidinaH. 
Wni.ll.  Doiillmt, 
TlioMiiiH  K.  lliiyiiu.s. 
A.  A.  LiiwiH. 

T.  .T.  Li»uo. 
Join)  I).  Stalker. 
J.  11.  Koirinan. 

II.  (J.  llri^wtT. 

.1.  llt'iiderauii  lioid. 
U.K.  Dasliicll. 
I'lof.  K.  11.  Kaudlo. 
S.  V.  Uowdcn. 
K.  AV.  KaruoHt. 
AV.  H.  McNiiU. 
.I.M.  Kiii^. 
E.G.Canwriclit. 
W.T.  Nixon. 
W.A.Slowart. 
J.  1«.  Tolllvcr. 
K.  A.  I'Vr^iiH. 
W.K.Jon  ('8. 
J.  II.  UouHseLs. 

18831 

18801 

1884 

188Jt 

""'iwii' 

If  85 

18MI 

1.K71 

1877 

188;i 

1H8'J| 

1878 

18781 

18781 

1877 

18.S0 

188'Jt 

188;il 

i88:it 
188:;! 

188;! 

1881 

18h5 

1885 

188l'1 

18«0 

18811 

18841 

18811 

l.S7til 

18851 

1885 

18851 

.lolin  nurtijr. 

.1.  '1'.  SlnipHon. 

.l.N.Tiiylor. 

U.  Koimidy. 

Dr.C.  llnrt  M< nliini. 

K.  W.(;oz.at. 

IiVnclil)ui't:h  .... 
Al.Minnvillo  ... 
MndiNon  (1887).. 
MiidiHonvilln... 

Mant'licHtiir 

Uuynnrdvillo  ... 

Mi-ni|diif) 

MorriHlown 

.Mountain  City.. 
Murl'rorsboro. .. 
NashviUo 

Do 

I'lirlliaK" 

Cfliiia 

('i'iiftv\dlo 

(.'Iiallaniiii;;il 

C'liilKHVilli) 

(Movi'laiid 

(;|il'l(in 

S.  N.  Iluru.r. 
A.  I,.  I.clnart. 
J.M.l'\iwlkoM. 

S.W.Slll.ldH. 

S.D.Jarkson. 
Kriink  \V'bilo. 

rddkvilli-   

Jud^o  Jolin  C.  Ftr- 

ri.sti, 
A.>r  MoWblrttr 

t.'<)VIIIUl(]ll 

l)„           

Do 

Do 

A.  II.  Sharp, 
(ii'orpn  1*.  MliiOH. 
Z.S.  WatkiuM. 

Newport 

Oullowuli 

Dicaliir 

llicksuu      

IMkevlUo 

I'alaHki 

Will  A.  lirown. 

Dover 

H.t.'lay  McLniiriac. 
,T.l!.  Stacy. 
W.lI.ISiiidpn. 
.1.  A.  Abcniathy. 
11.  T.  Hanks. 

Do 

Dvi'isljiiiyli 

Klizabillitown... 
Kria 

1«85 

18H-t 

1881)1 

I88II 

188:il 

]Hf2 

18841 

188:;t 

Purdy 

Klic'ii  SpiingH.. 

Kililoy 

IvoKersvillo 

Suvaunuh 

StiviiTvi'lo 

Sliilbyvillo 

Snocdvillo 

Sorncrvillo 

Soutlil'ittsburfjh 
.Sjmrta 

I'a.vcllovillo 

Saniucl  1'.  I'owul. 
I).  T.  Slri'tit. 

(I.illaliii 

lirc'i'iii'villo 

Ilarlsvillo 

Iliiiiiholdt 

Kn>r<'nt>  Ulakcinoro. 
(j.  W.  Mai;';iavi«. 
(.).  Ij.  DiokiiiHoi). 

Huiitin^'cloii  ..   . . 
lacknlMinmnU  . .. 

Jaoksun  

Do 

D-80 

18811 
188!! 

Ji'nnioK.Liviiiustou. 
W.  L.  Dllirell. 

Tnto  S|irin(jH  .. 
Taylors  V  i  llo 
(1887). 

Tazowoll 

Do 

'I'lioinuH  Toinlinxon. 

Jamt'Htown 

188;it 

18711 

1881 

""iSHlt 

.h.ncslMiroiiKli  ... 

18811 

1881 

18711 

]8a!t 

1885 

1885t 

18811 

18811 

188U 

18801 

U.F.Carr. 

Knoxvillo 

I.a  raydtlo 

LuwiviiciburKli.. 
Do 

Tiptonvillu    .... 
Troo  Hill  (1885). 

Trt-nton 

Do 

.lolin  1).  Arnott. 

lO.T.AVino. 

KvinttlJclI. 

leliaiicm. 

I.cwisburgh 

LoxiiiKluii 

Linden 

Union  City 

Do 

188;i 
18.S4 

188:it 

18S31 

W.  K.  Andrews. 
W.C.McCnmpbell. 
rv.,r.MoAdoo. 
U.  11.  Preston. 

Wavcrly 

Woodbury 

t  About. 


It  \va.s  roportcd  not  present  at  tbo  following  places  in  Tennessee: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Obserrer. 

Alpxaodria       

Ironus  Bockwitb. 
Mrs.  Lelln  Howard. 
W.  T.  Davis. 
A.  McDonald. 
J.  M.  CaDDiuubam, 

N"owl)urcU  ....>■...■•. 

Nancy  Grinder. 

Diiiilap 

Erwiii 

Spcncor 

Winchester -. 

A.M.Clark. 

Olpnmary 

George  D.  ISramblect. 

8404— Bull.  1 15 


I'!' 


226 


THE    LNGL1811    SPAKliOW    IN    AMERICA. 


Ill  TEXAS  tlio  Sparrow  was  roi)ortcd  present,  iu  the  autumn  of  188(j  aud  spring  of 
1887,  at  the  following  places : 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

]IolI8tOU 

JoU'crsiiii 

SauiSuba 

First 
appeared. 

ObsLTvcr. 

Galvoston 

Do  

1867 

1877 
1872t 

J.  M  Hrowii. 
Oswald  Scliiii.llcr. 
Artliur  WalkiT. 

1884  f 
]8SJt 
1880 

Kobort  ISiiriiH. 
K.  SliTiii. 

Do 

A.B.llttywoitli. 

t  About. 
It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  Texas: 


Locality. 


Abilene 

Atliuiis 

Austin 

Do..  

Do 

1?aiid 

Hastrop 

lleauiuDut 

IMlol'laiu 

HIk  Spring 

}S(ibl>in 

Koiiliiini 

Itowio 

Urn'''  I  ',;viIlo 

lb.  ,;  Wa 

liruubaiu 

Urownsvillo 

Hryan 

Itiirnet 

Caldwill 

*)alvcrt 

Camorou. 

Canton' 

Cartbago  

Castrovillo.. 

Oat  Sprini; 

Coutrovillo 

Olarljpsvilli) 

Clear  Civolt 

Cloburno 

(lolb'fio  Station 

Collins 

Do 

Coloradi) 

(yoinanclie 

Cooper 

Corpus  Clii'i.sli 

Cotullu 

DaiiiK'Tfield 

Dallas 

Do 

I)e(^atur 

Deuisou 

Do 

Denton 

Dublin 

£lino 

Kniory 

Kncninl 

V'airflelil 

Farrsvillo 

Fort  Stockton 

Fort  Wort  h 

Franklin 

(inbion 

Guinesvillo 

Do 

Ueorfictown 

Giddings 

(Jilnier 

(ionzales 

(Jroesbeck 

Hamilton 

Harwood 

Ilempbill 

Hempstead 

Henderson 

Henrietta 


Observer. 


H.H.  Harden. 

Tlionias  M.  Mattliews. 

A.V.Lane. 

Dr.Q.C.Smitb. 

Dr.  K.l'. Stiles. 

J.  F.  lletlip. 

C.  Iv.  Ilaynio. 

A.J.  Ward. 

l.ueas  W.  Itellaiiiy. 

Jobn  Snoddy, 

if.  rtl.  StiiisDii. 

Jobn  W.  Diiiieiin. 

liarbart)  K  Cook. 

C.A.(iilelea. 

Mrs.  Maria  S.  Coelnan. 

.1.  M.  livrnes. 

lieiijaniiu  Kinalski, 

Jolm  (|J.  Tabor. 

M.  K.  Cotlee. 

James  J.  McMillan. 

T.J.  McIIusii. 

J.  M.  Uartou. 

J.H.Hanes. 

H.M.Kninbt. 

Samuel  Lytle. 

Aujjust  Kinkier-. 

Jerry  McDaniel, 

E.  P.'llutlierford. 
T.(!ooko. 

S.N.  Clark. 
Oeorijo  W.  (Curtis. 
Frederick  I!.  Nayer. 
(Jeorjie  Hobli.s. 
P.  A.  Ila/.zard. 
It.  M.  Garner. 
J.N.ltoyd. 
J.U.C.  Wliite. 
ir.A.Keck. 
I..  M.Allen. 
Jobn  11.  Coelnan. 
Jnlien  liovcrelion. 
A.  II.  SlioeniaUer. 
L.  I,.  Man>;liH. 
Janu'S  Ninion. 
J.D.13alei<. 
H.R.  Brown. 
W.M.  Undue V. 
M.  S.  I'ier.'ion." 
M.J.Ellis. 
L.G.Sandifed. 
A.  J.  Jobnsou. 
1''.  W.  Yount;. 
Julian  Feild. 

F.  IJeynolds. 
K.  .\.  .V'ilnon. 
T.  J.  rarrisb. 
Georno  II.  Ita'^sdalo. 
1).  T.  Cbessber. 
M.A.Clark. 

W.  F.  Sbruu). 
W.V.Collins. 
Dri^w  D.  Tender. 
A.  E.  Steeir. 
M.  C.  Doyal. 
L.G.  Whittlesey. 
John  If.  YonnK. 
C.G.  Bnrnctt. 
Henry  Eddy. 


Locality. 

Hitchcock 

Hockley 

Huntsvillo 

Jaoksonvillo 

Kaulinau 

Kildaro 

LivGran<;e 

Laredo 

Liiierty 

Livinjistou 

Lonjrview 

Mauor 

Marienfebl 

Marlin 

Marshall 

Mason 

Matnsiordu 

Meridian 

Minoola 

Montafjuo 

Mount  I'leasant  ... 

Mount  Vernon 

Navaaota 

Newton 

Oraiijio 

I'aint  Hock 

Falo  I'iuto 

I'aris 

I'ona  Station 

l'itlsl)urj;h 

I'lano 

]\aii;;er 

Helu;iio 

Kieliniond 

l!io  (irando  City... 

lioina ." 

Husk 

San  Antonio 

Do 

San  Aufiimtine 

San  l)icf;o 

Sehnli'nliurj;b 

Semi  In 

Sherman 

Smitli'sFoint 

Sprin;i 

Stepluiiville 

Strawn 

Sweet  Water 

Taylor 

Terrell 

Trinity 

Troup 

Tyler 

Uvaldl^ 

Victoria 

Waco 

WuUisvillo 

Waxahacbie 

Do 

AVoimar 

Wharton 

Wichita  Falls 

AVillis 

Will's  Point 

Wlnnsborough  .... 
Woodvillo 


Observer. 


Arthur  Walker. 
James  Norman. 
W.ll.Woodall. 
J.  B.  Urittain. 
J.A.Marshall. 
C.C.Gallaway. 
Artliur  Meir.schcidt. 
H.A.Hurbank. 
().  P.  liaillio. 
Walter  D.Willi.s. 
1'  idelia  Kilgoro. 
John  E.Hill. 
J(dni  A.  Konz. 
T.(;.01torf. 
J .  U.  IJijjKs. 
Ira  15.  Henry. 
A.A.DnflTv. 
J.  H.  Jobnsou. 
Jobn  AV.  Cage. 
A.H.P.-ilmcr. 
15.  F.  Johnson. 
C.G.  Parker. 
P.  A.  Smith. 
L.H.Clark. 
II.  T.Davis. 
AVilliani  Lloyd. 
AV.  S.  Conat.ser. 
James  T.  Craiyo. 

C.  E.  Uowers. 
J.  A.  Derrick. 
John  P.  Alexander. 

'  H.Da\i8. 
L.M.  Kojjers. 

D.  A.  Ferguson. 
L'tciana  U.  Davis. 
Fred  H.  Hastings. 
N.C.  Tiiniblo. 
(in.slav  Jerniy, 
H.  P.  Howard'. 

15.  D.  Crocket. 
George  Hodet. 
Charles  A.Ke.s.sler. 
J.  Zorn,.ir. 
L.  S.  Mcl'herhon. 
Charles  N.P;iey. 
C.  Bender,  jr. 

E.  15.  Jones. 
T.  A.CJutbrio. 
A.  F.  Decker. 
J.O.Friuk. 
B.S.Martin. 

U.  T.  Walker,  jr. 
K.H.Powell. 
K.  15.  Long  and  V.  L.  Yoa- 
kum. 
N.L.SIratton. 
Thomas  K.  Cocke. 
(}.  15.  Gerald. 

F.  H.  H(dmes. 
Edwin  B.Clarlt. 

Dr.  Thomas  W.FloriT. 
F.  A.  Hill. 
Postmaster. 
George  A .  Giddiugs. 
Lucv  M.Bell. 
A\*.  F.  Weaver. 
A.MrBrido. 
AV.  H.Stewart. 


DISTRIBUTION    BY    STATKS. 


227 


111  UTAH  the  8piUio\v  was  reported  present,  iu  tlio  autiimu  of  1880,  at  the  follow- 
iiji^  places : 


Locality. 


First 
appcuroil. 


Alpine  (Mty 

Callrt  Kort 

Ceii.ir  Valley 

Oh.'slei- 

Odiilvilli) 

Ciiiinne 

ItiMP'i' 

Kc'lioCily   

K.Hrliclil 

lliMiiiti-  I'ity 

Ihile  I'ark  

,Iiiul> 

Ul.^Mll      

MciiiIdii   

Mill  ( 'rei^k 

Miina 


lK8i 
1XH(! 
18811 

"ia7;tt 
I88:i 

IHKlt 

I88:il 

1882 

18841 

188'J1 

18811 

188r) 

18811 

18741 

18811 


Observer. 


T.  J.  Me.CoIloii^'li. 
Klnior  Liiveland. 
L.  I«.  Kodebaek. 
A.  \V.(;iin(llan(l. 
Mary  E.  Kluitles. 
I'Mwaril  Iv.  Cliuse. 
Jaine!4  Jensou, 
V.  Hirst, 
if.  Snyder. 
Wui.  Thompson,  jr. 
E.  A.IJaine. 
Oirawell  Williams. 
Al.  A.  Shirley. 
Fred  l,:ir.s(-n. 
•lohn  Morjian. 
W.  A.  Newton. 


Louulity. 

First 
appeared 

Mor;;an 

1885 

North  On*!''"  •  •  ■ 

!88Jl 

OKden  

Plain  City 

18s;i| 

IMi^asanl  (Irovo 

187rt 

I'rovo  City 

188;if 

Do 

1880 

1  Richmond  

18S-,t 

i  Sail  LakoCity.. 

18701 

Sand  V 

18<)t 

Santaiiiiin  

1884 

Smithlield 

188r)t 

South  .lordau. .. 

18701 

;  Spriufivillo 

1884 

West  Jordan  .. 

18841 

Willard 

18811 

t  About. 


Observer. 


J.  Williams. 
Sidney  Stevens. 

.I.(r.  .Scott. 
Charles  Neal. 
Mrs.  P.  Steirett. 
Daniel  (■  raves. 
James  (i.  Kerjiiev. 
Cornelius  Tiavi  lliii'. 
W.  C.  Urown. 
(JeiU'Ke  Marriott. 
T.J.  Kirkman. 
James  S.  Canlwell. 
John  Holt. 
H.  M.  l>ou«all. 
15.  L.  Cutler. 
Tlios.  W.  liruwerton. 


It  was  reporttnl  not  present  at  the  following  places  iu  Utiih: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

j              Lo.ality. 

Ol.server. 

.\lta 

liiaver 

l!iii);lia.    Canjon 

ItlllC 

Cnitcrvil   ■  

t'revili  a 

Ciibllii; 

Henry  C.  Wallace. 
Willson  <r.  Nowers. 
Hernaril  (jiiinn. 
C.  M.  (hvv. 
T.J.  Uraiiilon. 
Thomas  W.  Walker. 
Samuel  J.  Allen. 

Fountain  Green 

Nephi 

I'etersou .....-- 

Koes  U.Le  welly n. 

James  Larsen. 
Ktlwin  \V'illumH. 

Salen> 

Stockton 

Terrace 

S  Wales 

i 

J.J.  IJavis. 
Alma  N.  Yuunly. 
S.  II.  Cave. 
Jonathan  Midsley. 

Ill  VERMONT  the  Sparrow  wtis  reported  present,  in  the  aiituinu  of  1880,  at  the  fol- 
lowing places: 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
aiijieared. 

•Observer. 

Iliiiliiititon  (1884) 
Chailcitlc  (1881).. 
()li;irli>tto 

18701 

II 

Oeorfio  ir.  Verkina.    :    r.yndonvillo 

I<".  11.  llorslbni.                 Jtont|)elier 

MinoiViiE.  Wins.           Kiitlaiul  (1881)  .. 
(IS.  Paino.                       Saint. lohiisbiiry 
C.  P.  Owen.                          (18S4). 
Allen  Uazen.                   Taltsville(IS84). 

A.  I.Johnson.                  WestPawiet 

Stei)lien  P.  (iordon.     1 

W.E.  Halch.                il  WestPawiet 

Dr.  Hiram  A.  Cut-  \\      (1S84). 

18811 
18741 
18741 
18741 

I.  W.  Sanborn. 
Caleb  C.  Kat(Mi. 

Kiisl  Hethel 

Chiver, 

188U1 
18811 

l{ev.   Henry  Fair- 

lliilUcI'd   

CO.  Tiiicy. 

Dr.  Frank'  H.  Hray- 

mer. 
Albert  H.  Pheliis. 

Ilvdevllle 

Kceli  I's  Hay 

Luiieiil)ur"h  .... 

188;t 
1881 
1881 
1880 

18741 

JJo 

1 

t  About. 


228 


THE    KNGLISH    SrARROW    IN   AMEUICA. 


'm 


ssiat 


III  VIKGINIA  tbo  Sparrow  waa  reported  present,  in  the  aiitiiiiin  of  188G,  at  the  fol- 
lowing  places : 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Ob.servor. 

Loeality. 

First 
appeared. 

18801 

Observer. 

Abiiifidoii 

IfiT'.f 

■T.  M.  Tvo.s.i. 

Killer  and  Queen 

W.  1!.  llird. 

Accoiiiiio  C.  II  ... 

18X11 

Williani  1'.  ilill. 

C.ll. 

Accotiiili    

lH74t 

K.  K.  Mason. 

I.awrenievillo  . . 

1870 

W.  T.  Sledire. 

AnioliiU;.  II 

18.S4I 

(t.  11.  Sontliiill. 

Lebanon  ..: 

188U 

J.  F.  .\iiibur;;ev. 

AiuluMMt  C.  II  ... 

iS8Ul 

W.  II.  Will.s. 

Lexin^itiui 

1870 

John  .\.  I{.  Varair. 

Aiipo'iuittox  0. 

1881t 

N.  II.  Ua^land. 

Lick  Kun 

1880     ; 

J.  T.  Paxton. 

II. 

Lovin<;stnn 

18Sa     , 

William  .Sli  pliensoii. 

Aslilaiiil 



A.  (y.  Mavo. 

Lvnehliiiruli   ... 

18701   i 

(;iias.  W.  Ibitton. 

liarlHiui'svillo. .. 

1881 

(i.S.  Parker. 

Aladison  V.ll  .. 

1S781   ! 

lirittell  Kriib  r. 

Ill  rPN  villi! 

187(! 

J.  N.  Shepherd. 

Manassns. 

Ic70t 

Itobeil  C.  Weil'. 

Illark.sl)iirf;li 

18S1I 

A.  '1'.  Keirtter. 

Maneliestcr 

1874 

H.  A.  Jordan. 

lilMiiilC.  11    

is,s;u 

It.  C.  (ireeu. 

,  Marion 

:8771 

K..1.  Mailer. 

JJiiwliii;;  (jrcon  . . 

18781 

L.,J.  llaker. 

j  Martinsville 

"8801 

C.  L.  Pul/.el. 

ISriilficwiitiT 

18791 

M.  SIrlekler. 

!  Montrosii 

I88U 

John  (ioo<lrid;;e. 

IJidadwav 

18781 

Marv  K.  ru;;h. 

'  Newcastle 

188Ut 

J(din  C.  (Jar|ier. 

r.iirkiiic:liaiiiC.  11. 

187(i 

Alex.  T.  Moselev. 

New  Kent,  (-MI  . 

188:il 

J.  It.  Tavlor. 

ISiiiktvillo 

]87Ut 

11. 11.  W.  Crittenden. 

Now  Market 

18741 

(Jeoljii!  M.  Neose. 

Cliai  lotti  svillo  . 

li-81t 

M.  11. 1..  Lons. 

Newpiut  News  . 

]88;t 

W.  D.Crowell. 

(Jhast)  City 

CliaMiain 

1881 
187111 

I.e.  r.aoon. 
AViUiani  1!.  Hurt. 

Norfolk 

187U 
18801 

M,  (rlennaii. 

Onaneoek 

Slejdien  Hopkins. 

«JiiristiaiiHl)iiv;;l\. 

18701 

It.  M.  tiarduer. 

Oran;;i'.  0.  II  .... 

18841 

It.  0.  Maeon. 

.S.  M.  liutU  r. 

;  Peleisbur^h    .. . 
Poeahoiitas 

18741 

I.  It.  Patter.son. 

Cloviir  Doiiot 

I8S<i 

l'ustnia.'*tor. 

J.  L.  Deaton. 

('ovin"'t()n 

lH81t 

]8s;i 

John  1!.  I'itzrr. 
W.  v.  Thornton. 

Pol  tsnioutli .... 

A.  II.  Limlsav. 

(hickdo 

Powhatan  (,'.  11  . 

18Slt 

A.M.  Howard. 

Ciilpi'pcr 

is7:it 

Jas.  T.  liolurlson. 

Pulaski  .Station 

1883 

U.S.  Dudlev. 

(Juiiilitrland  C.  II 

I88:il 

John  S.  Tavlor. 

I'uni;otea};uo  .. . 

W.  T.  Mas(ui. 

Daiivillo 

18741 

T.  It.  ileDearinan. 

Kiehniond 

lS7;i 

Wni.  II.(/'ullini:w(irlh 

18811 
18781 
18831 

lI.K.Devier. 
\V.  F.  TeterH. 
Leonard  J.  Xottiug- 

Do 

1882 

llu;;li  L.  Davis. 

Dublin  

Do        

('ol.  Kandolpii   Har- 

Kastvillo  

rison. 

18.^21 
1 88(11 

haiH. 
!Marv  M.  Caloban. 
CIS.  Akii'H. 

Saleiu  .    ........ 

18701 
188;)1 
18781 

W.  .S.  Oakev. 

Kdonl>ur"li    .... 

SaluUa       ..... 

Herbert  L.  SniitlitT. 

EiiKirv 

Scottsville, 

11.  U.  Harris. 

Estillvilln 

1882 

W.  F.  Kdinond.s. 

SMiithlield 

18HU 

K.  A.  Mnriison. 

Fairfax  C.  U 

18HI) 

Jos.   W.  Wliilehoad. 

Siiiithville 

lf81 

I!.  P.  K\';;le.ston. 

Kami  well 

]8><ll 

C.  A.  Arnndell. 

Spottsylvania  C. 

18701 

C.  M.  Ashbv. 

KiiU'n.slU) 

18811 

C.  15.  ('ainpor. 

li,    • 

Klovd  C.  11 

1870 

Williani  Pendleton. 

StallbrdC.  II... 

188'Jt 

M.W.lSaine.s. 

Fia'trcsM    Mon- 

Lieut.  A.W.Vo'rdcs. 

Stanaidsvillo  . . . 

18811 

.1.  (j.  Stephens. 

ro»>,  (1881) 

Stauntou 

187U1 

W.  A.liurke. 

187r.t 
18781 

A.  M.  llrownley. 
Frank  T.  Forbes. 

1881 
1874 

18781 

C.  It.  Martin. 

SnIVolk  

I'lorine  A.  llines. 

binj,'li. 

Sui'rv 

Pevton  A.  Coeki'. 

I'Voiit  Koyal 

lS8«t 

W.  C.  Weaver. 

Sussex  (J.  II  .  .. . 

188'J 

■lohii  S.  liolibitt. 

(ilill  Allen 

18S:it 

J.  Hopkins. 

Tappahannnek  . 

1880 

J.  L.  llenlev. 

(iliiiiciHtcr  (!.  U 

18811 

A.l>.  DavieM. 

Tazewell  0.11  .. 

188-2 

Jas.  C.  Spotts. 

(idiH'lilaiid  C.  11.. 

18801 

0.  11.  Powell. 

Town  House 

18821 

Dr.  John  S.Apiiii.sdii. 

IlalilaxC.n 

188L'l 

It.  H.  Fdmoi'iison. 

I'ppervjlle. 

187Jt 

J.is.  M.  Kinelielve. 

Ilariiptoii 

18811 

Mai  tie  IC  Cliisnian. 

Varietv  Mills.. 

IsSl 

II.  Martvii  Mieklciii. 

llairisdiibiUfili  . 

18711 

Wmi.  11.  llitenonr. 

AVarni  Sprinjjs.. 

18811 

Itobeit  T.  Pavne. 

llirkMfoid 

18771 

P.  It.  F:ulev. 

Wiirrenton 

18701 

L.  W.  Caldwell 

Ilillsvillo 

18701 

11.  II.  Fanner. 

Waterford 

]87it 

Williani  '1'.  Heniiell. 

IndciX'iidiMici'  ... 

]88:i| 

J.W.  Hover. 

Wavn(v<borou};li. 

K.d.  Wri-ht. 

Joiicsvilln 

1881 

John  M.  ( 'oiik. 

West  I'oint 

18701 

1-.  S.  Carrel  t. 

Ki'swick  Depot  . 

18Si;t 

II.  K.  Ma;iruder, 

Willianisbur;;li  . 

18s|)l 

II.  D.Cole. 

Do 

18801 
18821 

F.C.  Mead. 
II.  11.  Hunter. 

Winchester 

Wvtheville 

18701 
187:.l 

Williani  S.  AVliilo. 

Ku\g  (Juoruo  C. 

.\lex.  S.  Ilaller. 

11. 

1  Yorktowu 

1878f 

F.  M.Sheild. 

t  About. 
The  Sparrow  was  reported  not  pre.sent  at  the  following  places  in  Virginia; 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

n .. 

Observer. 

C.  n.  Moore. 
H.  (!.  Heavers. 
L.M,  Garnett. 

Princess  Anne  0 
Warsaw 

(Jrundy 

F.  A.  Sliackluford. 

* 

DISTRIBUTION    KY    STATES, 


229 


III  WASHINGTON  TEKUITORV,  in  tbc  autuinn  of  IHrid,  tlie  Sparrow  was  not 
known  to  bo  present  at  any  i)oint.     It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following 

plaees: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

^mitin 

.Tpiinif  L.  Caao. 
William  West. 
J.  T.  liuin.s. 

Port  Townsond 

rn'sciitt 

I'nvallup 

Seattle 

(ret>r*'(*  (r.  McNaniarn. 

Clii-liiiliH 

I);i\  ton 

.Tas.  S,  llavilanil. 

C.C.  Fiflil. 

I'nif.  ().  H.  .rolmson. 

I,;l  (  'ollHcr 

,r.  F.  Dwcllcy. 
TluiiiiiM  (::aiiiiibcll. 
\V.  11.  lilair. 

o.  ^v.(;il^l"v. 

Sitra<'uo 

John  J,  lUivnH. 

Midiciil  Liiko 

Miiiitcsiino  

StfilacoDni 

TacDTna 

L.  It.  ]ti;;n('y. 
L.  (•;.  Saini>.siiu. 

Olyiiipia 

I'.lloUMO 

A.I).(il(ivor. 
AV.  1).  Ii  win. 
(J.  A.  SIcC'abo. 

Ayiiilsbniyli 

"W'lintconi   

T.  II..r(«siip. 
I*.  M.  Irtcnseo. 

I'diiuToy 

In  WEST  VIRGINIA  tlio  Sparrow  was  reported  present,  in  the  antuinn  of  188(5,  at 
tlic  following  places: 


Locality. 


Al'lir.son 

IJiirliimisvillo 

Ii(  ili  li'V  Sjirin;;!* 

ilrllli  IIV 

lirVI'llv 

J!l;ixtiin('.  II   ..'. 

I'jiiiklianniiii 

Do..   

r.iill'.ilo 

I'liiiiin^  Spi'ln^is 
Ciiio    


(^ainiToii 

(liiiirlestmi 

{;iiailr,sto\vn 

('Iiiiks1)iiif;li 

1)0...: 

('n;il  Valley 

Kliziilicth  .' 

Ito 

Kiirniont 

I'lnnklin 

(il.  iivillo 

lii.uil.svillo 

(iuvanilotto 

lluillown 

Il;iiiilin 

IImi'iu'i's  Fifi'v  . 
llillsdalo  ....;.. 

Ihiiilin-itoii 

.l^lrUsolld  II  ... 

Ki'isrr 

Kiii::'\voo(l 

I.iiiii    

I.rwislinriih 

l.n^iui  (;.  II 

Jhi.lis<,n 

JIlllll.Ml 

Miiilinsbiiij!;!!  . . 


apSaro.!.  Observer. 


]S8lt   :  J.  N.  Aldor.son. 
188;!     I  F.  M.  Kaiioll. 
]870t      Tliornas  II,  lIoilg,son. 
]8S0t  '  M.  K.  Itrown. 
IHSlt      S.  X.  lioswoitli. 
188:tt     .lai.  W.  Hiiini)liicv.s. 
lK8:!t      Tom  Cr.  liiadv. 
1881       l)r..I.K.  Matbor,s. 

I  J.  ILSIiank. 

1884t  I  U.  C.  Tu.k.r. 
l««lt  i  Van  A.  Zfv.lv. 
188:)     i  .Ta.^.  C.  Crawfoid. 
187(11      K.J.  Aslil.y. 
187S        (iciiriic  II.  Flaiig. 
1878       .1.  I'liilipClitloid. 
1878        Llovd  Uei'cl. 
188!       .1.  \V.  MonlKomeiv. 
18.'<:!l      S.  1).  Savre. 
1881       Z.  K.  'rimrn. 
18801   I   N.S.  r.iiinH. 
187iif      (Caddie  Moonian. 
188111      William  W.Jolmsnn. 
188:1    I  John  .1.  Thomas. 
188ilt      A.K.  Smitli. 
18701     ,Iolin  II.SliidiT. 
l.S84t      L.  K.Swcitlaiid. 
1S7,-|        ('.  I!.  W'lMilzidl. 
18811      A.K.  I'aik.r. 
18MI     i   Iia  U.  Wood. 
188L't  I  M.  I).  L.  Lewis. 
187111   '•  K.  II.  Davis. 
187!)       ,Tas.  v..  Mnrdoik. 
1.88(11     (i.  W.  Knapp. 
18781      .\.  riciine. 
188tt     .T.  IS.  r.iiskirk. 
]s8l       William  (;.  Hopkins. 
18781      Jas.  X.  Scolf. 
18TCI     William  U.CoI.slon. 


Locality. 


Mason 

Middteliounio  .. 

Milton   

Mooietiild 

Moijjaiilown  — 

Moiindsvilli' 

New  1)111  jjli 

XowCiiMibcrlaiid 
Kow     Maitins- 
ville. 

Oieaua 

l'ark('islnii<;li  . . 
IVter.sbur;;!!.... 

I'hilippi 

I'ifdmoiit 

Voint  rii'asant.. 

I'l  inci'ton 

(^uiiinimont. 

]JaUi}:li(.Mi:.... 

Itavcnswond 

Kitcliio  C.  II  ... 

llomney 

Saint  (J('oi;;(! 

Saint  Maiy'rt 

Slit'plu'iilsrowu. 

Si.'<tiTsvillo 

Spencer  

Telia  Alta 


First 
ap|)earijil, 


1882 

18811 

]88llf 

18781 

18801 

18841 

1880 

187(11 

188UI 

18841 
18781 
187(it 
187(it 
18SJt 
18811 
187Gt 
i88'2t 
188.11 
188;it 
1884t 


T^nion  

Voleano 

Wellrtlmriili 

Weston 

Wlieeliiiij 

While   Snlpbiir 

Siiiiiiiis. 
Winlield 


188'J1 
18811 
18(i(;|.'| 
188:il 
188;it 
18801 

1881 
18811 

I8.s:ii 

18811 

"i886' 

18JJI 


Observer. 


.laeoli  Itonsli. 
L.  E.Smilli. 
A.I).  Neal. 
.1.1'.  Slver. 
A.  L.Nyo. 
M.  I..(;aiiM. 
F.  Moitimer  Dent. 
I,.  I{.  Smith, 
lien  M.  Welch. 

F.  V.  Koaeh. 
A.N.Williams. 
H.ThalaUer. 
1).  W.Call. 
V.  .T.  UojjeriS. 
F.I).  Hoy, 
Z.  Fellers. 
T.  .S.  Malonoy. 
.J.S.lIiill.     ' 
K.(;.  Smith. 
I'o.stmasler. 
Jas.  Slnitz. 
William  M.  Cayton. 
Geoi>;e  Kelsall. 
D.S.Jientch. 
Frank  I).  Mel.'oy. 
Ileiirv  A.  Smith. 
Dr.  8;.  M.  SiM)tt  and 

.los.  Adair. 
S.  1!.  Watts. 
(;..M.. Ma-ill. 
Kmma  I,,  .\ckison. 
W.  II.  Aspinall. 
Itoliert  Simp.sou. 
John  F.  (iaiiiig. 


.Lis.  II.  llaiily. 


f  About. 


It  was  reported  not  present  at  the  following  places  in  West  Virginia: 


Locality. 

Observer. 

T.  15.  Iloian. 

O.  1!.  Wills. 

Postmaster. 

J.  ll.HlianU. 

.1.  FianU  .Iidinson. 

Localit.y. 

1 

Observer. 

Aildison 

Aiisieci 

Roiicevorto 

Saml  iliiii 

Wayne  (MI 

W*'Ht  lUiioii    

.T.  11.  Caraway. 
Mrs.  M..I.  Mo.ss. 

I'lillon  .Mills        

Adkins  (jliiipman. 

IliekcjIV 

F.  P.  Fold. 

IVmyv'illo 

il 


230 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Ml 


111  WISCONSIN  tlio  Sparrow  was  reported  present,  lii  the  autuuin  of  1886,  at  tlie 
fvllowiug  places: 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

18781 

Observer. 

Anilioi'st 

A.J.  Smith. 
W.  II.  Dantey. 
John  Kiipji. 
Matthew  II.  Mould. 
R.  V.  Uogert. 
Clinton  Babbitt. 

D.  L.  Harkness. 
John  Popper. 
(Miarlfis  W.  Wood. 
Jas.  W.  McCabo. 
W.  W.Crandall. 
C.  N.  Crotsenbure. 
C.  F.  Kalk. 

E.  Van  De  Castcole. 
Thomas  Rogera. 

E.  L.  Brown. 

Do. 
W.D.Lyon. 
S.  M.  Sniead. 
Georce  Kichardson. 
W.  11.  Keeney. 

F.  L.Tibbits". 
J.  H.  Simon. 
William  Lind. 
H.  Richardson. 
H.  L.Skavlcm. 
Jas.  A.Patton. 
Otis  a.  Kinj;. 
Ransom  A.  Mooro. 
M.Riedy. 
Walter  Tillman. 
S.  A. Brow. 

R.  R.  By  ram. 
William  Holm. 
A.  Piening. 

Maze  Manio 

L.  A.  Lincoln. 

1883 

18H5t 

18801 

188'21 

18831 

18701 

18841 

18801 

18731 

18851 

1879 

1880 

18701 

18851 

1880 

18831 

18821 

18771 

187,11 

18811 

1885 

1870 

1880 

18701 

18801 

18811 

■"■isait" 

18831 
188U 
18831 

Curtis  Reed. 

Milwaukee  (sub. 
iivb), 

1880 

AV alter  B.  Hull. 

lliirfilioo  .....   ... 

Boloit    

Do 

18711 

Gcopo  H.Paul. 

N.  11.  Torens. 

llerliD 

HOHCOlU'l 

Montello 

New  London . . . 

1884 

18821 

18831 

1870 

18701 

188K 

18791 

18851 

18811 

1872t 

18741 

18741 

18811 

18801 

1870 

18701 

18801 

18781 

1875 

]8^5f 

1874 

18811 

18701 

18701 

1880 

1872 

18701 

Klla  J.  (Ionian, 

Ihirlington 

Chilton 

M.  B.  I'atehin. 
F.  C.  Sharp. 
A.  C.  Auslln. 
\V.  F.  AVobstor. 

Chippewa  Falls.. 

Oshkosh 

Do 

Cunibei'laud 

Do 

A.  W.  Woisbrod. 

])o  Pore 

Peshtigo 

I'ine  River 

Plattevillo 

Port  Washing- 
ton. 
j  Racine 

Jas.  J.  O'Leary. 
T.H.Patterson. 
AVilliam  U.  Elgar. 
Ulrich  Landolt. 

Uodjjovillo 

Diu'iind 

Ean  Claire 

Elkhom 

Fond  du  Lac. 

Dr.  P.  R.  Hoy. 
Clarence  Snyder. 
John  8.  Lishtner. 
J.  M.  Keys. 
A.  Evei'hard. 

Fort  Howard 

Fox  Lake 

Grand  Rapids  . . . 
Hartford 

Do 

Randolph 

Richland  Centre 
Ripon 

Hillsborougli 

Janesvillo  

Do 

Sauk  City 

Shawano 

Sheboygan 

Do 

C.  Kuoni. 
James  Miller. 
Jos.  Bast. 

Carl  Zillier. 

Kenosha 

ICewaiinco 

Do 

Shell  Lake 

Stevens'  Point.. 

Stoujihton 

IJO 

M.  D.  Gocliling. 
G.  W-.Cale. 
W.  AV.  (Jilnian. 

IjR  Crosse. . 

Z.  L.  AA'olnmn. 

Lancaster 

Lena    .......   . . . 

AVaukesba 

AVansau 

West  Bend 

Whitewater 

!•;.  Enos. 
V.  Ringlo. 
Josepli  Ott. 
H.  H.  McGraw. 

1873 
1875 

Manitowoc 

About. 


It  was  reported  not  pre.snnt  at  the  following  places  in  Wisconsin : 


Locality. 

Observer. 

1             Locality. 

Observer. 

M.W.  McDonnell. 
George  Matliys. 
J.Sullivan.    ■ 
F.  B.  Ernspergcr. 
Postmaster. 
J.  L.  Warren. 
A.  AV.  Hnramond. 
Miletus  Knight. 
C.  R.  Gloason. 
W.  H.  CInrk,  jr. 
John  B.  Oentiing. 
J.  M.  Harrison. 
John  B.  Koyes. 
Postniastii-. 
Malcolm  Dobio. 
S.  C.  Simnnds. 
David  (iarlicU. 

La  Croase" 

C.  H.  Burroughs, 
M.  W.  Rvan. 

Medlonl 

Menonionio 

Merrill           

AHliltmd  ............... 

E.  I,.  Everts. 

Cambria  .....    ........ 

W.  H.  Canon. 

Ncillsvillo 

Clear  Lake    

1  Phillips  

A.M.  Hunt 

Rio 

Do  

River  Falls 

R.  McGregor. 
Mary  F.  French. 
Z.  L.  AVelman. 

Shawano 

Plorcnco 

Stoughtou  (near) 

Sturgeon  Bay 

l^^ountftin  Citv    

Chorles  O.  Larsen. 

Do 

Tail  Point  Light  Sta- 
tion. 
Tomah 

George  A.  Gaylord. 

R.  P.  Hitchcock. 

HiulHon  .....     ....   ... 

Viroqua 

O.  B.  AVyraan. 

Independence 

'  Keportod  present  by  auotlier  observer. 


DISTRIBUTION   IN   CANADA. 


231 


III  WYOMING,  iu  the  autumn  of  188*),  the  Sparrow  was  known  to  be  present  at  but 
one  point.  Alanza  A.  l^nilcy  sta^^es  that  it  appeared  at  Evauston  about  1885;  and 
Dr.  R.  W.  Shufeldt  states  that  in  1877  he  saw  a  Hock  of  five  iu  the  streets  of  Chey- 
enne. Other  observers,  however,  have  failed  to  find  it  iu  Cheyeune,  and  in  Octo- 
ber, 1887,  there  cortainly  were  none  there.  It  was  reported  non-present  in  1887  at  the 
following  places  in  Wyoming: 


Locality. 

'observer. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

AtlnntioCitv 

Robert  MoAuley. 
F.  v.  Shannon. 
Frank  15ond. 
A.  C.  Snyder. 
M.E.Carter. 

Green  River  City 

Larnniie  City 

Rawlins 

P.  J.  Hincs. 

J.  H.  Doiikergley. 
tTohu  C  Fi'ioud. 

Clicyenue  City 

■   Do 

Rock  Springs 

L.  L.  Daus. 

Fort  liridiier 

t  About. 


Ill  ONTARIO  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present,  in  the  autuin  of  1880,  at  tho  fol- 
lowing places : 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Bclloville(1884).. 
Cliarlinch 

187T 

""i'm" 

18751 

18K6 

18741 

188U 

18771 

18781 

18761 

Prof.  Jani(!8  T.  Bell. 
C.  J.  Tisdall. 
W.  E.  Wacstair. 
Dr.  G.A.McCallum. 
George  R.  Proscott. 
Tlionias  Mcll wraith. 
11.  Koays. 
William  L.  Kells. 
W.  A.Scboenaii. 
W.  J.  StoveusoD. 

Ottawa  (1881)... 
Ottawa 

18701 

n.  B.  Small. 
W.  L.  Scott. 

I'eml)roko 

Plover  Mills  .. 

Stratbroy 

:  Toronto  (1884)  .. 
1  Torouto  (1888)  .. 

Trenlou 

Yarkor  .. 

18741 
18811 
1874 
18751 

""""i879t' 
18771 

E.  Odium. 

Diinnville 

Gait 

R.Elliott. 
L.U.  Smith. 

Haiiiilton  (1884).. 

Hy.loPark 

Listowcl 

Mildinay 

J.  11.  Williams. 
Dr.  William  Brodie. 
Charlus  McLellan. 
Jolin  Ewart. 

t  About. 


In  QUEBEC  the  Sparrow  was  reported  present,  iu  tho  autumn  of  1886,  at  the  fol- 
lowing places: 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

18701 
18641 

Observer. 

18841 

Napoleon  A . Comcaii . 
George  J.  Bowles. 

Montreal 

Quebec  (1884).. 

Ernest  D.  Winllo. 

Moutroal 

Col.  Wra.  Rhodes.' 

About. 


In  NEW  BRUNSWICK  tho  Sparrow  was  reported  present,  in  the  autumn  of  1886, 
at  the  following  places: 


Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Chatham 

FrciltTicktown  .. 

I'etitcodoBO 

Porlland 

18801 

18761 

1886 

18831 

18851 

Dr.  Jas.  Baxter. 
C.  W.  Beckwith. 
John  Brittiiin. 
J.W.Banks. 
T.  A.  H.  Mason. 

Saint  John 

Wickbam 

Woodstock 

1 

18831 

18861 
1884 

Montague  Chamber- 
lain. 
D.  W.  Pilkington. 
tToiiu  Sttiwni't. 

Saikville 

t  About. 


It  was  reported  not  i)rc.sont  at  the  following  places  iu  New  Brunswick : 


Locality. 

Observer. 

Loenlity. 

Observer. 

Dallionslo 

H.  A.  Johnson. 
Marshall  Reitl. 

Oak  Point 

Oibson  Williflmaon. 

EtlUiver 

Woodland's  Covo 

F.  8.  Cheny. 

232 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


lu  NOVA  SCOTIA  tbe  Sparrow  w  is  reported  present,  in  tlie  autnnin  of  1886,  at  the 
following  places: 


Locality. 

First 
nppoarod. 

Observer. 

Locality. 

First 
appeared. 

Observer. 

Halifax  (1834)  ... 
Kentvillu 

1875t 
1881 

J.Mattlicw  Jonos. 
T.  A.  11.  Miison. 

Two  Rivers  — 

B.  B.  Bnrnhlll. 

It  was  reported  not  prescint  at  one  place  in  Nova  Scotia:  Prof.  A.  H.  Mackay  states 
tliat  it  was  not  present  at  Pictoii  in  the  antninn  of  1886. 

In  PRINCK  EDWARD  ISLAND  the  Sparrow  was  reported  only  from  Charlotte- 
town,  where  Francis  Bain  saw  half  a  dozen  Jannury  10, 1887. 

It  was  reported  not  present  iit  the  following  place  in  Prince  Edward  Island : 


■:  il 


Locality. 

Ob.'jerver. 

Locality. 

Observer. 

Jamos  Ilunter. 

In  the  autnni  of  1886  the  Sparrow  was  not  known  to  have  reached  any  of  the  towns 
in  MANITOBA  or  NORTHWEST  TERRITORY. 

It  was  reported  not  ]>re80ut  at  Winnipeg  by  A.  McArtbnr  and  L.  II.  Smith,  and  at 
Qii'Appello  by  George  F.  Guernsey. 


m 


;■ 


BATE  OF  INCREASE ;  OHEOKS,  NATURAL  AND  ARTIFICIAL. 

The  testimony  relating  to  the  rate  of  increase  of  the  Sparrow  and  the 
checks  which  affect  such  increase  more  or  less,  is  by  no  means  as  full 
and  specilic  as  could  be  desired,  and  its  character  is  such  as  to  procliido 
the  possibility  of  summarization.  The  following  replies,  selected  from 
upwards  of  two  hundred  received,  will  serve  to  show  the  general  char- 
acter of  the  whole. 

California. — Sixn  Francisco.  F.  Grnber:  On  the  average  it  raises  two  broods  a 
year,  and  live  or  six  yonng  to  a  brood.  In  some  instances  three  broods  are  raised,  and 
rarely  seven  to  eight  yonng.    (March  .'>,  1885.) 

CoNNECTiciTT. — New  Haven.  Louis  B.  Bishop:  A  single  pair  will  rear  in  a  season 
four  or  five  broods,  aggregating  twenty  or  thirty  young.    (August  23,  1886.) 

New  Haven.  Robert  D.  Camp  :  I  have  seen  four  broods  raised  in  a  single  seaHon. 
(April,  1887.) 

District  of  Colu.mbia.— 7i'rts/uH(//oH.  Walter  B.  Barrows:  On  the  evening  of 
August  11, 1887,  the  city  was  visited  by  a  short  but  severe  thunder-storm,  which  proved 
very  destructive  to  English  Sparrows.  TJie  rain  began  to  fall  about  an  hour  before 
sunset,  and  in  little  more  than  an  hour  the  prccipit.atiou  amounted  to  more  than  au 
inch.  It  was  accompanied  by  a  high  wind,  which  in  some  parts  of  the  city  wasstmng 
enough  to  twist  offer  uproot  a  few  shade  trees.  A  second  but  lighter  shower,  witlr 
out  much  wind,  occurred  during  the  night.  On  the  following  morning  it  was  found 
that  hundreds,  perhaps  thousands,  of  Sparrows  had  perished  in  this  city  alone.  A 
large  proportion  of  the  Sparrows  which  are  not  nesting  (mainly  young  ones)  passtlio 
uight  together  in  largo  companies,  freriuontly  congregating  to  the  number  of  iive 
liuudtedora  thousand  in  some  large  tree  or  group  of  trees  where  they  resort  rcji- 
ularly.    Under  such  a  group  of  trees,  near  the  main  entrance  of  the  Smithsonian  Build- 


EVIDENCE. — INCREASE   AND   CHECKS. 


233 


iiij,',  two  hundred  and  fifty-four  dead  Sparrows  were  picked  up,  and  later  in  tbo  day  it 
was  learned  that  one  hundred  and  twenty  were  counted  beneath  another  group  of 
trti'8  near  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  National  Muweuni. 

At  a  large  roosting  place  in  the  Agricultural  Grounds  the  destruction  seems  to  have 
lieen  even  greater,  but  most  of  the  dead  birds  were  carried  away  before  being  counted. 
Several  persons  were  seen  collecting  them  in  baskets  or  bags,  and  as  the  last.  Juan  car- 
ried oft'  nearly  a  peck  (probably  one  hundred  or  one  hundred  and  twenty-tivo  birds), 
there  is  little  doubt  that  three  hundred  or  four  hundred  Sparrows  were  killed  at 
tills  1   jst  alone. 

Tims  far  no  birds  but  English  Sparrows  are  known  to  have  been  killed  by  the  storm, 
lint  this  is  easily  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  tlie  English  Sparrows  in  this  city 
proljahly  outnumber  all  other  birds  at  least.'>UO  to  1.  It  is  also  wortli  noting  that  the 
great  nuijority  of  those  killed  were  young  of  the  year,  iiltliongh  perhaps  two  or  three 
per  cent,  were  old  birds. 

The  cause  of  death  is  somewhat  doubtful:  Mr.  Kidgway,  ornithologist  of  the  Na. 
tioiial  Museum,  believes  that  the  Sparrows  roost  togetlicr  in  such  numbers  that  many 
oftiiem  are  compelled  to  put  up  with  tips  of  branches  or  small  tsvigs,  where  they  are 
whipped  about  by  the  wind  and  iinally  beaten  to  the  grouiul  and  actually  drowned. 
It  sec^ins  more  probable,  however,  that  while  some  may  be  killed  in  the  manner  de- 
Hcrilied,  the  majority  die  from  cold  ;  for  the  feathers  once  wet,  the  birds  are  unable  to 
](eep  warm,  and  the  chill,  together  with  the  exh.instion  caused  by  the  struggle  with 
wind  and  rain,  is  too  much  for  them.  About  a  year  ago  a  similar  storm  occurred  here, 
iiiid  on  the  following  morning  Mr.  Kidgway  found  JJOorGO  dead  Sparrows  beneath  one 
tree  on  the  Agricultural  grounds.     (August  1:5,  1887.) 

Since  the  above  was  written,  it  has  been  learned  that  the  recent  storm  was  very 
(leslnictive  to  Sparrows  both  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  and  Jersey  City, N.J.  An  account  of 
I  he  destruction  at  the  latter  place  will  bo  found  on  page  isj;5f>,  under  the  head  of  Jersey 
City.    (September  14, 1887.) 

lynxhiiitjtoii.  Michael  Diirkin,  gardener  at  the  navy-y.ard:  We  have  used  rice  and 
bread,  wet  and  then  sprinkled  with  arsenic,  to  feed  the  Sparrows,  and  many  have 
lieen  killed  in  this  way.  We  have  also  paid  boys  to  pull  down  all  the  nests  that 
coiii<l  lie  reached,  but  thus  far  little  change  seems  to  have  been  made  in  the  number 
of  .Sp.M'rows.     (August  y*^,  18^7.) 

Illinois. — lieriiadottv.  Dr.  W.  S.  Strode :  The  northern  shrike  has  appeared  here  in 
unusual  numbers,  and  seems  to  ho  giving  its  atttention  mainly  to  this  Sparrow.  I 
fVe(niently  notice  one  among  the  evergreens  and  shrubbery  back  of  my  ollice,  in  the 
center  of  the  town,  in  active  pursuit  of  these  little  vagrants.     (December  0,  1887.) 

Cciitralia.  Jabe/.  Webster :  No  means  of  restriction  has  been  taken,  but  in  cold 
weather  the  boys  have  killed  them  by  scattering  "tailings"  from  a  fan-mill  and 
then  shooting  into  a  Hock,  and  have  also  caught  them  with  a  large  sieve-trap.  (Dc- 
rcnilier'il,  188(5.) 

(hicaffo.  H.  K.  Coale  :  The  northern  shrike  {fMniiis  borealis)  feeds  on  them  all  win- 
ter.   Many  Sp.arrows  freeze  in  very  cold  winters.     (August  21,  188(1.) 

Monmouth.  Dr.  S.  M.  Hamilton:  The  jay  is  one  of  the  Sparrow's  worst  enemios 
hei(!.  It  destroys  many  nests,  and  kills  the  young  birds  or  eats  the  eggs.  (Septem- 
ber '^1,  188G. ) 

{mhicij,  J.  H.  Kichardson :  In  1870  six  pairs  were  brought  to  this  city,  and  it  is 
estimated  that  the  progeny  of  these  few  now  number  tens  if  not  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands.    (October  4,  188G.) 

Uoclford.  Dr.  V.  H.  Kimball:  I  have  not  observed  many  Sparrows  more  than  a 
mile  from  the  city,  although  occasionally  a  few  may  be  seen  4  or  .^)  miles  out.  I  ob- 
served a  single  pair  nesting  in  the  cornice  of  a  building  in  July,  1878.  They  raised 
two  broods  that  season.  During  the  next  three  years  they  multiplied  very  rapidly, 
or  we  received  a  fresh  importation,  for  at  the  beginning  of  the  wintorof  1881-'82  there 
were  hundreds  here,  but  about  throe-fourths  of  them  were  destroyed  by  the  cold 


m 


234 


TIIK   ENGLISH    SPARllOW   IN   AMERICA. 


i 


'V 


wcatluu- of  (liat  winter.    Although  many  havo  been  ties 
ters,  the  destrnetion  has  never  been  so  general  since, 
storm  largo  numbers  are  killed.    After  one  such  stc" 
this  last  summer  over  a  lialf  bushel  of  dead  Sparro- 


by  subsequent  win- 

ver  we  have  a  hail- 

,)anied  by  lightnini;, 

bund  under  a  few  troos 


in  a  single  yard.     I  noticed  a  sparrow-hawk  withiii  Jays  liunting  Sparrows  in 

a  thickly-settled  portion  of  the  city.    Owing  to  the  ..  u,iiy  checks,  Sparrows  do  not, 
seem  to  liavo  increased  during  the  last  two  seasons.    (September  2H,  188().) 

Niic  Alhaiiy,  .Tames  N.  I'ayton:  Last  winter  was  an  exceedingly  cold  winter,  and 
many  Sparrows  froze  to  death  or  were  starved  out.     (September,  188.5.) 

Indiana. — Indianapol'iH.  J.  fJ.  Kingsbury :  No  moans  in  a  public  way  has  Iiccn 
taken  to  restrict  its  increase.  A  man  liviughere  trapslarge  numbers  to  sell  to  niarkH- 
raen  for  sporting  purposes,  but  the  thousands  ho  takes  at  the  grain  elevators  make  no 
perceptible  diminution  in  the  crop.     (August  IH,  1HH(>.) 

Iowa. — liinUiifjtou.  Howard  Kingsbury:  Ono  pair  under  my  observation  raised 
three  broods,  aggregating  nine  birds,  and  two  of  the  eggs  were  removed.  (Dccendicr 
28,  1886.) 

Corydon.  .T.  S.  Whittaker:  One  observer  on  a  farm  r>  miles  from  town  says  tlicy 
arc  in  his  barn,  get  in  through  a  knot-hole,  and  when  outside  are  sometimes  attacked 
by  his  doves  and  driven  in  again.    (October,  ia8r).) 

Dubuque.  Edward  T.  Keim:  A  petition  to  the  city  council,  asking  for  the  extt;r- 
mination  of  the  Sparrow,  was  geuer.illy  signed.     (August  11>,  188(>.) 

Kansas.— yVyx'Aa  F.  W.  Giles:  No  means  has  boon  taken  to  restrict  their  incroaso 
htvo;  but,  being  entirely  left  to  care  for  themselves,  many  perish  in  winter  storniH, 
and  many  from  depredations  of  the  blue  Jay,  while  the  insufliciency  of  nesting  places 
is  a  groat  hinderaiice  to  their  increase.  There  has  been  no  porceptiblo  increase  of 
Sparrows  in  Topeka  for  the  last  live  years.    (October  6,  188(5.) 

Kentucky. — Howling  Gretin.  Postmaster:  Some  have  been  shot,  and  one  or  two 
successful  efforts  have  been  made  to  poison  them  with  strychniuo  mixed  with  dougli, 
but  tlio  danger  of  this  method  has  restricted  its  use.     (October  3,  1880.) 

Lancaster.  W.  II.  Wherritt :  Tlioy  wore  greatly  thinned  out  in  this  vicinity  by 
the  exceptionally  cold  winters  of  1884-'8.5,  and  laa.'i-W).     (October  11,  188fi.) 

TaylorsriUe.  Ruth  C.  Burton :  Many  perished  from  the  severe  cold  Last  winter. 
(October  30, 188(i.) 

Louisiana. — Schriercr.  Postmaster:  No  means  whatever  has  been  taken  to  re- 
strict the  increase  of  Sparrows  hero.  Thoy  arc  so  plentiful  that  they  can  not  bo  de- 
stroyed.    (Octobers,  188r).) 

Maine.— A"o>7/i  lAvcrmorc.  Georgo  II.  Berry  :  To-day  I  fo\ind  a  thorn  bush  in 
■which  was  a  nest  of  a  shrike  (species  not  determined)  containing  four  young.  Im- 
paled on  the  thorns  wore  numbers  of  largo  insects  (mostly  grasshoppers),  a  iaw 
mice,  a  small  green  snako,  and  iiuite  a  number  of  birds,  among  them  a  red-eyed  vireo, 
a  couple  of  chipping  or  bush  sparrows,  an  indigo  bunting,  and  seven  English  Sjtar- 
rows.  Under  the  tree,  or  rather  clump  of  trees,  were  the  bodies  of  three  more  En- 
glish Sparrows.  I  think  the  shrike,  where  found,  is  fully  as  good  an  agent  as  any  in 
effecting  tho  destruction  of  the  English  Sparrow.     (December  20,  1887.) 

Maryland. — Baltimore.  Otto  Lugger:  The  only  means  taken  to  restrict  its  in- 
crease is  the  destruction  of  its  eggs  in  tho  parks.     (May  10, 1887.) 

Baltimore.  Dr.  A.  P.  Sharp:  Tho  rapidity  of  their  increase  is  wonderful ;  three  to 
four  broods  a  season,  and  tho  young  or  spring  birds  hatch  out  a  brood  the  same  sea- 
son, before  fully  grown.  Tho  old  birds  begin  to  lay  very  early  in  tho  spring  and  keep 
it  up  late  in  tho  fall.  I  usually  leave  tho  country  about  October  1,  and  before  doing 
so  destroy  all  the  eggs,  often  five  in  a  nest.  I  have  a  number  of  boxes  within  e.^sy 
reach,  and  when  thoy  build  in  them  I  usually  wait  until  tho  young  are  nearly  niidy 
to  leave  tiie  nest,  and  then  give  my  cats  a  feast  of  them.  I  sometimes  kill  from  four 
to  six  birds  by  baiting  for  them  in  my  chicken  yard  with  wheat  or  rye.  There  ought 
to  be  a  law  passed  to  compel  every  farmer  to  present  to  tho  county  clerk  a   certaiu 


EVIDENCE. — INCREASE   AND   CHECKS, 


235 


r  the  cxttir- 


rict  its  in- 


niinber  every  sonsoii  in  i>iiit  iniyniPiit  of  liis  tiix  bill,  ho  jib  to  keep  down  their  rin>i(l 
iiu'iciiHO.     (Fcbruiiry  l(i,  t8H7.) 

Tilt!  Sparrows  know  inc  an  well  as  my  »1o<;h,  and  I  lan  not  gt't  near  them.  They  have 
the  UeencHt  jiearing  of  anything  I  know.  The  eoek  of  the  j^nn  drives  them  in  every 
(lircc^tion,  oven  when  I  eock  inside  of  the  honse  with  shntters  partly  closed.  It  isim- 
possiltle  to  get  a  shot  at  them  ontside.  I  formerly  killed  a  good  many,  hnt  now 
liiive  tried  every  means  to  feed  them.  They  will  eat  with  the  chickens,  seeming 
t(i  know  that  I  will  not  shoot  them.     (Fobrnary  2t),  1887.) 

Hiiiiil!)  Sjirin;/.  II.  H.  Miller  and  other  members  of  county  farmers'  club:  At  a 
meeting  of  the  Montgomery  Farmers' Clnb  held  on  the  llUh  instant,  the  following 
ivsoliition  was  unaninionsly  i)a88ed :  L'esohed,  That,  in  the  opinion  of  thiselnb,  the 
Kiijjlish  Sparrow  is  an  nnmitigated  evil,  and  should  be  fought  iuecssantly  until  driven 
(lilt  of  the  country.     (Ftibriiary  IC),  1887.) 

Massachusetts. — (Jawhrulge.  William  IJrewstor:  It  rears  three  V)roods  yearly  at 
least ;  twelve  young  yearly  to  a  pair  would  not  bo  .an  overestimate.  A  few  are  kill(>d 
liy  lioyswith  stones,  "ciitapnlts,"  etc.,  but  the  number  so  destroyed  is  inconsiderable. 
Fire-arms  can  not  be  used  within  our  city  limits,  and  the  Snarrow  can  not  bo  easily 
trapped.  No  bounty  has  been  otfered  here,  but  one  has  been  pai<l  this  year,  I  un- 
derstand, in  the  neighboring  town  of  Waltham.     (.lauuary  IJO,  1884.) 

Michigan. — Ann  Arbor.  Israel  Hall :  Inasmuch  as  the  depredations  of  these  birds 
(ire  universal,  the  elVort  and  expense  of  their  extermination  should  bo  national  and 
Hiiiiiiltaneous.  The  birds  bf:ing  the  adjuncts  of  high  civilization,  will  be  found  in 
cities  and  villages  in  about  the  proportions  of  their  respective  popnlations.  Thero- 
fipie,  I  will  suggest  that  yon  try  experinjents  by  feeding  wheat  that  has  been  satu- 
rated in  a  solution  of  arsenic.  If  this  be  eflcctual,  i)rocure  a  commission  with  power 
toiHircliase  and  saturate,  ii  every  city  and  village,  such  quantity  of  wheat  as  will 
lio  needed  to  scatter  in  the  streets  during  February,  when  the  birds  are  starved  and 
fro/en  to  the  least  numbers.  If  this  bo  discreetly  done,  I  think  the  birds  will  be  ex- 
terminated in  the  course  of  three  winters.     (June  10, 1887.) 

Hint.  John  Campbell:  So  far  as  Genesee  County  is  cont.  icd,  the  bounty  on 
Sjiarrows  has  amounted  to  nothing.  I  have  paid  for  such  i)nrposes,  since  the  law 
tiKik  ell'ect,  $1.02  and  that  to  one  person,  who  had  killed  the  birds  more  ibr  sport  than 
for  the  bounty.  In  my  opinion  the  bounty  will  have  to  bo  increased  nniterially  belbro 
it  will  be  much  of  an  inducement  for  men  or  boys  to  spend  their  time  in  destroying 
the  birds.     (April  I),  1888.) 

Homer.  C.F.  Collins:  The  hard  winter  of  1885-'8t)  nearly  destroyeil  these  birds  in 
this  section.  I  do  not  think  there  are  more  than  about  one  hundred  here  now. 
(Octobers,  ISSfi.) 

Ionia.  J.Warren  Pcako:  In  my  opinion  the  bounty  law  of  1887  has  been  a  total 
failure  in  this  county.  More  heroic  measures  will  have  to  bo  adopted  or  the  Spar- 
rows will  continue  to  increase.     (March  30, 1888.) 

Manislique.  W.  Il.llill  and  Corwin  Adkins:  The  winters  are  very  long  ami  cold 
oil  this  upper  peninsula,  and  a  good  many  Sparrows  die  each  winter.     (October  28, 

Mdxon.  W.  D.  Longyoar :  It  is  my  opinion  that  the  passing  of  the  act  for  the  pay^ 
niciit  of  bounties  has  not  reduced  the  number  of  Spaiuows  in  this  county  onongh  to 
he  discernible,  although  there  have  been  some  Sparrows  killed.  One  reason  why  I 
think  there  have  not  been  more  killed  is  that  the  bounty  is  so  small  that  any  per- 
son who  undertakes  to  kill  twenty-five  Sparrows  will  give  it  up  before  he  secures 
the  required  number.     (March  30, 1888.) 

Port  Huron.  William  Bums ;  In  this  county  act  No.  29  of  the  laws  of  1887  has  not 
'iceii  eflicacious  in  reducing  the  number  of  Sparrows.  It  seems  to  bo  generally  con- 
cedeii  that  the  bounties  are  too  small.  Also  people  in  the  township  consider-  it  an 
additional  annoyauco  to  have  to  apply  to  the  county  for  payment.     If  the  bounties 


w 


236 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


m 


if 


wore  iiicronscd,  and  paid  by  tlio  Hoveral  townsliiiis  instead  of  tlio  county,  I  lliiiik  it 
would  bo  more  of  a  huccosh.     (March  30, 1888.) 

S2)arta.  E.  Bradford :  No  moans  lias  been  taken  for  its  restriction  excciit  that 
ovory  one  who  can,  shoots  thcni.  Ono  man  bero  has  shot  about  three  hundred  dm  iiig 
the  past  summer.     (October,  188t).) 

Tecwimvh.  C.  A.  Wright  and  C.  A.  Story  :  A  few  farmers  have  been  shooting  tlicm, 
which  drives  them  away  for  tlie  time  being.     (October  11, 1H8().) 

Traverse  City.  Charles  Hiirmeister :  I  learn  that  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  villa;;ii 
council  of  Traverse  City,  held  on  February  7, 1887,  it  was  voted  that  "Mr.  Morgan  mid 
Mr.  IJarncs  are  appointed  a  committee  to  extormiuato  the  Sparrows  in  the  villagp." 
(Frankfort,  Mich.,  February  1),  1887.) 

Minnesota. — Alinneapolia.  Dr.  Thomas  S.  Roberts :  No  means  of  restriction  has  bren 
taken  here.  The  severe  winters  and  late  springs  soom  to  have  en'e(!tualiy  koi)t  tli((iii 
in  chock.  Although  the  Hrst  Hock  came  here  in  the  fall  of  IHTfi,  tliey  have  inciiaNtd 
very  slowly  and  oven  now  there  are  but  two  or  three  little  parties  of  them  in  tlie 
city.     (November  1(»,  188(5.) 

liochcBtcr.  W.  1).  Hurlbnt :  They  first  appeared  hero  in  November  last  and  stem 
to  be  as  much  at  homo  as  if  raised  hero.  This  unusually  cold  winter  does  not  seem 
to  di.sconrago  them,  none  having  died  that  we  know  of.  T)ie  German  and  I'lngli^li 
residents  assure  me  these  birds  will  thrive  here  as  well  as  anywhere  in  Europe.  .Sonui 
people,  especially  (Germans,  arc  inclined  to  welcome  and  feed  them.  (January  27, 
1887.) 

The  English  Sparrows,  which  nnitipliod  greatly  during  the  i)ast  sunnner,  and  wcro 
probably  re-enforced  by  fresh  colonies,  have  not  appeared  to  sutler  at  all  from  this  iiii- 
nsually  severe  winter.  No  very  bad  weatlusr  is  ever  observed  here  after  this  date,  and 
I  may  therefore  conclude  that  they  are  acclimated  and  fully  established.  Dnriu';  tlio 
worst  weather  they  housed  in  the  coal  sheds  and  under  tho  oaves  of  the  grain  ware- 
houses.    (January  31,  1888.) 

Misaouui. — CarroUloti.  M.  R.  Gittings:  Ono  gentleman  who  takes  quite  an  intoroHt 
in  birds  says  that  two  years  ago  ho  noticed  live  or  six  Sparrows  here,  and  now  tlioiv 
are  seventy-five  or  ono  hundred.    (November  19, 188(i.) 

Dixon.  W.  W.  Howard  :  In  tho  winter  of  1884  I  fust  noticed  about  four  birds,  and 
they  have  increased  to  about  forty  at  tho  present  time.     (November  1"2, 188(i.) 

Mcmiihia.  J.  ]'.  Craig:  It  tirst  appeared  horo  throe  ytsars  ago  this  fall,  and  liiis 
multiplied  until  now  there  arc  thousands.    (November  12, 188G.) 

Nkhraska. — lUair.  W.  H.  Eller  :  There  were  two  pairs  hero  in  1885,  and  as  many 
assixteon  birds  were  seen  at  ono  time  a  few  weeks  ago;  but  seed  soaked  in  stryilininc 
was  used,  and  twelve  of  them  were  killed.  There  arc  four  hero  now.  (Novcnilicr  11, 
1886.) 

FlaltHmouih.  J.  N.  Wise:  They  have  been  hero  about  twelve  years,  but  arc  not 
abundant,  and  not  troublesome  in  this  vicinity.  Their  increase  is  scarcely  perci'idi- 
ble.     ( November  22, 1880. ) 

New  HAUVsiiiRK.—PorlsmoHth.  Sarah  H.  Foster:  No  cftbrt  has  been  made  to  di>- 
stroy  tho  Sparrow,  as  it  is  protected  by  law.  Three  years  ago  a  petition,  numerously 
signed,  was  sent  from  Portsmouth  to  Concord,  asking  to  have  tho  game  law  altered  in 
this  respect,  but  not  being  properly  presented  it  was  not  acted  upon.     (April  2,  IsSt.) 

New  Jersey. — Caldwell.  Marcus  S.  Crane:  Three  broods  were  raised  this  year 
in  a  box  near  our  house.     (September  20,  1884.) 

IladdonfichL  Samuel  N.  Rhodes:  I  think  Last  year  the  law  protecting  them  was 
repealed  by  the  legislature.  This  is  indirectly  destructive  to  the  Sparrow,  but  ohm 
avail  against  increase.     (September  9,  1880.) 

Jersey  City,  .Jno.  T.  Bragaw :  A  storm  passed  over  the  city  on  the  evening  of  the  lltli 
day  of  August,  accompanied  by  asoveregaloaudagreat  downfall  of  rain.  On  the  fol- 
lowing morning  I  had  occasion  to  pass  by  ono  of  tho  jiarks  of  .lersoy  City,  Van  Vorst 
Square,  and  was  greatly  surprised  to  see  a  largo  number  of  dead  Sparrows  on  tlio 


EVIDENCE. — INCREASE    AND   CHECKS. 


237 


«iilkM  and  in  tho  griiHS  of  >>.iitl  luuk.  Tho  iiiclosod  urticio,  clipped  from  the  Jcrsoy 
Cii\  .I'liiinal  ofAnjjnst  12,  H8(),  gives  ii  more  minute  description  of  the  great  dostrnc- 
tioii  (ir.S|)arro\V8: 

II.  »  *  Till)  sight  presented  in  the  pretty  park  would  liavo  delighted  those  who 
aro  iliterniined  to  do  uway  with  the  Sfiarrow  nuisance.  I'ilcd  in  a  Iieap  near  tho 
ibiuitiiiu  the  reporter  saw  over  four  hundred  dead  Sparrows.  Constant  additions 
«('ri>  lieing  nuide  to  tiie  mass  liy  boys  who  were  scouring  tho  lawns  in  search  of  dead 
liiids,  Tim  park-keeper  stated  that  two  wheelbarrow- loads  of  dead  Sparrosvs  had 
ahviidy  been  gatliered  up  and  taken  away.  There  must  have  been  nearly  one  thou- 
Miitl  live  hundred  deaths  in  tho  Van  Vorst  Park  Sparrow  colony  last  night. 

"Exactly  what  caused  this  mortality  is  unknown,  roliceinau  Sturgis  stated  that 
when  lie  locked  tho  park  gates  last  uighr  hundreds  of  Sparrows  that  had  been  thor- 
iiiij^lily  drenched  by  tho  storm  wore  hobbling  about  the  i»aths.  Theio  were  a  lot  of 
(Ills  !iln)ut,  and  the  felines  could  be  seen  seizing  Sj  arrows  in  all  directions.  When 
Stiiii^is  returned  to  the  park  this  morning  dead  birdb  were  lying  about  in  all  direc- 
lioiiN.  Under  a  largo  willow  tree  that  had  lost  a  big  limb  in  the  storm  twenty-eight 
(l(;i(l  Itiids  were  found.  The  paths  nd  lanes  were  sprinkled  with  tiny  feathered 
circasfses  in  all  directions.  »  •  »  There  are  very  few  live  Sparrows  in  the  park 
to-day,  and  they  are  unusually  quiet  and  subdued."    (August  21$,  1887.) 

I'lixsaio  Bridge.  l\  M.  Carryl:  I  manage  to  kill  one  or  two  a  day  the  year  round, 
bill  if  .seems  to  make  no  diU'erenco.     (August  20,  1880.) 

U'o(i(htowii,  Jas.  D.  Lauseu :  It  breeds  monthly.  One  pair  now  has  three  young  in 
iliciicst.     (August  18,  188(3.) 

Nkw  Yohk. —  Ilhihlaud  Falls.  Dr.  Edgar  A.  Mearns :  They  are  shot  by  farmers 
and  ijardcuers.    Grape  producers  hire  boys  to  shoot  them.     (February  27,  1881.) 

Xiirlhport.  William  Crozier  :  I  do  not  allow  them  to  bo  destroyed  on  my  farm.  I 
wish  we  had  nu)ro  of  them,  for  I  consider  the  species  a  most  valuable  one.  (August 
liC,  1884.) 

I'hiiiiix.  Benjamin  F.  Iless:  Tho  first  Sparrows,  a  single  pair,  came  to  our  farm 
ill  till!  i-ipriug  of  1884,  aiul  to-day  undoubtedly  one  hnndred  can  be  seen  about  the 
Irccs  iiiid  buildings.     (August  2.'j,  1886.) 

Iloilicntir.  II.  Koy  Gilbert :  It  rears  three  broods  yearly.  Eggs  can  be  got  at  any 
Ii (August  20,  1884.) 

('//(■((.  Thomas  liirt:  The  English  Sparrows,  which  were  to  be  seen  in  llocks  of 
liiiiKlveds  previous  to  tho  cold  snap,  have  dwindled  down  to  a  dozen  or  two  in  a  Hock, 
If  even  less.  Would  that  the  past  cold  nu)nth  had  exterminated  tho  \)csi  altogether. 
il'duiKiry  4,  1888.) 

Ohio. — Akron.  Ferdinaiul  Schumacher:  They  have  increased  a  thousandfold  dur- 
ing the  ten  years  of  their  presence  hero.    (October  25,  1880.) 

('kill (1)1(1.  Dr.  E.  Sterling:  Outside  the  city  gardeners  and  fruit-growers  shoot 
tiiem  on  sight.     (February  2;'),  1884.) 

CoUimhns.  William  B.  Ahvood:  They  have  liucreased  very  rapidly  for  some  years, 
liiit  I  can  not  st!o  that  there  has  been  any  noticeable  increase  during  tho  past  year. 
N» nuans  has  been  taken  to  restrict  their  increase,  except  shooting  when  they  become 
iroiihlesome  on  wheat-fields.  I  have  been  told  by  ditl'ereut  parties  that  they  destroyed 
Sparrows  very  successfully  in  wiuter  by  feeding  them  poisoned  grain.  (July  1(!, 
1«7.) 

^'(l(•  Alhfivn,  T.  M.  Sewell :  It  first  appeared  here  in  1882,  and  was  most  abundant 
ill  18^;").  Great  numbers  were  destroyed  by  hail  this  present  season.  (November  11, 
M').) 

Kmton  Falls.  E.  W.  Turuer :  They  are  breeding  so  fiist  in  our  large  towns  that 
I'liiing  the  last  two  years  they  have  invaded  the  country  and  done  incalculable  dam- 
iige.    (November  10,  1886.) 

North  Bend.  R.  II.  Warder :  There  is  constan^  destruction  of  nests  aud  eggs  hero, 
(November  27,  1886.) 


1  i* 


f 


238 


TUK    KNGLiail    SPAUliUW    IN    AWKUICA. 


IP^ 

'.  ¥ 

Ik' 

m 


m  ^ 


VorlmnoHlh.  H.  \i.  Uohm  :  About  twolvu  yoiiiH  ii^it  our  city  council  iiiiiiortcd  twi, 
puiiH  of  SparrowM  lor  our  city  jtark,  ivml  fVoiu  tlicMO  tiui  city  in  ovi-rruii  with  ilioin- 
cruuHc,  aiitl  tlicy  aro  also  iln(liiit>  tliuir  way  to  tlio  utijuiiiiiig  farius  auil  villa),'('H. 
(Sciitcinln'r2,  If'HtJ.) 

South  Salvm.  W.  N.  Irwin  :  Tlio  Hcrecch  owIh  aro  workiuj;  on  thoin  very  iudustri- 
((uwly,  and  many  of  the  Sparrow  h  liavo  i»eri.slicil  by  boinj;  fro/.iin  in  tlio  cavo-trinij^li^ 
around  buildiM<rN,  as  tlioy  will  roost  in  tho  trou^lm,  and  if  any  water  i^  in  the  liuiidin 
tlioy  frcL'/.o  and  Htarvc.    (Uoccnibor  5i(),  1HH7.) 

lyadsirortli.  l)v,  J.  V.  Dctwcilcr.  No  hunting  is  moro  acceptablo  to  faiiuiiM  in 
tliin  vicinity  than  a  Sparrow  hunt,  an<l  tlicHo  aro  quito  common  hero,  and  rcsiili,  in 
tho  th'strnction  of  |;rcat  nnniberH  of  8]iarrowH.  IncloHcd  yon  will  liiid  an  accoiiiit 
of  ono  of  thoHO  liuntH.  Tln^  man  that  Hhot  three  hundred  had  fed  tho  binU  in  h1ii'i'|i. 
trouj;liH  for  Homo  tinio.  When  tho  trouf^Ii  was  lined  on  both  sltles  ho  raked  tlium, 
killiu!^  at  oiu)  shot  sixty-cuio  birds.     (January  11,  1888.) 

Tho  item  hero  alluded  to  is  as  follows: 

^'I'lic  gnat  Sparrow  hunt. — Monday  was  a  cold  day  for  Englinh  Sparrows.  Almiit 
ono  thousand  dojiarted  for  tho 'swoot  by  and  by.'  Tlu;  liunt  was  excitiuf;,  and  tln' 
'biinjf '  of  tho  double-barrel  shotfjun  and  old  llint-loek  could  bo  hoard  it  all  times 
during  tho  day.  Sonio  of  tho  hunters  scored  j;oosc-e)^j;H,  but  tho  scores  wore  ;,'(iri. 
ally  creditable.  Lewis  Ileisor  was  tho  champion  shot,  killinj;  three  hundred  hjnls. 
Tho  boys  said  ho  had  a  Gutlin<;'f;uu  and  a  fow  dynamito  cartridj^es.  Jake  Knidir 
.canio  next  with  OHO  hundred  and  forty-iivo.  Lli  IJrouso'killtnl  one  '  poor  Sparrow.' 
Kroider's  jido  had  three  hundred  and  ninety-six  of  a  majority."  »  »  * 
/V^  [Tho  grand  total  was  nine  hundred  and  eighty.] 

PiCNif-SYLVANiA. — AUeiiloicn.  W.  IJ.  K.  Jfdinson:  1  have  tried  various  poisons,  an! 
find  that  crystallized  arsenic  is  too  slow.  As  soon  as  they  detect  anything  they  dii- 
gorge  tho  food  from  their  crops.  Strychnino  kills  them,  but  it  is  seldom  that  I  cai. 
get  tlieiu  to  take  it  on  account  of  its  bitterness.  I  have  tried  seeds,  grain,  and  breiiil 
crumbs  with  but  partial  success,  and  then  only  when  a  snow-storm  covered  up  all 
other  food.  Some  winters  I  n)ay  have  killed  two  hundred  or  perhaps  three  hiindinl, 
but  this  winter  1  have  killed  scarcely  lifty.  They  aro  too  cunning  to  go  into  trap  , 
as  I  have  tried  that.  If  you  can  tell  mo  of  the  best  mothotl  of  exterminating  tLi'iii 
I  should  be  very  tiiankful.     (February  7,  188d) 

CoUvijcviUc.  C.  Augustus  Kittenhousc:  Boxes  are  being  removed  wherever  the 
Sparrow  builds.  Tho  bird  is  a  curse  to  the  country,  and  there  should  be  a  reward  tu 
tho  pel  on  killing  tho  most  in  a  year's  time.  Perhaps  this  would  be  the  qiiiekiT 
way  to  rid  tho  country  of  tho  pest.     (August  l.-<,  188G.) 

Tknnks.skk. — Dvcatur.  I.  C.  Arrants :  About  three  years  ago  tbi-y  were  first  notifdl 
in  small  numbers  in  tho  grove  surrounding  tho  ("nirt-house,  but  now  they  exist  in 
swarms  all  over  tho  town.     (November  1.5,  188().) 

Utah. — J'leasavt  Grove.  Mrs.  P.  Storrett:  It  has  hecoiue  a  groat  nuisance  to  farm- 
ers and  gardeners.  Our  barns  and  sheds  aro  tilled  with  nests,  and  thoy  increase  rap- 
idly.   (November  11,  1886.) 

Provo  Viiy,  Daniel  Graves:  I  loarn  that  in  Salt  Lake  tho  city  fathers  aro  giving 
a  premium  for  its  destruction,  and  the  same  is  being  talked  of  in  this  city.  (Xovein- 
berlG,  188().) 

Vkumont. — Lunvnhurgh.  Dr.  Ilirani  A.  Cutting:  There  is  no  law  to  protect  tlieai, 
Cats  catch  them  here  as  fast  as  tlioy  increase.     (September  5,  1886.) 

liutlund.  Jenness  Kiehardson :  I  have  notes  of  two  broods  in  winter  and  three  in 
summer.  There  aro  from  four  to  seven  young  in  a  brood.  Tlioy  are  destroyed  mainly 
by  tho  northern  shriko ;  in  188Q  thoy  were  nearly  exterminated  by  this  bird.  (Feb- 
ruary 8,  1884.) 

Wkst  Virginia. — Cameron.  Jas.  C.  Crawford :  They  first  appeared  here  in  188;!, 
and  at  present  their  numbers  are  estimated  in  tho  thousands.    (November  12,  18dC.) 

HalUo'cn.    John  H.  Stridor:  Oar  town  aiitUoritios  have  given  the  boys  a  bounty 


KVIDKNCE. — INCttKAKE   AND   CIIKCKH. 


239 


of  two  cuutM  por  Iicatl  I'or  llittni,  but  tliuy  iiru  HitruudiiiK  in  tliu  cuiiutry,  und  iiotliiii^ 
but  11  KOi"J''iil  war  on  tlicni  HiniiilliiiicoiiHly  will  doiiiiy  j;o(«l.     (Scpti'iiibrT  (>,  IHrtU. ) 

Wisconsin. — Jdnvmilh:  II.  UiiilmnlMoii :  Tho  littlo  birds  Hiid'or  oxccMNivt'ly  t'roiii 
GUI  cold  wiiitorH,  but  thoy  iiicruuHO  ho  fuHt  during  tho  HUiiunt>r  that  their  iiiinibor 
iiccpH  up.    (November  I'i,  188(1.) 

hiiiimlia.  OtiM  U.  Kiu^^:  The  luNt  winter  killed  ulf  iv  great  mnny,  but  this  fiill 
till  TO  in  n  full  supply  again.     (November  12,  18M().) 

lt\))iin.  A.  Kverhurd:  At  one  time  it  was  very  abundant  hero,  but  a  hard  winter 
killed  a  great  nuuiy,  and  Bince  then  they  have  not  inereased  very  last.  (November 
18,I8SG.) 

SlttboiKiaH.  Carl  Zillior:  Three  pairs  were  brought  here  from  Germany  in  187ri, 
aiiil  they  have  multiplied  so  that  now  there  are  millions  of  them  here  and  in  the  sur- 
rounding eountry.     (November  IT),  1880.) 

CANADA.  Ontakio. — Strathroy.  L.  H.  .Smith:  Tho  Simrrow  stands  our  winter 
WL'li,  although  I  have  seen  him  with  the  thermometer  at  W  to  ',W  below  zero  Hulled 
uiit  like  a  ball  of  feathers,  and  wishing,  no  doubt,  notwithstanding  oartlninakes,  that 
bo  were  lu  Charleston,  S.  C.    (October  11,  188().) 

Yarker.  John  Ewart ;  The  winters  are  too  sovoro  here  for  the  Sparrows  to  become 
very  numerous.  I  have  never  found  any  myself  that  were  froz(m,  but  another  party 
found  quite  a  lot  which  had  been  frozen  in  an  unused  grain  storehouse ;  also  some  in  a 
sbed  attached  to  tho  grist-mill  in  this  place.  I  have  also  noticed  a  marked  decrease 
ill  their  numbers  after  a  cold  dip,  but  of  course  that  may  bo  caused  by  u  move  south. 
(November  ID,  188G.) 

Ni:\v  Bhunswick. — Frcdevicton.  Charles  W.  Beck  with  :  Tho  English  Sparrows  aro 
not  yet  a  nuisance  hero,  and  unless  they  increase  more  rapidly  than  at  present  aro 
not  likely  to  become  troublesome  in  the  future.  They  winter  here,  but  each  spring 
tbo  colony  is  largely  reduced  from  cold ;  by  autumn,  however,  they  appear  to  have 
iuereasod  to  tho  original  numbers.     (Octobers,  188().) 

IRELAND. — Dithlin.  I'ercy  Evans  Freke:  With  regard  to  tho  destruction  of  this 
pt'st,  I  hope  you  will  allow  mo  to  oft'or  a  suggestion.  In  cases  where  vines  aro  trained 
ovur  any  llat  surface,  such  as  tho  wall  of  a  house,  they  aft'ord  the  best  possible  Sparrow 
traps.  Not  only  in  the  nesting  season,  but  also  in  winter  they  will,  ifeveigreen,  become 
tbo  roosting  placo  at  night  of  armies  of  Sparrows.  Then  a  large  net  spread  between 
two  poles,  should  belaid  against  the  vines,  which  should  be  then  beaten  with  long 
roiln.  Lanterns,  raised  if  necessary  on  poles,  should  o  held  Ix^fore  the  net.  The 
birds  (ly  from  the  vines  toward  the  light  and  are  caught  in  the  net,  or  flutter  down 
to  the  bottom  of  it,  which  should  be  turned  up  inward  to  receive  them. 

lu  this  way  numbers  of  adult  Spanows  may  bo  destroyed.  The  nests  can  of  course 
always  be  taken.  I  fear,  however,  it  will  be  ft)und  impossible  to  get  rid  of  them  al- 
toiiL'ther.  A  few  will  always  survive,  and  will  again  inenase  rapitlly.  (October  1, 
1887.) 

ENGLAND. — Sparrow  clubs  are  formed  in  tho  old  country,  each  member  being  re- 
quired toshow  a  given  (juotaof  heads  each  week  ormonth.  Farmers  pay  their  boysso 
ninth  a  dozen  for  eggs,  young,  and  old  birds.  We  used  to  poison  them  also  with  poi- 
soned wheat  till  stopped  by  law  on  account  of  the  wholesale  destruction  of  ether 
birds.  Nets  and  every  device  were  used  to  take  them;  a  favorite  one  with  myself 
and  with  all  boys  was,  and  still  is,  to  tiiko  a  lantern  on  a  dark  night  under  a  thatched 
Hlied  whore  tho  Sparrows  slept.  One  boy  drove  them  out  with  a  polo,  while  three  or 
four  others  stood  round  the  lantern  in  a  corner,  and  caught  them  in  their  hands. 
(David  H.  Heumau,  Willows,  Griggs  County,  Dak.,  December  12,  1880.) 


240 


THE    ENGLISH    SrARKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


INJURY  TO  bulf;  blossoms,  and  foliage  of  trees  and  vines. 

In  reply  to  the  question,  Doch  the  Sparroic  injure  shade,  fruity  or  t  ma- 
mental  trees  or  vines  f  iivo  liuiulred  and  eifjlity-four  replies  were  re- 
ceived, of  which  three  hundred  and  forty-nine  were  extremely  brief, 
and  may  be  summarized  as  follows : 


Rc])(irls. 

Not  as  .T.  nilo ij 

Only  by  driving  oil'  otlicr  birds 2 

Only  byrooHtingiind  iicHtingin  tlioni.  14 

No  complaint  heard i 

Does  not  injure  trees \n 

Yes n 

'J'o  some  extent 4 

Said  to  do  so 1 


licports. 

No 1()1 

Think  not;  believe  not r)(i 

Not  to  my  knowledge 30 

Not  so  far  as  observed If) 

Not  here ;  not  yet 7 

Not  nnu'h 5 

Not  materially '<i 

Not  seriously 3 

Not  to  any  extent '^ 

The  remaining  two  hundred  and  thirty-fivo  reports  are,  for  the  nio.st 
part,  uuich  more  full  and  specific.  It  is  impossible  to  summarize  them 
satisfactorily,  but  they  may  bo  classified  as  follows  : 

Kcjiurts. 

Wholly  favorable  to  the  Sparrow 7 

Wholly  unfavorable  to  the  Sparrow ','1:) 

Partly  favorable  and  partly  unfavorable 1,") 

The  following  examples  of  these  reports  will  give  a  fair  idea  of  the 
character  of  the  whole : 

CALiFonNiA. — Berkch'ii.  C.  H.  D  winelle  :  It  is  accused  in  California  (and  I  believe 
rightly)  of  denuding  trees  of  their  fruit-buds  to  a  very  serious  extent.  (Urooklyii, 
N.  Y.,  December  4,  188G.) 

Connecticut.— .Vi(M/e/oir)i,  Walter  B.  B.arrows :  A  few  doors  from  my  house  a 
colony  of  Sparrows  has  taken  possesion  of  an  English  ivy  which  covc^rs  the  cut iro 
north  side  of  a  brick  house.  Upwards  of  fifty  pairs  nest  in  this  vine,  and  altliougit 
their  nests  have  been  pulled  down  more  than  once,  several  whoelbarrow-loadsat  a  time, 
their  numliers  still  increase.  The  ivy  has  become  tilthy,  ragged,  and  uiisighlly  ;  and, 
unless  some  more  elfective  means  are  taken,  its  ultimate  destruction  is  only  a  ([uestioii 
of  a  year  or  two  more.  The  ivy  on  the  cliapol  of  the  Divinity  School  has  also  been 
seriously  injured,  and  the  building  disligured  in  the  same  manner.     (.luly,  188(1.) 

Norwich.  S.  T.  llolbrook  :  Tiiey  build  in  and  deface  vines  on  churches  aud  private 
dwellings.  1  have  seen  from  sevcuty-fivo  to  one  hnndred  nests  on  one  vine,  entirely 
destroying  its  appearance.     (August  10, 188G.) 

Stratford.  Robert  W.  Curliss :  I  saw  (juite  a  flock  at  v.-ork  in  a  pear  tree  early  last 
spring,  and  shot  three  of  them.  I  opened  their  e/oiis  and  found  buds  in  all,  but  ho 
mutilated  that  I  could  not  tell  whether  they  were  friMt-bmls  or  wood-buds.  (October 
11,1886.) 

District  of  Coi.u.miua. —  Washington.  S.  M.  Clark:  My  grape-vines  are  easily 
accessible,  but  I  have  never  noticed  the  Sparrows  among  them.  They  will  pick  oil' 
peach  and  pear  buds  and  young  blossoms,  but  they  eat  only  a  portimi  of  them,  drop- 
ping the  most  on  the  ground.     (January  11, 188G.) 

GKOiuiiA.  —  LaivtouriUc.  Postinaster:  It  is  very  destructive  to  apjde  trees,  feeding 
on  the  bloom  in  the  spring;  but  as  yet  it  is  not  here  iu  sutliciont  numbers  todonuich 
damage.     (October  4, 1880.) 

Illinois. — Chicago.  B.  T.  Gault :  For  two  seasons  these  pests  have  almost  stripped 
Qur grape-vines  of  their  fruit;  first,  by  eating  the  fruit-butls  iu  the  early  spring,  and, 


m 


EVIDENCE. INJURY    TO    TREES    AND    VINES. 


241 


atcr,  liy  eating  wliatevcr  blossoniH  may  have  been  put  forth  alter  tlic  first  raid.   (Oc- 

tolllT  ■,".»,  I'-^fT).  ) 

Moumonih,  Dr.  S.  M.  Haiiiiltun  :  I  liave  never  seen  the  least  bit  of  injury  done  by 
the  Sparrow  to  trees  and  vines.     (September  24, 1886.) 

Indiana.— -Veiy  Albany.  John  IJ.  iMitchcU  :  It  injures  fruit  trees  by  eating  the  buds, 
and  (lisli^ures  other  trees  by  roosting  in  tbcni.     (October  6,  1886.) 

IdWA. — l>aveii}>ort.  Daveni»ort  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences,  per  W.  H.  Pratt, 
t'liiiiliir :  The  fruit-growers  are  afraiil  of  the  Sparrow,  but  so  far  as  actual  knowledge 
<^{\e»  litrti  it  scarcely  seems  to  do  much  injury,  except  by  soiling  roofs,  trees,  fruit,  and 
vinos.    (April  20, 1887.) 

Iks  Moines.  C  R.  Koycs:  It  has  been  reported  from  Iowa  City  an  doing  injury  to 
(irnauMMital  or  shade  trees,  but  I  have  watched  them  for  the  past  two  winters,  and 
have  liiid  a  large  Hock  roost  every  night  in  the  trees  in  front  of  my  window,  and  they 
have  done  no  injury  whatever.     (February  27, 1887.) 

Iowa  Cilji.  C.C.  Nutting :  It  is  injurious  to  cedar  and  pine  trees.  Tlio  injury  is 
cansi'd  by  a  habit  they  have  of  rod.-sting  in  flocks  in  some  particular  tree,  often  a 
jiiiR',  and  rendering  it  unsightly  by  their  litter.  Their  nesting  habits  result  in  dis- 
tijjiiriiig  trees.  Although  these  habits  may  not  seriously  injure  tlio  vitality  of  the 
troe,  tliey  certainly  injure  its  usefuluess  ibr  ornam(>utal  jiurposes.  I  am  also  in- 
loiined  by  a  trustworthy  observer  that  they  eat  the  buds  of  the  pine.     (January  18, 

Kansas. — Xetawala,  John  II.  Johnson  :  I  have  seen  the  Sparrow  destroy  fruit-buds 
lit'  liotli  vines  and  trees.     (February  18, 1887.) 

Kk.nti'cky. — Crexceiit  Hill,  Thomas  S.  Kennedy:  It  docs  not  injure  the  trees  or 
vines,  but  it  i)lucks  the  fruit-buds  in  the  spring,     (October  5, 18^6.) 

LoiisiAXA. — DonuldsonriUe.  L.  E.  Bontley  :  The  Sisters  of  Charity  in  charge  of  the 
St.  Vincent  Insiituto  at  this  place  lost  an  ornamental  or  shade  tree,  and  attribute 
itsdeatli  to  the  injury  iiiHicted  by  a  tlock  of  Sparrows  which  nested  or  roosted  in  it. 
This  is  the  only  instance  of  the  kind  of  which  I  have  heard.     (October  ;?0, 1886.) 

.Massachusetth. — East  Tcmitleton.  Charles  E.  Ingalls:  I  have  seen  them  in  winter 
stii|iiiiiig  the  bnds  from  pear  trees,  and  from  ornamental  trees  along  our  village 
streets.    (August  2:},  1886.) 

Mnlford.  John  Ayres :  It  never,  to  Hiy  knowledge,  injures  trees  in  any  way. 
(May 'JD,  1884.) 

M'jinit  Jiihurn.  M.  Abbott  Frazar:  It  buds  pear  trees,  but  in  large  orchards  and 
on  a  l)earing  year  this  is  to  the  advantage  of  the  trees,  as  it  removes  but  a  portion  of 
till'  surplus  fruit  which  would  otherwi.se  have  to  be  picked  oH".  A  single  tree  in  acity 
hack-yard  very  likely  would  be  stripped,  rather  overdoing  the  business.  (Autumn, 
18t<,-).) 

Kpr i II fi field.  Dr.  P.  L.  B.  Stickney  :  It  is  continually  picking  at  the  blossoms  and 
bnds  (pf  'recs  and  viiu's  early  in  the  season.     (October  18,  1886.) 

Tniuiloii.  II.  G.  White :  During  winter  the  Sparrow  bites  otf  the  buds  of  many  trees 
and  lets  them  fall  to  the  ground  nutouehed.     (February  25,  1886.) 

Mi(  iiKj.vN'.  —  Ilai)  Citij.  F.  W.  Grinnell :  It  does  not  injure  trees  or  vines  very  mncli; 
ill  spring  it  takes  buds  from  apjde  and  i>ear  trees.     (December  4,  1886.) 

Knliiii  liiiiiidx.  S.R.  Fuller:  It  eats  the  young  buds  from  the  maples  where  it 
SatliLis  in  large  Hocks.     (October  11,  1886.) 

Muuiil  Clcmenn.  Jno.  U.  Leonardsoii :  It  nests  in  evergreens  and  deadens  their 
tops;  and  it  eats  the  fruit-buds  of  the  grape-viiio  in  early  spring,  also  the  buds  of  the 
apricot  to  a  greater  extent.    (August  2i>,  1886.) 

^l»'iii!H>orl.  .J.  H.  Conkliu  :  It  does  not  seriously  injure  trees  or  vines.  Evergreens, 
hiing  I'avorilo  roosting-jdaeos,  iire  left  in  a  lllthy  condition,  especially  in  winter. 
(October  6,  1886.) 

Nkw  .]\:[isKY.—I{l(iwi'nburi/h.    David  C.  Voorhees:  It  picks  the  genus  horn  the  buds 
"f  fiuit  trees  at  the  time  of  blo.s.soiniug.     (December,  1885.) 
8104— Bull.  1 10 


w 


242 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAUUOW    IN    AMERICA. 


II 


'*M 


Caldwell.  Marcus  S.  Cruue:  My  fiieiid,  Mr.  William  Daveuport,  tells  ine  he  hag 
seen  it  iiickiiig  to  pieces  pear  and  peach  bjossonis.     (February  19,  1884.) 

Freehold.  D.  D.  Denise:  It  picks  the  hlossonm  from  fruit  trees.  (Septembers 
1880. ) 

JIuddonJield.  Samuel  N.  Rhodes:  It  injures  fruit  buds;  but  on  my  farm  aud  in 
small  villages  the  destruction  is  slight.     (September  9,  1886.) 

Merchanlrille.  Edwunl  linrrougb:  It  injures  fruit  buds.  I  have  detected  it  tliis 
spring  eating  the  buds  on  a  liartlett  [icar  tree,  and  also  on  the  white  elm.  I  have 
fp'quontly  lu;ard  them  charged  with  this  habit,  but  never  caught  them  at  it  hefoie, 
(May  HI  1887.) 

I'assaiu  liridye.  F.  M.  Carryl:  I  have  seen  it  take  buds  of  the  plum,  apple,  mid 
quince  trees,  and  have  found  them  in  the  stomachs  of  birds  shot.     (August  2i\,  IfWii.) 

Nkw  Youk. — niiif/hamtoii.  U.J.  Gay  lord:  It  destroys  everything  it  comes  in  contact 
with.  It  is  very  destructive  in  the  fruit  orchards  in  the  early  spring,  eating  fruit  hiiiis 
from  the  plum  and  cherry  trees.     (September  2(),  1885.) 

Clyde.  William  M.  McLachlan  :  I  have  observed  it  destroying  the  fruit  buds  of  the 
pear,  and  I  have  teen  it  on  my  currant  bushes.     (May  15,  1884.) 

Dohbs  Ferri/.  ])r.  C.  li.  McQuesten :  They  pick  off  the  budding  tlowers  of  the 
.applo  and  pear  trees  and  the  budding  leaves  of  the  maples.     (October  8,  18i;().) 

Geneva.  C.  S.  Plumb :  It  picks  out  the  buds  of  plum  and  pear  trees  in  early  spring, 
before  they  have  started  to  any  extent.     (August  28,  188(5.) 

Ilochcuia:  P.  C.  Keynolds:  It  sometimes  picks  oft'  buds  of  the  pear  and  cherry  ho- 
fore  they  open  in  spring.     (September  2,  1881).) 

Ohio. — Alroti.  Prof.  E.  W.  Claypole:  I  have  not  observed  it  to  injure  trees  or  vines, 
but  testimony  on  this  point  is  contradictory.     (December  ',M,  18«().) 

Afondale.  Charles  Dury:  Four  Sparrows  examined  March  25,  1885,  were  fnll  (if 
tree  buds;  these  were  shot  out  of  a  Hock  in  a  cherry  tree  mar  home.  (Febrnary  li, 
188().) 

Burton.    P.  W.  Parmelee :  It  injures  grape  blossoms.     (September  1,  1880.) 

Cleveland.  I^.  M.  Davies:  I  have  seen  it  picking  buds  from  an  apple  tree  in  our 
yard  in  tlie  spring,  and  am  sure  it  was  not  "  after  insects.''    (November  1,  f^Mi.) 

Marietta.  Dudley  S.  Nye:  Fruit-growers  condemn  them  as  injuring  fruit  hnds. 
(November  25,  188(1.) 

O.rford.  L.  N.  Bonliam  :  It  eats  the  first  spring  buds  of  fruit  trees  and  \  incH.  (Co- 
lumbus, Ohio,  November  :iO,  188().) 

Saint  Clairsrille.  T.  W.  Emerson:  It  roosts,  and  even  nests,  in  climbing  vines  in 
such  nnmbers  as  to  make  them  nuisances  instead  of  ornaments.     (March  2,  IH"*?.) 

Pennsylvania.— i?eci(i(A-.  Dr.  A.  H.  McCiva:  Before  the  early  vegetables  arc  almve 
ground  ho  will  destroy  the  fruit  buds,  often  doing  considerable  damage.  (Scpleniliir 
1,1885.) 

I!erwf/n.  Frank  L,  Burns  :  I  have  seen  it  pick  olf  buds  from  the  apjjle  trees  when 
other  food  was  scarce.  I  have  also  found  buds  of  plants  in  its  stomach  in  winter. 
(188.J.) 

ChamberKhuri/h.  Davison  Greenawalt:  The  English  Sparrow  is  the  only  bird  1  ever 
knew  to  do  any  damage  to  bnds  or  foliage.  Peach,  pear,  and  ap[de  trees  are  the  ones 
most  damaged.     (February,  1884.) 

Lanranler.  Dr.  S.  S.  Rathvon:  I  have  it  from  an  intelligent  fruit-grower  und 
nnrseryniiin  (Mr.  Daniel  Smeych)  in  this  city,  that  they  destroy  the  young  leaves  aud 
llower  buds  of  fruit  treses  and  graiw-viues  in  early  sining.    (October  8,  188(5.) 

Landis  I'allen.  ^I-  ^^-  Eaiidis  :  It  has  been  observed  to  feed  on  the  buds  and  foliage 
of  trees.     It  destroys  the  blossoms  of  peach  trees.     (September  8,  1885.) 

Wajineshoroutih.  E.  B.  Engle  :  I  have  seen  them  pull  olf  the  buds  of  peach,  plnni, 
and  cherry  trees  in  wintrr  .•inili'ail>  spring.     (Angnst  :{it,  lH8(i.) 

IVillow  Street.  Dr.  I.  II.  Mayer:  It  attacks  an<l  injures  the  buds  of  grape-vines 
and  fruit  trees,  especially  the  blossom  bnds.     (January  :il,  1885.) 


EVIDENCE. — INJURY    TO   FKUITS   AND   VEGETABLES. 


243 


farm  ami  in 


iiit  buds  of  the 


liiioDK  Island. —  Westerly.  IJyron  J.  Peeklmiii:  IIiiivoscoDitcatiugfrnitbuds,  but 
do  not  thiuk  its  ravages  aro  extensive  in  this  line.  (February  20, 1884.)  I  observed 
it  this  spring  picking  off  the  blossoms  of  our  cultivated  cherries  to  a  large  extent. 

(If'.-.').) 

Vkkmont. — Lunenhurfjli.  Dr.  Hiram  A.  Cutting :  It  does  not  usually  injure  trees,  but 
I  saw  one  instance  where  Ihey  nested  so  abundantly  iu  a  hedge  that  it  was  injured. 
(Aii-nst  10,1884.) 

Saint  Jolnishurij.  Rev.  Ilcnry  Fairbanks :  It  works  upon  some  buds,  but  probably 
(Iocs  little  harm.  (February  5,  1884.)  A  flock  this  year  stripped  the  currant  bushes 
nrilM'ir  blossoms.     (1885.) 

ViiidixiA. —  Varkttj  Mills.  II.  Martyn  Micklem :  Itsomottuies  eats  out  j'oung  buds 
of  vines  and  fruit  trees.     (December  21, 1886.) 

AVkst  Virginia. — Elizabeth.  Z.  E.  Thorn  :  It  injures  grapes  and  evergreen  trees 
[iiiiici pally.     (November  4,  188fi.) 

Wisconsin.— J/Js/iico/t.  N.  H.  Tereus:  It  injures  cherry  trees,  currant  bushes,  and 
grape-vines.     (November  17, 1886.) 

CANADA.  Ontakio. — Dtinnville.  Dr.  G.  A.  McCallum  :  I  have  frequently  seen  it 
tating  the  buds  of  fruit  trees,  especially  the  fruit  buds.     (August  20, 1886.) 

Utiawa.  W.  L.  Scott :  I  can  positively  aflQrni  that  I  have  seen  them  eat  the  buds 
of  the  elm,  maple,  and  other  shade  trees  in  the  early  spring,  thongh  I  do  not  think 
the  (liimago  was  ever  great  enough  to  be  especially  noticeable.     (January  26,  1886.) 

Strathroy.  L.  H.  Smith  :  I  never  saw  any  injury  to  my  trees  or  vines  by  the  Spar- 
row. In  one  instance  a  gardener  of  our  town  complained  to  me  of  the  Sparrows 
budding  one  of  his  trees,  a  cherry,  I  think.     (October  4, 1886.) 

Toronto.  Dr.  William  Brodie  :  The  stomachs  of  almost  all  Sparrows  taken  in  March, 
April,  and  May,  contained  buds  of  trees,  and  during  these  months  the  birds  were 
ri'iioatedly  seen  feeding  on  the  buds  of  elms  and  maples  throughout  the  city.  [Sec 
Dr.  Ikodio's  tables  of  the  food  of  the  Sparrow,  i>age  ;?ll  of  this  Bulletin.] 

Nkw  BiuxswiCK. — Saint  John.  1).  W.  Pilkington:  It  cats  the  buds  of  the  plum, 
gooseberry,  etc.     (Wickham,  N.  B.,  September  6,  1886. ) 


INJURY  TO  FRUITS,  GARDEN  SEEDS,  AND  VEGETABLES. 


Ill  respoQse  to  the  (lucstioii,  Docs  the  Sparroic  injure  garden  fruits  and 
mictablcs  i  seven  liuiulrcd  autl  eighty-eight  replies  liave  been  received. 
Of  this  number  343  are  brief,  and  for  the  most  part  unimportant,  as 
thoy  probably  represent  iu  most  cases  only  the  opinions  of  the  writers, 
and  aftord  no  clue  to  the  kind  or  amount  of  observation  on  which  they 
arc  based.  The  following  summary  is  a  complete  list  of  these  three 
Imudred  and  forty-three  replies: 

Ueports.    I  Kcporls. 

No 163     No  complaints  heard G 

Think  not ;  believe  not :UJ  |  Yes 27 

Not  to  my  knowekulge 15  ,  Thinkso;  believe  so  2 

1 


Not  so  far  as  observed 22 

Not  jiore  ;  not  yet '^ 

Not  much 6 

Not  materially  ;  not  s(M'iou.sly 6 

Not  Id  any  great  extent ..  6 

Oiil.vtoa  limited  <!.\((Mit 3 

But  very  little;  slightly U 

Not  more  tlian  some  other  birds 5 


Am  told  so 

To  Home  extent 5 

Injures  fruits 6 

Injures  small  fruits 3 

Injures  gardens 4 

Destroys  garden  seeds 2 

Doi!S  not  injure  fruits 4 

Not  observed  to  injure  frulta 18 


^'w 


» 


244 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


I!- 


f 


The  remaining  four  liuu<lred  and  forty  five  reports,  cont'ainiufj  the 
most  valuable  information  ou  this  subject,  can  not  be  satisfactorily  sum. 
maiizeil,  but  they  may  be  classified  as  follows : 

Kpports. 

Wluilly  favorable  to  the  Sparrow ^24 

Wliiilly  unfavorablo  to  the  St»arrow ;!i«i4 

Partly  favorable  and  partly  unfavorable ;i7 

A  few  examples  of  this  evidence  have  been  inserted  already  in  cou- 
iiection  with  the  summary  in  I'art  I  of  this  Bulletin,  where  the  various 
injuries  to  fruits,  vegetables,  and  seeds  have  been  tabulated ;  and  these, 
in  connection  with  the  following  reports,  will  give  a  fair  idea  of  the 
whole. 

Alabama.— J?(//Vi«/rt.  E.  L.  Brown:  It  eats  vegetable  seeds  before  they  fully  mu- 
ture.  It  is  impossible  to  save  such  seed.  (September  17,  IrtSO.  Present  about  low 
years.) 

Xolasuh/a.  Sam  Diiko  :  They  fly  down  on  the  vines  and  cat  the  grapes;  they  also 
scratch  mi  garden  seed.    (November  2,  1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 

AUKANSAs.  — 67«jTHf/bH.  Horace  Ward  :  It  injures  grapes  and  strawberries.  (.Sep- 
tember 20,  1880.    Present  "since  June.") 

Liltle  Rock.  Carl  von  Jagcrsfield  :  It  injures  fruits  and  vegetables  to  a  cousidwa- 
ble  extent.    (Washington,  Ark.,  September  23,  1W8C.) 

Lvfra.  W.  P.  Hale:  My  little  vineyard  came  into  bearing  in  18S6,  and  was  very 
well  frnited.  It  was  afflicted  with  rot  to  some  extent,  but  its  worst  enemy  islhe 
English  Sparrow,  which  eats  the  grapes  about  as  fast  as  they  ripen.    (Autumn,  1887.) 

California. — Jicrkvlci/  (suburb).  Dr.  M.  C.  O'Toole:  Iteatsevery  kind  of  fruif,  ami 
in  great  (luantities  considering  the  size  of  <he  bird,  (b'ebruary  17,  1887.  Present 
about  three  years.) 

Napa  City.  Postmaster  :  It  is  apt  to  eat  buds  and  leaves  on  young  and  tender  gar- 
den plants.     (January  11,  1887.    Present  two  or  three  years.) 

Stockton.  Postmaster:  It  injures  peas,  apples,  cherries,  peaches,  apricots,  plums, 
prunes,  grapes,  etc.     (November,  1886.     Present  three  years  or  more.) 

Connecticut.— £//iHjr//o«.  S.  T.  Kimball :  It  will  eat  the  seeds  of  turnip,  beet,  and 
cabbage,  if  they  are  not  well  protected.  Once  in  a  while  it  has  made  a  raid  on  our 
jieas.    (August 20,  1886.    Present  live  or  six  years.) 

Mcriden.  H.  C.  Hull:  It  injures  grapes  and  devours  berries.  (August  31,  18ti6. 
Present  sixteen  years.) 

New  Haven.  Frank  S.  Piatt:  I  have  twenty  varieties  of  choice  grapes  which  tlioy 
peck  and  ruin.    (Septeuiber  1),  1886.) 

New  Ilami.  Dr.  Fred.  Sumner  Smith:  In  New  Haven  the  Sparrows  used  to  spoil 
our  grapes  by  the  bushel,  picking  the  ripest  ones  and  sucking  tlio  juice.  (West  Hart- 
ford, Conn.,  November,  188*').) 

rianlsville.  E.  R.  Ne«ell :  It  has  been  observed  to  feed  on  grapes  and  other  fruits, 
but  in  this  section  not  to  any  great  extent.  *  *  *  .Since  writing  the  above  I  have 
seen  a  row  of  choice  grapes  of  various  kinds  entirely  ruined  by  the  .Sparrow,  and  Hud 
that  they  are  committing  depredations  on  all  the  vines  in  this  neighborhood.  (Sep- 
tember 4,  188.'').) 

.S"oh//i  n()0(?»/ocA;  (country).  Mrs.  G.S.  F.Stoddard:  I  have  not  observed  it  to  feed 
upon  griipcs  or  other  fruit.     (January,  1886.) 

Strntfovd.  Hobt.  W.  Cnrtiss:  I  have  seen  it  eat  sweet  vwn  wh.ui  in  the  milk.  It 
tears  open  llic.  Imsk  when  in  that  condition,  and,  iiesidis  wliai  it  eats,  it  K'tstliii 
weather  iiml  tlanipness  iu  upon  llieear,  which  is  apt  to  mold,  though  to  uoverygre.it 
extent.     (February  6  and  October  11,  1886), 


EVIDENCE. — INJURY   TO   FRUITS   AND   VEGETABLES 


245 


dot"  fruit,  and 


DisiKiCT  OF  CoLUMUiA. —  ft'avhinytoii.  Williuui  Sauuders,  siipeiiuteudcut  of  gar- 
(leu3  and  gioiiuds,  U.  S.  Departineut  of  Agriculture:  Small  fruits  do  not  seem  to  be 
diinia<;ed  much  here  in  the  city.  As  the  hoys  prevent  any  of  o4ir  grapes  from  ripen- 
ing, 1  do  not  know  how  the  Sparrows  would  att'ect  that  fruit.    (April  13,  1887.) 

n'oKhiiifilon.  Michael  Durkiu,  gardener  at  the  Navy  Yard  :  It  is  very  destructive 
to  fruit.  This  seivson  it  took  all  the  cherries  from  the  trees  on  the  grounds,  so  that 
not  a  single  one  remained.  Early  grapes,  against  the  wall  of  the  grounds,  were  at- 
taekt'il  as  soon  as  they  began  to  ripen,  and  we  obtained  none  lit  for  use.  It  also  at- 
tacked the  tops  of  peas  as  they  came  through  the  ground,  as  well  as  the  tops  of 
sprouting  carrots  and  beets.    (August  22,  1887.    Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

IVashinfilon.  Hawkins  Taylor :  The  cat-bird  and  other  birds  eat  my  cherries  and 
other  fruits,  greatly  to  my  disgust,  but  I  am  sure  the  Sparrows  have  never  touched  a 
cherry,  grape,  or  berry,  and  there  are  swarms  of  them  about  all  the  time,  and  no 
other  birds ;  and  if  the  Sparrows  do  not  eat  my  grapes  and  fruits,  why  do  they  eat 
other  people's  grapes  and  fruits?    (May  18,  1887.) 

Gkokgia. — AmericHu,  M.  B.  Council:  It  is  very  destructive  to  all  garden  seeds. 
(September  2,  1886.    Present  about  two  years.) 

Alhiiila.  Judge  John  D.  Cunningham,  president  Georgia  Fruit  Growers'  Associa- 
tion;   I  have  heard  no  complaint  of  the  English  Sparrow.     (October  18,  188G.) 

('artersville.  William  Milner:  We  observe  that  they  are  very  destructive  to  the 
grape  crop  and  to  all  berry  crops.     (October  4,  1886.    Present  about  three  years.) 

Fuirburn.  George  Latham  :  It  eats  English  peas,  young  turnips,  and  nearly  all 
young  vegetables.     (October  16,  1886.     Present  three  or  four  years.) 

Lumiikin.  A.  W.  Latimer:  It  injures  garden  fruits  and  vegetables  to  a  limited 
extent;  it  destroys  cabbage  and  turnip  seed.  (Septembci'  5,  1886.  Present  about 
five  years. ) 

Macon.  Prof.  J.  E.  Willet ;  It  injures  garden  fruits  and  vegetables  to  some  ex- 
tent. It  has  eaten  early  lettuce  and  the  leaves  of  English  peas  in  January,  February, 
and  March.  It  also  eats  the  seeds  of  lettuce,  and  I  thi'jk  of  the  sunllower.  (No- 
vember 2,  1886.    Present  ten  or  twelve  years.) 

MiUedf/eviUe.  Postmaster :  There  is  some  complaint  oy  gardeners.  When  plants 
are  seeding  it  destroys  small  seeds  to  a  limited  extent.  (No\  ember  4,  1886.  Present 
about  six  years.) 

Savannah.  J.  N.  Johnson:  It  injures  fruits  and  vegetables  but  little;  eating 
grapes  and  destroying  flower  seeds  in  gardens.  On  the  garden  farms  in  the  suburbs 
it  destroys  to  a  limited  extent  various  seeds,  but  it  has  not  gone  into  the  country 
generally  as  yet.    (October  7,  1886.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

Illinois. — Alton  Junction  (country).  John  Koch:  It  likes  peas,  and  cherries  are 
not  safe  from  it ;  but  it  is  not  plenty  enough  here  yet  to  do  much  damage.  (Septem- 
krSS,  1886.     Present  about  four  years.) 

Ikniadotte.  Dr.  W.  S.  Strode:  Latterly  instead  of  cereals  I  have  found  grape 
pulp  in  large  quantities  in  the  stomachs,  and  this  crop  hiis  been  fearfully  damaged; 
fully  one-half,  or  even  more,  of  the  grapes  on  the  bunch  being  eaten,  i)robably  one- 
thirdof  the  crop  being  destroyed.  The  bird  operates  by  inserting  his  bill  and  suck- 
ing out  the  contents,  leaving  the  empty  skins  on  the  vine.     (September  7,  1887.) 

The  fact  that  the  English  Sparrow  seems  determined  to  sample  everything  that 
tbe  agriculturist  can  produce  from  the  soil  was  illustrated  here  this  fall  by  its  pick- 
ing holes  into  the  sides  of  turnips,  damaging  many  of  them  even  while  on  every  side 
there  was  an  abundance  of  grain  and  weed  seeds.  (December  6,  1887.  Present  two 
or  three  years. ) 

CoUinmUe.  Henry  De  Wald  :  It  does  not  injure  fruits  or  vegetables  much  ;  it  eats 
I  a  few  berries  and  cherries.    (October  5,  1886.    Present  about  twelve  years.) 

East  Wheatland,  W.  D.  Patterson  :  It  injures  currants  and  raspberries,  and  eats 
I  a  few  strawberries.    It  also  eats  peas.     (January  1888.     Present  about  three  years. ) 

Hilhhorouuh.    A.J.Edwards:  It  in  a  constant  visitor  to  our  gardens,  but  I  have 


Ill 


246 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


(Oi^tober  6,  188(i.     Present  ahimt 
It  also  scratclies 


never  seen  it  molest  either  fruits  or  vegetiibles. 
ijeven  years.) 

Louisville.    Conrad  E.  Kacbler  :  It  injures  tiie  cherry  croj)  badly. 
up  garden  seeds.    (Scpteniher  27,  1886.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Monmouth.  Dr.  S.  M.  Hamilton:  I  have  never  seen  the  least  bit  of  injury  done  t(i 
fruits  or  vegetables  by  the  Sparrow.  (Septomher  24,  1886.  Present  twelve  or  four- 
teen years.) 

Mount  Vernon.  John  S.  Began :  I  liave  two  gardens,  and  I  never  noticed  the 
Sparrow  interfering  witli  anything  but  cherries.  (Septembers,  1886.  Present  seveu 
or  eight  years.) 

Shawneclown.  George  llearden  :  It  does  not  eat  the  vegetables  themselves,  but  de- 
stroys  nearly  all  kinds  of  small  seed,  such  as  turnip,  radish,  lettuce,  etc.,  and  Hcratclics 
up  larger  seeds.    It  also  injures  cherries.     (October  2, 1880.    Present  about  tlve  years.) 

Indiana. — Albion.  Charles  M.  Clapp  :  I  know  of  numbers  of  cases  where  they  liavo 
destroyed  peas  and  many  other  vegetables.  (October  14,  1886.  Present  five  or  hIx 
years. ) 

Charlestown.  Dennis  F.  Willey :  It  injures  peas  and  grapes,  and  any  seeds  that 
chickens  would  eat.     (September  28,  1886.     Present  about  four  years. ) 

/)«2)ont  (country).  T.S.Williams:  They  eat  anything  in  the  garden  that  is  left 
to  mature  for  seetlr-  They  eat  or  bite  and  break  the  skin  on  grapes,  especially  the 
sweet  grapes,  causing  the  bees  to  swarm  after  them.  (October  0, 1'-Se.  Present  about 
six  years.) 

fVirni?(inrf  (country).  N.W.Wright:  It  eats  garden  seeds,  and  a  dock  of  one  Inni- 
dred  or  more  worked  on  a  patch  of  sweet  corn  last  fall  and  damaged  the  ears  consid- 
erably.  (Marcii  7,  1887.    Present  two  or  three  years.) 

Hooker  (country).  Mary  Benson :  It  injures  cherries,  but  does  no  damage  to  vege- 
tables.   (October  11,  1886.) 

Markland.  Julia  B.Brown.  They  work  on  ciurrants,  strawberries,  and  grapes  to 
some  extent.     (October  11,  1886.    Present  about  eight  years. ) 

Netchern,  U.  F.  Glick  :  It  does  not  injure  grapes  or  other  fruit  to  any  great  extent 
here.   (October  12,  1885.    Present  about  two  years. ) 

Vevay.  William  It.  Stratford  :  It  is  fond  of  cherries  and  grapes,  .and  will  eat,  tlie 
fruit  of  nearly  all  our  ornamental  vines  or  shrubs.  (October  7,  1886.  Present  a!)ont 
eleven  years. ) 

Iowa. — Burlington.  Howard  Kingsbury:  It  is  not  nearly  as  injurious  to  fruits  iind 
vegetables  as  some  of  the  migratory  species,  such  as  blackbirds,  cow-birds,  etc.  (De- 
cember 28,  1836.   Present  sixteen  or  seventeen  years.) 

Davenport.  Davenport  Academy  of  Natnr.al  Sciences,  per  W.  H.  Pratt,  curator; 
It  does  not  appear  to  do  much  injury  here  to  fruits  or  vegetables.  Some  ganleners  in 
the  city  report  it  as  an  expert  at  shelling  peas,  and  it  pecks  at  some  small  fruits  a 
little.    (April  20,  1887.    Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

Dubuque.  Edward  T.  Keini.  Some  damage  to  lettuce  has  been  reported  in  wet  sea- 
sons.   (August  19,  1886.    Present  about  ten  years.) 

Fairfield.  Thos.  C.  Ross :  This  year,  for  tb'  first  time,  it  was  seen  five  miles  out  iu 
the  country,  on  corn,  in  August.    (November,  1887.) 

Lost  Nation.  F.  M.  Frazier:  It  injured  my  grape  crop  this  year,  and  it  injures 
young  plants,  such  as  cabbage,  in  the  spring.  (October  16,  1886.  Present  five  or  six 
years. ) 

Sidney.  G.  V.  Swearingon :  They  are  destructive  to  grapes,  raspberries,  and  other 
small  fruits,  and  peck  nearly  everything  that  is  grown  in  the  g.ardon.  (October  8, 
1886.   Present  four  or  five  years. ) 

Kansas. — Blaine.  Postmaster:  It  picks  young  grapes  and  currants.  (October  6,1886, 
Present  seven  or  eight  years.) 

Doniphan.  Postmaster :  It  injures  grapes  very  badly,  also  cherries  ,ind  small  fruits, 
such  as  raspberries,  blackberries,  etc.    (October  li,  l8iG.   Present  five  or  six  years,) 


KVIDENCE — INJURY   TO    FRUITS   AND   VEGETABLES. 


247 


y  Hoeds  tbat 


!toberG,188C. 


Eunka.  A.  \V.  Halt  :  It  injures  tonuitocs  iiiul  grniirs.  (St'pl ember  1, 1 1^6(5.  Present 
two  or  tbreo  yearn. ) 

(iar)wlt.  M.  A.  I'ago:  It  injures  leguniiiiou.s  frnit,  and  eats  turnip  seed  and  radish 
seed.  (September  3, 188(i.   Present  one  year.) 

ilaiihattaii.  Prof.  D.  E.  Lantic :  Tboy  have  been  known  to  injure  grapes  by  punctur- 
ing the  skin,  but  have  not  proved  more  destructive  than  soino  of  our  native  birds. 
(Aiituiiiti,  1885.   Present  about  six  years.) 

Kentucky. — Adairville,  A.  M.  Moseley  :  There  is  great  complaint  of  the  Sparrow 
from  tbe  grape-growers.    (Autumn,  188G.) 

Bagdad.  E.  P.  Donton:  Grapes,  clicrries,  and  all  small  fruits  are  almost  entirely 
ilestroycd  by  the  Sparrow.    (October.'),  188t).     Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

lloiflinff  dreen  (country,  3  miles  from  city).  W.  Cook:  It  eats  ail  fruits  and 
seeds,  ineJuding  tho.se  of  the  sunllower.  It  also  picks  oft' pea-blossoms  and  young 
peas.    (September  2,  1880.    Present  .about  three  years.) 

CaHl'i/,  Frank  15.  Hancock:  It  injures  grapes,  berries,  and  all  small  fruits,  and 
l)ioinis('s  to  bo  apent  in  this  way.    (August  U),  188(1.     Pi-i-sent  about  six  months.) 

GIichI.  George  It.  Howie:  It  plucks  olf  fruits  and  pulls  up  vegetables  while  ten- 
der.   (October  8,  1880.     Present  six  or  eight  years.) 

Ilarlford.  A.  B.  Baird :  It  destroys  cabbage  and  radish  seed  as  they  commence 
maturing ;  but  I  have  not  kuowu  of  its  molesting  fruits.  (October  5,  188().  Present 
about  six  years.) 

Ilkkmuti.  L.  0.  Pindar:  It  picks  oft'  grapes  and  cherries,  and  drops  half  on  the 
gruml.  It  destroys  ten  times  as  much  as  it  eats.  It  also  injures  strawberries,  goose. 
berries,  etc.     (February,  18s7.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Loiiknlle.  J.  B.  Nail:  When  other  food  was  scarce  I  have  seen  it  eat  grapes,  or 
rntlior  ruin  thom  by  sticking  its  bill  into  them.  (September  8,  18'!*G.  Present  about 
tneUc  years.) 

SUniford.  Thomas  Richards:  It  injures  raspberries  and  sJi'awberries  to  a  small 
cxteiit,  and  suuftowirs  when  raised  for  seed.  (October  29,  1880.  Present  about 
tliirtcpu  years.) 

LoiisiAXA. — Silii  icier.  Postmasler  :  It  eats  the  blossoms  of  English  peas,  and  in- 
jures all  vegetables  hrjuiiij^llowers.     (October  8,  1880.     Present  one  or  two  years.) 

Maink. — Brewer.  Manly  Hardy  :  It  injures  graiies  to  the  extent  of  its  capacity  to 
iloso.    It  also  eats  garden  seeds.     (August  'M,  1885.     Present  abotit  four  years.) 

Mahvi.axi). — llaUimorc.  Otto  Lugger:  Germinating  seeds  are  eaten,  and  the  sun- 
llinvcr  110  longer  riiiens  its  seeds,  as  they  are  greedily  eaten  by  the  Sjiarrow.  (May 
10,  1«87.) 

BoonHboroiitjh.  Robert  Lamar:  It  is  a  nuisance  here,  plucking  the  blossoms  of 
iiirly  vegetables.     (November  12,  1880.     Present  about  clevt'ii  years.) 

Massachcskits. — Amherst.  Hubert  L  Clark:  In  icgard  to  the  English  Sparrow's 
attacks  ou  fruit,  my  attention  has  been  called  to  the  i'aut  that  it  is  very  injurious  to 
I ari.v  pears  and  apples.  On  a  tree  bearing  about  fifty  pears  (the  variety  known  as 
"Ik'iirre  Gift'ord")  more  than  thirty  were  destroyed  by  these  birds.  They  would  eat 
"ut  a  part  of  one  side  of  the  pear  before  it  was  ripe,  and  theu  leave  the  wcrk  to  be 
liiiislied  by  ants  and  other  insects.  I  never  saw  the  birds  at  their  work  bui  once, 
and  then  being  at  some  distance  I  mistook  thom  for  young  and  dingy  orioles,  but  urv 
now  convinced  of  my  mistake.  A  friend  living  in  the  center  of  the  town  reports  the 
saiiip  thing  in  regard  to  early  apples,  but  he  has  seen  the  Sparrows  at  work.  (Sep- 
tember 8,  1887.    Present  fifteen  years.) 

Falmouth  (country).  F.  J.  C.  Swift :  They  have  been  known  to  pick  into  and  de- 
stroy pears.    (Autumn,  1885.) 

Medford.  JohuAyres:  It  was  in  my  garden  many  years.  I  cultivated  with  my 
own  hands  and  knew  every  tree  and  bu.sli  and  all  the  fruit,  and  I  never  saw  it  touch 
either  fruit  or  vegetables,  as  I  have  often  seen  the  robin  do.  (May  2'J,  1884.  Present 
twelve  to  fifteen  years.) 


248 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA, 


m 


MuUUehoroHijh  (couutii  ).  E.  A.  Bowen  :  It  destnt.vH  iiiiicli  »(iiii,  injtiiiiig  Hiiindlf. 
Bilk,  and  ear.     (September  21,  IH-ili.     rruseiit  ten  or  eleven  years.) 

Northampton.  L.C.Ferry:  It  damages  the  grape  orop  greatly  wLm  tliolruitiN 
ripening.     (September  10,  IHeiG.     I'resent  abont  eleven  years.) 

SomevKcl.  Elisba  Siade :  The  Sparrow  feeds  on  grapes,  strawberries,  cherries,  rasp- 
berries, and  blackberries.  It  is  as  bad  ou  cherries  as  the  robin,  ])robably  injininj;  as 
many  as  it  eats.     (Angnst  20,  188(5.    Present  abont  t\velvc  years.) 

Springjidd.  (Jeorgo  A.  Solly :  Fruits,  vegetables,  and  all  kinds  of  seeds  are  (Ic- 
voured  by  the  miserable  Sparrow.  It  will  have  the  first  strawberries,  cherriis,  ami 
grapes;  and  in  a  few  years  wo  shall  have  to  cover  them  with  nets,  as  thoy  do  in  Kn;;- 
land.     (October  8,  1886.    Present  abont  twenty  years.) 

Taunton.  II.  O.  White:  It  eats  a  great  many  grapes,  and  is  partial  to  pears  uikI 
strawberries,  but  is  too  fond  of  them  to  wantonly  injure  them.  Cherries,  howivcr, 
it  bites  off  and  lets  fall  to  the  ground  nntou<;hed.     (February  25,  188G.) 

Michigan'. — Cintieiillv  J.  A.  Russell :  It  destroys  garden  seed,  and  has  been  known 
to  injure  cabbage  by  i)erforating  the  heads  with  its  bill.  (October  8,  188G.  rresciit 
about  seven  years.) 

Eaton  liapid-H.  S.R.  Fuller:  It  has  done  great  injury  to  my  vineyard  this  sciison. 
It  can  bo  driven  but  a  few  yards  at  a  t'lne,  and  returns  immediately.  (October  II, 
188(5.     Present  four  or  live  years.)  , 

Hart.  E.D.Richmond:  It  is  very  destructive  to  fruits,  such  as  cherries, \)erries, 
and  grapes.     (September  4,  18^(5.     Present  about  four  years.) 

Hasthu/H.  John  Bessmer:  It  injures  vegetables  a  little ;  attacking  lettuce,  beets, 
and  the  like,  in  early  spring.    (October  7,  1886.    Present  abont  ten  years.) 

Hopkhw  Station  (country).  Postmaster:  They  are  not  injurious  in  gardens,  ex- 
cept to  hemp  and  snntlower  seed.     (October  6,  1886.     Present  about  three  years.) 

Jackson.  Grove  II.  Wolcott:  It  iscomijlained  of  as  injuring  small  fruits,  but  I  liavn 
never  seen  it  doing  the  least  injury  to  them.    (Angnst  15,  1884.    Present  ten  years.) 

Kalamazoo.  Dr.  Morris  Gibbs:  It  eats  berries  and  cheiries.  It  .also  goes  into  tin- 
garden  and  tears  up  vines  and  digs  into  apples,  and  some  vegetables.  (Novembers.!, 
1886.     Present  nine  or  ten  years.)  , 

Lapeer.  Fred.  S.  Odlo:  It  injures  several  species  of  garden  fruits  ;  it  is  fond  of  ripe 
pears.     (September  13,  18-6.    Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

Mount  element  (country).  Jno.  B.  Leonar<l8on :  It  eats  raspberries  and  grapes 
(for  the  seeds)  around  the  market  gardens  to  consitlerable  extent,  and  it  nearly  de- 
stroys the  whole  crop  of  salsify  and  turnip  .seed.  (Aug:ist  29,  1880.  Present  about 
three  years).  ' 

Saginaw.  P"'.  S.Smith:  It  eats  plums,  cherries,  pears,  and  almost  any  soft,  sweet 
fruit.     (October  G,  1886.    Present  four  or  live  years.) 

Saline  (country).  Norman  A.  Wood:  It  eats  green  peas  as  fast  as  they  grow  ;  also 
raspberries,  blackberries,  and  strawberries,  I  think  for  the  seeds.  (September  (5,  IHSB. 
Present  about  six  years.) 

Shelby .  George  W.  Woodward  :  It  gathers  in  great  numbers  and  eats  and  destroys 
great  quantities  of  cherries,  grapes,  and  all  small  fruits.  It  will  destroy  the  small 
fruits  of  a  garden  very  quickly.     (November  10,  1886.    Present  about  six  years.) 

Mississippi. — Aherdecn.  A.  A.  Wall:  It  is  troublesome  on  cherries,  .strawborrirR, 
currants,  raspberries,  grapes,  and  vegetables.  It  makes  havoc  with  everything  going 
to  seed  in  gardens.    (Vernon,  Ala.,  September  21,  1886.) 

Holly  Springs.  John  S.  Finlay  :  It  is  very  destructive  to  all  kinds  of  fruit.  No- 
vember, 1886.     Present  about  four  years. ) 

Nkw  Jersey. — Caldwell.  Marcus  S.  Crane:  Three  of  my  neighbors  say  it  injined 
their  grapes  this  fall  by  picking  holes  in  them.  (November  30,  1886.  Present  alioiit 
sixteen  years.) 

East  Orange.  H.  B.  Bailey  :  It  injures  cherries  and  strawberries  to  a  great  extent, 
(February  7,  1881.   Present  about  seven  years.) 


EVIDENCE. — INJURY   10    FRUITS   AND   VEGETABLES. 


249 


and  destroys 


of  fruit.    No- 


//(((/,« (I «(((■/..  Wdldoii  r.  Uomlick  :  l^ike  llic  robin,  it  etijoys  our  (.Leniis  juid  striiw- 
beriiL'.s,  but  does  not  cauHC  us  any  b>.ss,  as  \\i'  can  not  get  at  the  small  limbs  wbieh 
thty  rfacli.    (Auj^ust '-i(),  18.5(i.    Trts-stMit  about  tittcen  yearn.) 

Ildckctisavk.  Henry  Stewart:  It  eats  strawberries,  rasjiborries,  currants,  blackber- 
ries, and  fjrapcN.   (Eebruary  5,  1884.   Present  about  fourteen  years. ) 

liiihicicood  (country).  Henry  Hales  :  It  destroys  grapes  with  me  to  a  groat  extent; 
it  pecks  lioles  in  thorn  and  leaves  them  spoiled.  (January  18,  1887.  Present  about 
fifteen  years. ) 

Nkw  Yonii.—IHiKjhamtou  (suburbs).  II.  J.  Ciaylord:  He  will  pick  every  pea  from 
tlio  pod  if  be  once  gets  a  taste  of  tlieui.  Ho  destroys  grapes  when  they  get  sweet  and 
ripe,  gashing  but  never  eating  them.  He  takes  them  all  unless  you  fight  him.  (Sep- 
teiidier  *-i(),  1885.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

deiicra  (country).  ('.  W.  Phiuib:  It  eats  nearly  all  garden  seeds,  and  is  especially  de- 
fitriictive  to  lettuce,  cabbage,  and  salsify.     (August  28,  188G. ) 

H'Kjhlaiid  Falh.  Dr.  ICdgar  A.  Mearns :  It  destroys  peas  and  other  tender  vegetables 
M  .snon  as  they  appear  above  the  ground,  thus  doing  great  damage.  It  destroys 
gi'apes  in  large  (|uantities.     (February 'i7,  1881.   Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

y'or/ n'rts/iiHj/^on  (country).  Henry  M.  IJurtis:  It  injures  grai)es  and  pears.  (Octo- 
ber 1,  188(i. 

ItochcHtvr.  II.  Roy  Gilbert:  It  attacks  garden  frnits,  and  I  have  known  it  to  de- 
stroy beds  of  tulips  and  other  flowers.    (August  20,  1884.    Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Itochesler.  Henry  Harrison  :  It  jiicks  the  small  grapes  as  soon  as  the  blossom  falls, 
and  picks  holes  in  grapes  when  ripe,  as  well  as  in  apples  and  pears.  (August  23, 188(5. 
Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Svliiijiler'a  Lake  (country).  La  Grande  Southworth  :  It  injures  peas  and  corn,  and  I 
have  .seen  it  eating  the  fruit  of  the  black  cherry  and  choke  cherry,  but  have  never 
known  it  to  injure  any  other  fruit  except  the  strawberry.  (December  2, 1886.  Present 
about  six  years,) 

SitKj  Sh)!/.  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher:  Young  cabbage  and  cauliflower  plants  are  attacked 
just  after  they  are  trausplanted. 

Sjiraciinc  (city  and  country).  Edwin  M.  Hasbrouck  :  We  have  had  our  grape-vines 
almost  cleiiued,  the  Sparrow  pecking  the  grai)es  for  the  seed  until  scarcely  a  bunch 
remained  that  was  not  ruined.  It  also  eats  cherries.  (August  20,  188(i.  Present 
twenty-two  or  twenty-three  years.) 

iValirloifu,  Herbert  M.  Hill :  It  injures  grapes,  berries,  apples,  and  plums.  (.Jann- 
.iry'2<»,  1887.) 

Wt-st  Farms,  yew  York.  .lames  Angus :  It  does  some  injury  to  garden  fruits  and 
ve<;etablcs,  but  not  a  tithe  of  that  done  by  insects.  (February  11,  1884.  Present  fif- 
teen or  twenty  years.) 

U'esfport,  George  C.  Osborne:  It  eals  all  kinds  of  berries  and  pecks  green  corn. 
(November.'),  188G.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

XoitTii  Cai<oi.in.\. — FaijiltciiUv  (subiul)s).  (J.  W.  Lawrence! :  It  pecks  young  peas 
and  other  early  plants  just  after  tliey  come  out  of  the  ground.  (September  4,  188C. 
Present  three  or  four  years.) 

Morf/anton.     George  H.  Moran:  It  is  very  fond  of  strawberries.    (May  18,  1887.). 

New  Market  (country).  H.  A.  Heesou  :  It  is  abundant  within  ten  miles,  and  pecks 
gra])es,  strawberries,  tomatoes,  plums,  apples,  peaches,  and  pears,  ottusing  fhem  to 
(Iceay.     It  al.so  eats  mustard,  etc.     (November  30,  188G.     Present  four  years.) 

Ohio. — BeUaire.  W.  K.  Morrison :  When  the  common  gooseberry  is  only  a  few 
(lays  old  the  Sparrow  attacks-it  and  cuts  it  in  two,  eating  the  front  and  leaving  the 
other  part  on  the  busb.     (Octobcr28,  1886.) 

('iiitiii)ia(i  (suburbs).  Adolph  Le'uo:  I  have  seen  it  pick  at  ripe  tomatoes.  A  f(!W 
years  ago  1  had  two  cherry  trees  laden  with  fruit  all  taken  by  this  robber.  In  1885 
it  was  especially  numerous  in  this  locality,  and  completely  devoured  the  eais  of  .a 
wlidle  patch  of  sugar-corn  containing  two  square  rods.  (October  12,  1886.  Present 
more  than  twelve  years.) 


^ 


250 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARUOW   IN    AMERICA. 


tt 


I 


m 


ColumhuK,  Ohio  Slalf  CiiircrHily  (siilmrUs).  W'illiiiiii  H.  Ahvotid:  We  liavu  iu'vt'i dli- 
seived  tlic  Spnrrows  iiijiiiiiig  iViiita  of  any  kind,  altLouKh  svo  liavo  takiMi  Hotnc  caie 
to  notice  tiieni.     (July  Ki,  1887.     ProHunt  nioro  than  ten  years.) 

Hamilton.  (leorge  Harliron  :  It  iniiires  yonnj;  peas,  ladisliim,  and  Icttnco.  (Sep- 
tenibor  IIJ,  1880.     Prosent  abont  ei);htecn  years. ) 

Napoleon.  J.  L.  Haltes  :  It  injures  clierries  and  sweot  apples.  (Septmiber 'J,  lM"!(i. 
Present  eight  or  ton  years.) 

New  Lisbon.  J.  F.  IJenner:  I  know  that  it  injures  grapes  and  ninlberries.  (Aii;;ii8t 
27, 188fi.     Present  about  six  years. ) 

A'ioj^fc  i/t'HiI (suburbs).  K.  H.  Warder:  It  oats  small  fruits  and  is  vrry  froublesdnio 
among  grapes;  it  also  oats  lettuce  seed  and  pens.  (November  '27,  l8-il).  Present 
about  eleven  years.) 

Norwalk.  S.  Gray  :  It  will  eat  almost  any  fruit,  and  also  garden  seeds.  It  is  liaril 
on  ripe  apples.    (April  2:?,  1884.     Present  about  live  years. ) 

South  Salem.  VV.  N.  Irwin  :  Among  the  forest-tree  seeds  that  I  noticed  them  wm  k- 
iug  on  were  sassafras  and  spica-wood,  and  the  only  good  I  found  t\wu\  at  was  catinj^ 
the  rag-weed  seed,  so  abundant  in  this  State,     (Deceujbor  2(),  1887.) 

U'adnuorlh.  Dr.  .J.  F.Detweiler:  They  destroyed  most  of  the  poa  and  bean  crop 
of  a  neighbor  by  pecking  the  young  leaves  as  they  appeared  above  the  ground.  (De- 
cember 10, 1887.    Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

Wuijmonth.  Dr.  Frank  Young:  It  does  not  injure  fruits  or  vegetables.  It  injures 
flax.     (Aiigusl,  20,  IhSO.    Present  about  six  years.) 

PiCNN.sYi.VA.NiA. — BfTwick.  Dr.  A.  U.  McCrea:  Lettuce,  peas,  and  beets  are  its  favor- 
ite food  in  the  early  spring,  and  often  the  entire  lied  is  destroyed.  It  also  destroys 
grapes  to  a  considerable  extent.    (September  1, 1885.) 

Collegeville.  C.  A.  Kittenbouse  :  It  injures  grapes  and  strawberries  to  a  large  ox- 
tent.     (188.^).) 

Gap  (country).  John  C.  Linville:  It  scratches  out  and  eats  small  garden  hvxhU 
after  they  are  planted.    (November  10, 188G.) 

Oei'mantown  (suburbs).  Thomas  Meehan  :  It  injures  strawberries  and  peas,  ami  wild 
cedar  trees  are  stripped  of  their  berries  as  fast  as  they  color.  (August  !i^l,  I'^sO. 
Present  twenty  years  or  more.) 

IloUidayshurgh  (country),  M.A.Young:  They  have  been  decidedly  injurious  lure 
by  pulling  np  early  vegetables.    (December  22,  1880.    Present  four  or  live  years.) 

Lancaater.  Dr.  S.  S.  Rathvon  :  Possibly  it  may  injure  garden  fruits  or  vegetatiles, 
but  I  have  not  observed  it,  uor  have  I  been  able  to  positively  ascertain  that  it  dojs 
BO.    (October  8, 1886.    Present  sixteen  years  or  more.) 

Newport.  E.  L.  Knight:  It  attacks  divers  vegetables,  but  does  not  injure  them, 
or  fruits,  to  any  appreciable  extent.     (April  IW,  1884.     Presei\t  ton  or  twelve  years.) 

Philadelphia.  J.  Percy  Moore:  I  have  often  seen  the  Sp.-irrow  feeding  on  cherries, 
(July  18, 1885),  and  several  times  on  wild  grapes  (October  19),  but  never  on  cultivated 
ones,  at  least  I  have  nc  records  iu  my  notes  of  such  observations.  (October  15, 
1885.) 

Philadelphia.  F.  R.  Welsb  :  It  feeds  on  no  fruit  but  cherries,  as  far  as  I  know,  and 
the  damage  to  these  is  very  trifling.  It  seems  to  eat  only  the  cherries  that  other 
birds  or  insects  have  made  holes  in.     (October  6,  1835.) 

Pottatown.  Jotin  H.  Steele :  It  eats  the  early  salad  plants  and  devours  the  iieas. 
(May  15,  1884.)  I  have  repeatedly  seen  it  take  grapes  when  ripening,  and  it  also  takes 
cherries.  It  eats  early  lettuce,  peas,  and  other  small  green  vegetables.  (August  19, 
1880.    Present  about  sixteen  years.) 

Rhode  Island. — Providence.  \V.  V.  Osterhout:.  It  is  very  fond  of  cherries  and 
grapes,  and  when  these  fruits  are  ripe  it  really  does  a  great  deal  of  damage.  (May 
9,  1887.     Present  twenty  years  or  more. ) 

Tennessee. — Laivrencehurgh.  W.  T.  Nixon:  It  does  not  injure  garden  vegetables 
or  small  fruits.    I  have  observed  it  feeding  ou  the  berries  of  the  honeysuckle  when 


EVIDENCE. — INJURY   TO    FRUITS    AND    VEGETAIILES. 


251 


suow  covored  the  kiuiukI  but  at  no  other  time.  (February  '21,  1H87.  rrcseiit  ubuiit 
two  yeans.) 

Til)li)in'ilU:  John  D.  Arnett:  It  lias  been  very  injurious  to  our  fruit  cropH, 
eHptfi ally  grapes.     (November  ll>,  1880.     Tresent  five  years.) 

Texab.— ('Ill vchIoh.  Oswald  Schiudler:  What  little  fruit  is  grown  hero  is  taken 
parcMifby  the  Sparrow,  without  porniission  of  owner.  (February  12,  l^'ST.  Treseut 
about  nineteen  years.) 

!  TAIL — yorth  Oydcn.  Sidney  Stevens :  It  does  a  deal  of  damage  to  fruit  and  crops. 
(November  22,  188(5.     Present  about  four  years.) 

riramnt  Grox^e,  Mrs.  P.  Storrett:  it  lias  become  a  great  nuisance  to  gardeners. 
(November  11,  1880.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

I'rofo  City.  Jas.  ft.  Kenm^y:  It  is  commonly  reported  destructive  to  fruit.  (No- 
vember Vt,  1880.     Present  about  six  years.) 

ViitoiNiA.— /.icA- A'loi.  J.  T.  Paxton:  It  cats  all  the  small  fruit,  currants,  rasp- 
berries, ami  strawberries.     (March,  1887.     Present  six  or  seven  year.s.) 

Itirhmoiul,  Hugh  L.  Davis:  It  mutilates  strawberries,  and  destroys  raspberries 
■111(1  cherries.     (November  5,  l8:iij.    Present  about  four  years.) 

Var'wlti  AliUa  (country).  H.  Martyn  Micklom:  It  eats  gooscbirrie.s,  currants,  and 
,)eiis  ( when  first  sown,  when  growing,  and  when  in  pod),  and  picks  up  small  seeds  gciii- 
trally.     (Deccmb?/ 21,  1886.     Present  about  five  years.) 

Wi'.sr  ViKGiNiA. — Ifalltowii.  John  H.  Strider :  It  destroys  early  peas  an<l  cabbagtss, 
aii<l  later  in  the  season  garden  seeds.  It  is  very  destructive  to  sunflower  seed.  (Sep- 
tember 0,  1880.     Present  about  seven  years.) 

Wisconsin. — h'cwaiinec  (country).  Ramsom  A.  Moore  :  It  injures  small  fruits,  such 
a8  berries,  grapes,  cherries,  currants,  etc,  (November  8,  1886,  Present  about  two 
years.) 

Lain.  R,  R,  Byram :  I  have  known  it  to  injure  garden  vegetables,  such  as  the 
tomato,  etc,     (August  20,  1880.    Present  several  years.) 

Miliraiikee  (suburb).  Walter  JJ.  Hull :  I  have  noticed  but  few  examples  of  in- 
jury tr)  fruit  or  vegetables,  but  there  would  be  more  hf  the  Sparrows  were  not  fright- 
t'licd  on  their  first  appearance.    (_  August  211,  188!i.     Present  about  six  years.) 

(khkosli.  W.  F.  Webster:  I  saw  them  after  sunflower  seeds  in  my  garden  this 
year  for  the  first  time.  I  think  they  do  not  injure  fruits  or  vegetables,  (Novem- 
ber K),  1880,    Present  about  seven  years.) 

CANADA.  ONTAiiio.— ^W/erH/(!.  .lames  T.  Bell:  It  does  not  injure  garden  fruit.s 
aud  vegetables  to  any  great  extent.    (August  19,  1880.) 

Onhwa.  W.  J.  Stevenson:  I  have  known  them  in  a  short  time  to  clean  out  all 
the  vegetables,  etc.,  in  a  whole  garden  when  first  coming  through  the  ground.  (Au- 
t!iist  21, 1886.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Sirathroy.  L,  H,  Smith:  There  are  several  professional  gardeners  in  our  town, 
but  I  have  heard  no  complaints  of  injury  to  fruits  or  vegetables,  (October  4, 1886. 
Present  about  twelve  years.) 

Toronto.  J.  B.  Williams,  for  co;nmitt<ie  of  the  Natural  History  Society  of  Toronto: 
It  injures  garden  fruits  and  vegetables.  People  gtMierally  have  been  very  favorable 
toward  the  Sparrow,  but  those  who  have  gardens  are  beginning  to  complain  of  it, 
(Aii;ru8t  27,  1884.    Present  about  nine  years.) 

(it'KHKC. — Montreal.  George  John  Bowles:  The  nuirket  gardeners  and  farmers  in 
tbe  neighborhood  complain  greatly  of  the  injury  done  by  the  Sparrow  to  garden  fruits 
and  vegetables,     (August  8,  1884.) 

New  Brunswick. — Porthind  (suburb  of  Saint  John).  J.  W.  B.anks:  It  is  very  de- 
structive to  currants,  raspberries,  aud  pea  blossoms.  (October  10, 1880,  Present  two 
or  til  ice  years.) 

ENGLAND. — I  know  from  personal  observation  that  in  England  it  is  very  partial  to 
small  fruits.    (Douglas  Robertson,  Chloride,  N.  Mex.,  August  27, 1885.) 

In  England  it  is  cue  of  the  greatest  enemies  to  the  fruit  and  grain  crops,  and  pre- 


w 


252 


THE   KNGLISII   SPARROW   IN   AMKRICA. 


iniituiH  for  ilHdrHtriictioii  tiva  Kivcii  in  .ill  tli«<  riiiiiiiugtlistriclH  in  tbc  coiiutry.  (Dan- 
iel  (JravL'M,  I'lovo  t'ity,  Utah,  Novciiilier  Iti,  l-^«(). ) 

Camhridi/e  Coinilj).  In  clu-ri'.v  oicJiiirilH  iinil  ^at'diMm,  wbun  I  was  a  buy,  it  wan  nt'c- 
eNHary  to  kiM>|i  onu  or  tiiorc  Imys  with  a  xlidtj^un  from  (^ariy  <1  >yli);lit  to  dark.  (.Iain/. 
WchHter,  (.'ontialia,  III.,  l)c<(!nilior  21,  iHWd.) 

Tlioy  optu'att)  on  frnit,  PMiMuiially  f^rapff*,  which  lh«\yHt><'in  to  wantonly  drntroy  iiy 
horinjj  a  holo  in  (ivory  h(iiry,  wliich  is  thiMi  h-ft  to  rot.  (ThoniaH  Uirt,  Htica,  N.  V., 
Soptfnihor  l(i,  1HH7. ) 

(JKRMANY.— It  oats  ('luirricN,  and  in  tiit!  Hpiinj;  when  tho  cahUaf;!!  phmts  comic  up 
pittks  oil' the  bud  at  tho  top,  and  by  ho  (biiti^  nprootH  tho  teiulcr  pluut  or  N(ioils  it, 
(Mrs.  W.  Sourer,  Hartford,  Conn.    March  i:»,  l«84.) 


I 


M 


INJURY  TO  GRAIN  CROPS. 

In  answer  to  tlio,  question,  Docs  the  Sparrow  injure  grain  crops  ?  sovon 
hundred  iuid  lif't.v  rcplio.s  were  n'(!CMved.  Three  hundred  ami  twelve  of 
these  were  very  brief  and  may  be  summarized  us  follows: 


No 


UepovtH. 
...  00 
...      19 


Think  not  ;  bdiovo  not 

Not  to  my  knowIiMljie .'j 

Not  so  far  as  observed   1(5 

Notbere;  notyet l.T 

No;  conlined  ontindy  to  cities H 

No;  not  abundant  cnougb l.') 

Not  much  ;  conlined  mainly  to  cities.  "2 

Not  mncb  ;  not  abiimlaiit  enough...  11 

Not  materially '.\ 

Not  seriously 10 

Not  to  any  extent 11 


Ucpnrts. 

Not  more  than  any  other  bird 'i 

But  slightly :> 

No  complaint  heard 1) 

Yes :tl 

Think  so;  believe  so iJ 

Is  said  to;  have  heard  so 4 

Farmers  complain  that  it  docs I! 

To  some  extent 0 

Injures  all  cereals 4 

Injures  all  small  grains H 

It  cats  grain I'li 


The  remaining  four  hundred  and  thirty-eight  replies  are  more  full  and 
explicit,  often  giving  illustrations  of  tlie  damage  done  and  tlie  manner 
in  which  it  is  inflicted.  Tiieso  replies  can  not  be  summarized  satisfac- 
.torily,  and,  for  reasons  explained  elsewhere,  only  a  portion  of  them  (iiii 
be  printed.    They  may  be  classitied  roughly  as  follows: 

Repoits. 

Wholly  favorable  to  tho  S[tarrow "i 

Wholly  unfavorable  to  the  Sparrow i:!l 

Partly  favorable  and  partly  unfavorable 5 

The  following  examples,  representing  less  than  one  quarter  of  the  evi- 
dence contained  io  these  four  hundred  and  thirryeight  r'^olies,  will  give 
same  idea  of  the  character  of  the  whole : 

Alahama. — IkidwiUe.  Posiniaster:  It  stripped  of  seed  in  a  abort  time  some  cat- 
tailed  millet  which  had  been  left  to  ripen.  (November  30,  1880.  Present  two  or 
three  years. ) 

Califokma.— /?erAe/ei/.  C.  II.  Dwiuelle:  It  seems  to  me  that  the  so-called  Enj^'.isli 
or  House  Sparrow  threatens  to  become  in  our  mild  climate  (California)  a  nuisance  of 
tbe  first  order.  It  has  already  made  it  almost  impossible  to  conduct  certain  kinds  of 
field  experiments  with  grains,  etc.,  with  any  kind  of  satisfactory  results.  (Brooklyn, 
N.  Y.,  December  4,  1880.) 


EVIDKNCK. — IN.JIIUY    TO    filtAIX    (JKOI'S. 


253 


CdNNKCTlCUT.— A'atjf  Hartford  (country).  Willanl  V..  Treat  :  I  biiveot'tm  known  it 
to  do  coiiHifliTiildi)  (lania;;o  to  a  lyo  crop,  making  a  tlnan  Hweop  whorcvor  it  ulij;litod. 
(OclolitT'i;!,  iHHti.     I'rcHent  about  tlireo  yoaiH.) 

stnitj'ord.  Kobort  VV.  CnrtiMM:  I  liavo  hwmi  it  catiiij?  wheat  and  oats  in  tlic  licM, 
wiicii  ripe,  doiii;;  injury  ucuordin^?  totlio  niunborin  tlio  vlciulty.     (February  0, 18H<J.) 

pisriiiCT  ()!••  Coi.VMUW.—  lVaiihington.  Koltert  Hidj^way ;  In  tl'ii  siiniinerof  IHHC  I 
siiw  lldckHof  bnndrcdH  feedinj;  on  grain  in  Mtacks  in  I'rinec  William  County,  Va.,  and 
1  iiiive  also  seen  the  same  olHewhero.  (February  8,  18H7.  Present  sixteou  or  Hcvcn- 
tccii  yearH.) 

IWii^hiiiytoii,  William  Saunders:  Seeds  of  nniny  kinds  are  eaten  greedily.  It  is 
MTV  (liflicult  to  start  grass  anywhere  ubout  the  grounds,  as  the  seed  is  eaten  as  fust 
us  sown.     (April  i:»,  1887.) 

(iiconaiA. — Americus.  M.  B.  Council.  Country:  It  picks  up  the  newly-sown  seed, 
■nrnl  is  very  destructive  to  the  unharvostod,  ripened  grain.  (September  '2,  188G. 
Present  about  two  years.) 

Ilamillon.  Charles  L.  Dcndy :  One  of  our  citizens,  Judg<!  William  I.  Hudson,  in- 
t'uiiiis  mo  that  he  was  trying  to  mature  the  seeds  of  Alillo  maize  from  a  snuill  plat  in 
liis;,'nrden,  but  it  was  all  destroyed  by  the  .Sitanow.  (September  8,  188(5.  Present 
livmir  Mix  years.) 

Kiiiiinloii.  Postmaster:  It  attacks  wheat  and  oats  bcfons  lliey  are  ripe,  and  eats 
:ill  till'  grain  out  of  the  heads.     (October  11,  188(1.     Present  about  two  years.) 

/-((  (Iraiine,  Thomas  H.  Whitaker:  Like  the  rice  bir«l,  it  injures  tops  of  wheat, 
iiats,  rye,  and  barley.     (September:?,  18iS().     Present  about  live  years.) 

li.i.iNoi.s. — Alton  JinicCtoii.  John  Koch;  When  the  wheat  stands  in  shocks  I  have 
mill  at  some  places  over  twenty  Sparrows  on  one  shock.  (September  y."),  188(').  Pres- 
ent iiliont  four  years.) 

Ikniadottv.  Dr.  W.  8.  Strode  :  All  the  small-grain  crops  are.  more  or  less  injured 
iiiid  the  ears  of  new  corn  arc  torn  open  and  the  grain  is  bitten  in  two  and  eaten.  (Scp- 
teiiilicr  7,  1887.) 

Ill  my  daily  rides  now  I  often  notice  small  flocks  of  tliem  out  in  the  country,  often 
401-')  miles  from  any  town,  and  on  shooting  one  and  examining  the  stomach  I  iind  it 
to  contain  for  the  most  part  wheat  or  rye,  occasionally  with  bits  of  corn  grains  and 
wi'cd  seeds.     (September  20,  1887.     Present  two  m-  three  years.) 

Fvrnwood,  George  B.  Holmes:  I  ilo  not  know  that  it  injures  grain  crops,  but  I 
notice  that  the  oat  and  wheat  liclds  are  always  tilled  with  tlocks  of  them  in  the  last 
(if  .Inly  and  early  jiart  of  August.     (August  27, 188().     Present  about  li\e  years.) 

(hiiignrilh-,  T.  W.  Parker:  It  has  not  been  observed  to  feed  on  cereals  until  mature 
in  tlic  fall,  when  it  feeds  in  tlocks  on  corn  and  small  grain.  (September  7,  1885. 
I'ltsciit  two  or  throe  years.) 

I.uui.wille.  Conrad  E.  Kaehler:  Where  the  Sparrow  is  abundant,  tliousauds  of 
tiieiu  take  po.ssession  of  the  grain  fields  and  greatly  damage  then'.  (Septendtt^r  27, 
l"'c!C.    Present  about  six  years.) 

I'lvria.  W.  S.  Cobleigh:  I  have  heard  farmers  say  that  it  attacks  oats  in  the  field 
and  shock,  and  sometimes  destroys  a  considciablo  amount.  (August  24,  188(5.  Pres- 
ent live  years.) 

{hiiitcy.  T.  Butterworth :  It  eats  the  wheat  and  oats  in  tichls  near  the  city,  and 
tliiiaiens  to  be  a  greater  curse  than  the  gras.shopper  or  locust.  (August  It),  188(5. 
Present  about  ten  years.) 

LvniANA. — Angola.  Fraak  M. Powers:  Thoy  alight  on  wheat  in  IIock.s,  pecking  the 
giHiii  and  breaking  down  the  stalks.     (November  5,  189ti.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Bcdfonl.  Noycs  E.  Str:nt:  It  injures  all  kinds  of  small  grain;  gathering  in  largo 
nniiiliirs  upon  it  when  in  the  shock  and  stack.  (September  115,  188(1.  Present  seven 
mejolit  years.) 

liiDolviUe.  Amos  W.  Bui Icr  :  It  feeds  upon  ( inn,  wheat,  rye,  oats,  millet,  and  grass 
seed,  being  most  destructive  to  wheat  when  "  ahoclied"  iu  the  Held.     (Autumn,  1885.) 


254 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Nlllf 


m 


Camdeit.  F.  C.  Grouinger :  In  harvest  I  Lave  seen  largo  flocks  in  the  grain  fields, 
on  the  sliocks,  and  they  destroyed  a  large  qnantity  of  the  grain.  (August  20,  l^. 
Present  about  5  years.) 

Farmland.  N.W.Wright.  Country:  A  flock  of  cue  hundred  or  more  worked  on 
a  patch  of  sweet  corn  last  fall  and  damaged  the  oars  considerably ;  they  also  eat  uther 
corn  in  the  same  manner.     (March  7,  18b7.    Present  two  or  three  years.) 

(Ireencastle.  W.  H.  llagan:  It  injures  wheat  in  shock  aiitl  in  Tuild  when  left  for 
late  harvest,  but  under  onr  system  of  husbandry  this  damage  can  never  amount  to 
anything  serious,     (September  28,  1886.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

La  I'aijtlle.  F.  M.  Webster:  It  injures  wheat  and  oats  in  the  field  ;  and,  I  think, 
corn  also  ;  but  possibly  the  injury  to  corn  which  I  saw  was  due  to  blackbirds,  which 
peck  the  ears  in  early  fall.     (August  2.'),  1886.) 

Markland.  Julia  B,  Brown  :  It  begins  on  wheat  as  soon  as  the  grain  is  formed  in 
the  li«ad,  and  continues  until  it  is  housed  or  thrashed.  (October  11,  1886.  Present 
about  eight  years.) 

Neir  Alhanif.  John  B.  Mitchell:  In  some  wheat  fields  near  the  city  the  outside 
sheaves  in  the  shock  are  denuded  of  grain.  (October  6,  1886.  Present  about  eleveu 
years. ) 

Patriot.  J.  T.  Bodkin  :  It  works  on  wheat,  rye,  and  oats,  and  on  corn  while  young 
and  tender.  I  have  examined  one  or  two  dead  ones  and  found  their  craws  filled  with 
wheat  and  rye.     (May  24,  1887.     Present  about  three  years.) 

Stonji  Point.  Thomas  H.  Watlington:  Last  harvest  I  noticed  small  sjiots,  sonifi- 
times  three  or  four  feet  square,  on  which  the  grain  was  taken  out  of  the  wheat  heads, 
and  on  investigation  I  found  that  the  Sparrow  did  it.  (September  20,  1886.  Present 
about  eleven  years.) 

lov,  A.— Grinnell.  John  Houghton:  It  has  been  known  to  Hock  into  wheat  fields  iu 
great  numbers.     (October  6,  1886.    Present  iibout  two  years  ) 

loiia  City.  •  C.  C.  Nutting:  It  is  injurious  to  grain,  eating  habitually  any  of  our 
common  cereals  growing  near  town.     (October  13,  IHdf).     Present  about  live  years.) 

Xewloii.  W.  E.  Dingman:  On  July  21,  1886,  I  saw  a  (lock  of  Sparrows  ali;;lit  in 
a  wheat  field,  and  found,  on  coming  closer,  that  they  were  eating  the  grain.  (Octo- 
ber 15,  18S6.     Present  two  or  three  years.) 

Kansas. — Manhattan.  Prof.  D.  E.  Lantz :  It  feeds  upon  wheat  anil  oats.  Tlio 
damage  observed  hero  has  been  inconsiderable,  but  this  is  due  to  the  fact  that  tho 
birds  have  not  been  with  us  long  enough  to  become  very  numerous.  (Autuiiui, 
1885.     Present  about  five  years.) 

KkntL'CKY. — Caskcy.  Frank  B.  Hancock :  Jt  destroys  a  gr<  at  deal  of  wl  eat,  rye,  and 
oats  in  shock.  After  wheat  harvest  1  saw  a  Hock  of  about  .''.0  on  and  aiuoiig  the 
wheat  and  oat  shocks,  and  they  ate  a  great  deal  of  grain.  It  is  only  a  question  of 
time  in  regard  to  their  being  very  injurious  to  grain  fields.  (August  1'.),  18b6.  Pres- 
ent less  than  a  year.) 

Crescent  Hill  (suburbs  of  Louisville).  Thomas  S.  Kennedy  It  visits  wheat  lields 
in  large  flocks  and  feeds  on  wheat  and  other  grain  in  the  shock,  showing  what  it  will 
do  when  it  becomes  more  numerous.     (October  5,  1886.    Present  five  or  six  years.) 

Lexington.  Dr.  Robert  Peter :  Professor  Scovell  states  that  it  feloniously  spoiled 
his  experiments  in  wheat  culture  at  the  State  Agricultural  station  by  stealing  the 
grain  from  tho  ear.     (November  11,  1886,     Present  fifteen  to  eighteen  years.) 

Madisonvillc.  J.  F.  Dempsey :  It  depredates  on  wheat  fields  in  immense  tlocks. 
(September  3,  1886.    Present  about  six  years.) 

Xicholasvillc.  Postmaster :  I  have  heard  of  oat  and  wheat  crops  being  attacked 
by  thousands  of  these  birds  and  to  some  extent  iiijinwl.  (October  4,  1886.  Present 
ahimt  eight  years.) 

l'<inrel)iir(jh.  ,T.  Sparks :  It  congregates  in  grain  fields  ami  devours  vast  quanti- 
ties of  the  grain.      (October  20,  IffH].     Present  about  seven  years  ) 

Louisiana.— iiafafarJrt  (country).     William  B.  IJerthond.    It  injures  grain  crops 


EVIDENCE. — INJURY   TO   GRAIN    CROPS. 


255 


ivbeat  fields  iu 


lai'j;el.v.    Any  Bmall  seed,  such  as  oats,  uiillet,  etc.,  is  eagerly  sought  after  wlicu  sowed 
aud  ligbtly  covered.     (June  27,  1887.     Present  about  four  years.) 

^chricvcr.  Postmaster :  It  iujures  the  rice  crop.  (October  8, 1886.  Present  one  or 
two  years.) 

MMSK.—Xorlh  Livcrmorc  (country.)  George  H.  Berry.  They  eat  oats  and  wheat 
ill  ilio  (ii'kl,  working  on  it  iu  the  same  manner  as  the  bobolink.  As  far  as  observed 
rye  and  barley  arc  not  eatcMi.     (August  23,  lb86.     Present  about  three  years.) 

Mauylaxd. — Baltimore,  Otto  Lugger:  Wheat  and  other  ripening  cereals  are  eaten, 
and  the  Sparrows  injure  more  by  tbeir  weight  than  by  their  appetite.    (May  10, 1887.) 

Massachusetts. — Cambridye.  Dr.  H.  A.  Hageu :  I  have  not  observed  that  it  injures 
(^luiii  here,  but  I  have  no  doubt  it  will  do  so  iu  the  fall,  as  it  certainly  does  to  a  cer- 
laiu  extent  in  Germany.     (April  13,  18S4.     Present  about  eleven  years.  ) 

llolijohc,  Thomas  Chalmers:  In  the  grain  districts  the  Sparrow  is  very  destructive 
to  (lie  grain  crop;  aud  in  my  opinion  all  the  good  qualitiesof  the  bird  will  notcounter- 
lialancethe  damage  done  in  this  way.    (March  6, 1884.    Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Sumtrnvt,  Eiisha  Shade  :  The  Sparrow  feeds  upon  all  the  cereals  to  .as  great  an  ex- 
tent as  any  native  bird.  He  devours  Indian  corn  iu  the  milk,  and  is  as  destructive 
in  tills  respect  as  the  crow  or  blackbird,  because  ho  stays  .'u  the  field  and  will  not 
easily  bo  driven  out.     (October  19, 18S5.  ) 

Michigan. — Ann  Arbor.  J.  H.  Steere:  It  has  already  moved  out  into  the  country 
to  some  extent,  and  lives  on  wheat  wheu  standing  and  nearly  ripe,  and  also  wheu  iu 
the  shock.      (188.").) 

Jiud  Axe.  J.  T.  Koriek  :  It  gathers  newly  sown  grain  from  fields,  aud  shells  graiu 
from  standing  crops.     (October  7,  1886.     Preseut  about  three  years.) 

Cenlrerille.  J.  A.  Russell:  Wheu  the  grain  fields  are  near  the  town  it  injures  them 
by  liieaking  down  the  stalk  niid  picking  out  aud  destroying  the  grain,  (October  8, 
188t).    Present  about  seven  years.) 

Hartford.  Edward  Fiiiley  :  It  feeds  on  grain  stacks  iu  the  vicinity  of  the  villago 
ill  Hocks  of  several  hundred.     (October'.),  188ij.     Present  about  seven  years.) 

Jiickxon.  P.  B.  Loomis:  I  have  seen  it  picking  up  the  sown  oats,  (July  20,  1881. 
Present  eight  years.) 

Kalaiiia:oo.  Dr.  Morris  Gibbs  :  It  inj.ures  grain  crops,  more  particularly  oats,  but 
also  buckwheat,  wheat,  and  any  and  all  grains  excepting  corn  iu  a  dry  state.  It  eats 
j^reencorn.     (November  23,  188i5.     Preseut  nine  or  ten  years.) 

Lickley  Corners  (country).  A.  II.  Carver :  It  is  reported  to  have  nearly  destroyed 
some  small  fields  of  wheat  10  or  12  miles  north  of  here.  (August  24,  1886.  Present 
(1110  or  two  years.) 

Marshall.  Samuel  S.  Lacey  :  Farmers  complain  that  when  it  gets  a  footing  it  in- 
jiii  IS  wheat  both  before  it  is  cut  and  in  the  shock,  and  eveu  troubles  their  stacks. 
(November  20,  1886,     Present  .about  six  years.) 

/'((((•  Paiv  (village  and  country).  Postmaster;  They  alight  on  heads  of  wheat  and 
oats  and  break  them  down;  they  also  pick  out  the  grains  of  wheat  aud  oats  iu  the 
filieal'.     (November  4,  1886.     Present  twelve  years.) 

I'vtrrshiirgh  (country).  Jerome  Trombley  :  I  have  seen  it  feeding  largely  on  standing 
crops  of  oats  and  wheat,  as  well  as  when  iu  the  shock  aud  stack.  (August  23,  1886. 
PivHent  about  uiiio  years.) 

Sclinolvra/t.  P.  D.  Miller:  Faiuiers  tell  ma  that  it  worked  on  their  wheat  aud  is 
now  working  on  their  corn.     (October  11,  1886.     Present  about  nine  years.) 

Ticitmsch.  C.  A.  Wright  and  C.  A.  Story  :  The  injury  is  much  greater  to  graiu 
than  to  fruit  or  vegetables.  It  feeds  first  on  grain,  second  on  fruit,  thin!  on  insects. 
When  it  is  .abuud.ani;  it  certainly  destroys  much  grain.  (October  11,1886.  Preseut 
seven  years.) 

nV(/»oi(sr«//c  (cTiinlry).  E.  11.  Hayes:  Large  Hocks  settle  down  upon  standing 
wheat  when  nearly  or  qnUti  riiie,  and  not  imly  Iced  iiiion  it,  but  shell  out  the  grain. 
(Octodber  25,  1886.    Present  about  four  vkiu-s.  ) 


25G 


TIIK   ENGLISH    SPAKUOVV    IN   AMERICA. 


ifSM 


Tjmhinti  (comitiy,  ono  and  ono-half  miles  from  town).  William  Lambie:  Tho 
Sparrows  came  out  from  tlic  city  when  tlic  wheat  was  first  ripe,  and  fed  on  it  and 
tanj^Ied  down  the  straw.  The  most  of  them  went  away  after  harvest.  (September 
li9,  lH8(i.     Present  five  or  six  years.) 

MississiPi'i. — Coltimbub.  D.  C.  Hodo:  They  are  Injurious  to  grain,  eating  all  kinds. 
(September  21,  li:i8().    Present  about  two  years.) 

Missouui. — Orcfioii.  William  Kaucher  :  In  August  it  sathers  in  largo  flocks  and  iu. 
vades  the  grain  lie  Ids ;  but  tho  numbers  are  not  so  great  as  to  uuike  these  inroads 
very  .serious  as  yet.     (September  21,  1880.     Present  about  four  years.) 

New  Jkusky, — ISlawcnburyh,  David  C.  Voorhees:  Tho  Sparrow  devours  wlioat, 
corn,  and  otlior  grains;  eating  the  wheat  from  the  head  in  tho  field  at  the  tiniii  of 
ripening,  and  afterwards  in  the  sliock  and  stack.  It  strips  the  husk  otf  the  corn  ,u 
the  small  end  of  the  ear  and  eats  the  grains  when  they  are  in  the  soft,  milky  state. 
It  is  eminently  a  granivorous  bird,  and  will  thrive  with  no  insect  food  whatever.  It 
approprieates  food  thrown  out  for  the  chickens,  creeps  through  knot  holes  in  stables, 
barns,  and  store-ho'ises,  and  devours  tho  grain  in  the  racks  and  cribs  to  a  very  daniaj;- 
iiig  extent.    (Dece.iiber,  188r>,  and  August,  188G.     Present  about  three  years.) 

VaJdwiil  (country).  Alarcus  S.  Crane:  A  ilock  gathers  about  our  stacks  of  wheat, 
rye,  and  oats  every  season,  and  feeds  on  tho  grain.  A  p.ine  of  glass  fell  out  of  a 
window  ill  tlu!  granary  and  the  Sparrows  soon  learned  to  enter  and  steal  wheat  from 
tho  bill.  Occasionally  I  have  seen  them  forage  in  the  field,  (November  30,  1886, 
Present  about  sixteen  years,) 

Hackeiisavk.  Henry  Stewart:  It  is  very  injurious  to  wheat  and  corn  cropa,  I  liavo 
seen  a  strip  of  wheat  10  feet  wide  'aid  down  level  all  around  tho  edge  of  the  Held. 
It  injures  field  corn  by  tearing  open  the  hu.sks  and  eating  tho  grain.  (Pebniiny  .">, 
1884.    Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Hackciwack:  Weldon  F.  Fosdick:  1  have  seen  the  Sparrows  for  weeks  in  flocks  of 
300  or  400,  eating  rye  and  oats  that  had  been  stacked  in  barracks  in  the  fall  of  tlie 
year,  I  have  not  known  them  to  meddle  with  grain  in  tho  spring  when  first  idanted, 
(1885,     I'losent  about  fourteen  years,) 

Xew  Providence.  H,  F,  Barrell:  It  feeds  only  on  grain  and  seeds.  I  have  re- 
peatedly seen  it  in  great  numbers  on  fields  of  wheat  and  oats,  eating  the  grain  from 
the  head.     (I8d.>,     Present  about    .s-enty  years,) 

Pdswic /)'»irif/c  (suburbs).  F,  M,  Carryl :  It  feeds  in  large  llockd  in  fields  of  rye, 
oats,  wheat,  and  buckwheat,  and  birds  killed  were  stuffed  full  of  these  grains,  (Au- 
gust 20,  1886,     Pi-esent  many  years.) 

Nkw  York. — llaldirhinrillc.  Ilev.  \V.  M.  n.-anchamp:  It  feeds  largely  upon  svlieat, 
and  perhaps  on  other  grain,  being  driven  in  Hocks  just  in  advance  of  tlte  reaper, 
(October  15,  1885.     Present  many  years  ) 

Clyde.  William  M.  McLachlan :  I  have  seen  great  numbers  on  my  grain  stacks, 
stripping  the  grain  olf  wlierever  exposed,     (May  15,  1884,) 

CoiiHtaiitia.  Wallace  D.  Uhines:  It  is  very  injurions  to  wheat  and  oats.  It  does 
not  eat  as  much  as  it  wastes  by  breaking  otf  the  stems  and  shelling  out  the  grain 
after  being  cut,     (August  2;i,  188(),     Present  four  or  five  years.) 

Frerfoum  (country).  C.  K,  Hirtram:  Flocks  pull  down  the  grain  and  destroy  by 
shucking  it  out  and  scattering  it  over  the  ground,  (August  25, 188C,  Present  about 
sixteen  jears, ) 

Z//iflf«  (suburbs).  Prof,  I,  P,  Roberts :  It  injures  wheat,  rye,  oat.s,  and  barley  ou 
the  stalk,  in  sliock,  and  in  tim  barn.     (August  24,  188G.     Present  about  threw  yeans.) 

Le  Roil  (country).  I'rof  F.  M.  Conistock  :  It  eats  grain  in  the  litdil  before^  it  is  cut, 
and  after  it  is  drawn  into  the  b.irii.  It  lives  iii  Hocks  about  barns  anil  in  straw  and 
hay  stacks,     (O.lober  12,  I"*-'!;.) 

/,()»(/  luliiii'l  Cilti.  W .  \'\  1  fciidiii'ksmi :  I  lia\  e  seen  IJoi'lis  numbering  hiindri'ils  in 
the  grain  liclils  in  , June  when  flm  gram  was  liiienmg,  and  believe  they  did  a  great 
deal  of  damage,     (October  22,  1885.) 


KVJDKN'l.i; — IXJlfltY    TO    GUAIN    CROPS. 


257 


iiil)io ;  The 

i  on  it  and 
(September 

ig  all  kinds. 

locks  and  iu. 
liese  inroads 

ours  wheat, 
the  time  of 
the  corn  at 
milky  state, 
matevcr.  It 
is  in  stahles, 
very  dauia;;- 
ars.) 

ks  of  wheat, 
fell  out  of  a 
,1  wheat  from 
iber  30,  imi 

ropn.     I  have, 

B  of  the  Held. 

(Februiny  .'>, 

.8  in  lloelis  of 

the  fill!  of  till! 

lirst  planted, 

I  have   re- 

10  grain  fnim 

fields  of  rye, 
iri'iiins.     (An- 

uiion  rtiieat. 
If  tHe  reaper, 

Igraiu  stacks, 

lats.     It  does 
lit  the  grain 

Id  destroy  hy 
Present  about 

liid  barley  on 

Ithroo  years.) 

lore  it  is  cut, 

in  straw  and 

Ihnndredsin 
dill  a  gicat 


.Y(/c  Vor!:  Vitij.  Hon.  liobert  IJ.  Iloosovelt:  It  i^  pretended  that  lie  devours  enor- 
mous i|iiantities  of  growing  grain  and  threatens,  ''iiniue  iu  tho  land.  His  diiuiuu- 
tivo  proportions  are  of  themselves  a  tolerably  cc  asivo  re[>ly  to  that  accusation; 
moreover,  he  does  nothing  of  the  kind  with  us  on  Long  Island,  whatever  may  be  kis 
liabits  elsewhere.    I  have  never  seen  a  single  one  iu  the  fields  of  grain.    (August  8, 

I'tiinled  Post,  A.  11,  Wood  :  It  collects  in  large  flocks  iu  tho  fall,  when  it  attacks 
fields  of  ripe  wheat  and  oats,  and  is  very  destructive.  (August  22,  1885.  Present 
about  nine  years.) 

I'liut  Yaii.  G.  C.  Snow  :  I  have  seen  flocks  of  Sparrows  alight  on  heads  of  wheat 
when  ripe,  or  nearly  so,  eating  the  grain  and  breaking  it  down.     (September  0,  I88(i.) 

iiVt/iff/er  (suburbs).  H.  M.  Jennings,  gardener  and  seedsman:  I  have  found  it 
vciv  destructive  to  grain  crops.    (February  12,  1887.    Present  about  twelve  years.) 

ItochcKtcr.  P.  C.  Keynolds:  It  is  very  destructive  to  wheat.  (September  2,  1880. 
I'ri'seiit  about  twenty-one  years.) 

Simj  Siiit).  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher:  The  Sparrows  are  very  destructive  to  grain,  both  iu 
tlio  liehl  and  after  it  is  jilaced  in  tho  stack.  Tliey  prefer  wheat,  lience  in  this  local- 
ity, wliero  little  wheat  is  grown,  tho  loss  is  comparatively  much  greater  than  iu 
localities  where  it  is  a  staple  crop.     (188r).    Present  about  nineteen  years.) 

Soittliampton.  G.  II.  White:  If  grain  is  shocked  up  in  the  lot  for  a  few  days,  tho 
Sparrow  will  shell  tho  tops  of  tho  shocks  all  out.  It  also  shells  it  in  the  field  somo- 
wliat.    (August  23,  ItSl).     Present  ten  or  eleven  years.) 

,S'_i/)(U«se  (city  and  country).  Edwin  M.  Hasbrouck:  I  have  seen  largo  flocks,  often 
luuiiljeriiig  hundreds,  in  the  oat,  wheat,  and  buckwheat  crops.  (August  20,  188(!. 
Present  twenty-two  or  twenty-three  years.) 

Wist  Jirifjiitoii.  C.  M.  Kaynumd  :  For  two  years  wo  had  a  field  of  oats,  and  when 
ripe  an  inimenso  flock  of  Sparrows  would  settle  on  it  and  feed  all  day  long.     (Septcm- 

licr,  lest).) 

Wcstport.  George  C.  Osborne  :  I  have  commonly  seen  flocks  of  hundreds  settle  in 
ail  oat  or  wheat  field  and  begin  their  mischief  by  eating  tho  grain.  (November  5,  188G. 
Pii'sent  about  ten  years.) 

Ohio. — Aj'oiidalr.  diaries  Dury :  I  endeavored  to  seed  a  patch  of  ground  about  50 
liy  liO  feet  with  a  mixture  of  clover  and  other  seed,  but  tho  Sparrows  picked  up  every 
seed,  and  I  was  obliged  to  go  over  tho  place  again  and  rcseod  it  and  cover  tho  seeds 
with  earth,  and  though  I  shot  more  than  one  hundred  Sparrows  from  the  spot  tliey 
peisisted  in  returning  to  the  place  as  long  as  a  seed  remained  in  sight.    (February  3, 

('<(titi)ii  (country).  J.  F.  Niesz :  Some  of  the  fields  of  wheat  are  almost  stripped  for  a 
(listaiice  of  several  I'ods  from  the  fences.  Oat-fields  aro  likewise  injured.  (September 
ti, l''8G.    Present  about  three  years.) 

i'larJanil,  William  F.  Doertenbach :  September  14,  1886,  I  saw  a  largo  flock  of 
^punows  in  a  wheat-field,  and  the  owner  said  they  did  considerable  damage.  Tlio 
"Illy  means  ho  had  taken  to  prevent  tlieir  depredations  was  shooting  them,  but  this 
ilid  not  lessen  tho  nnniber.     (November  8,  188(5.     Present  about  tliirt<'eu  years.) 

i'kvchuid.  S.  Ii.  Iiigersoll :  I  have  often  seen  large  tlocks  of  these  pests  settle 
iliiwn  on  lie  wly-ent  oats  and  wheat  and  eat.large  (juantities  of  the  grain.  (September 
!,  I'^'^l).     Present  about  fourteen  years.  ) 

Clmland,  Dr.  E.  Sterling:  About  tho  25th  of  July  the  early  broods  begin  to 
pitlier  in  flocks  of*  from  fifty  to  four  hundred.  Tliey  go  into  the  countiy  for  5  miles 
itnmnd,  eating  every  seed  mnl  grain  that  is  ripe,  and  returning  at  night.  They  keep 
1  this  ni)  until  November.     (August  18, 188C.     Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

('olUiie  Hill  (<)  milcN  from  Cincinnati).     H.  A.  Koch:    In   tho  summer  of  1884  I 

|imtii('(l  a  field  of  wheat   along  a  ro.adside.     A  largo  flock  of  Sparrows  hiid  i»erched  on 

ilii'fi'iieo  alongside,  and  the  birds  were  continiially  tiying  in  and  out  of  tlio  wheat, 

|»lii  li  was  just  about  v\\h'.     I  found  that  for  about  l.'>  feetr  in  from  tho  road  a  Inrgo 

8401— IJull  I 17 


258 


THE    ENGlulSH    81'ARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


Mi 


amount  of  grain  was  picked  from  the  ea«8,  bnt  farther  in  tlie  wheat  became  more  full 
in  the  enr.    (Augnst  2r),  IHHf). ) 

East  liockport.  A.  Hall:  I  have  seen  large  nnmbers  fee-ling  upon  shocks  of  nuts 
and  fanners  lell  mo  they  arc  very  destructive  to  other  grain.  (August  26, 1886.  Pres- 
ent about  lifteen  years.  ) 

Laurel.  Daniel  Bolil;  When  the  wheat  is  ripe  one  can  see  how  much  they  eat 
and  destroy.  I  have  seen  patches  of  grain  which  looked  as  though  some  one  had 
taken  the  wheat  heads  and  rubbed  them  between  his  hands — nothing  led  but  straw 
and  chatf,    (August  6, 1887. ) 

Mount  Vernon.  13.  L.  Swetland :  Mr.  James  Rodgers,  who  lives  in  the  west  part 
of  this  town,  owns  several  acres  of  gardens  and  also  grows  a  few  acres  of  wheat  caeli 
year.  Ho  told  me  that  last  year  and  this  the  Sparrows  destroyed  several  buslielnof 
his  wheat  (each  year),  and  that  in  a  few  days  they  would  have  destroyed  the  eiitiiu 
crop.  They  worked  on  it  as  long  as  it  remained  in  the  field.  (November  ir>,  LStid. 
Present  about  ten  years.) 

South  Salem.  W.  N.  Irwin  :  The  Sparrows  began  on  the  wheat  as  soon  as  it  was  in 
the  milk,  taking  from  one  to  a  do/cn  or  more  grains  from  one  side  of  the  head.  Tlipy 
worked  on  one  side  of  the  Held  along  a  wire  fence  and  for  a  distance  of  about  50  i'wt 
into  the  field,  and  the  entire  length,  abflut  £0  rods.  The  ground  was  pretty  well 
covered  by  the  chaff  they  picked  off.  I  also  found  them  working  on  my  bnckwlicat. 
(December '26,  1887.) 

jyadaworth.  Dr.  J.  F.  Detwciler:  One  man  in  town  had  about  three  acres  ot 
wheat  last  year,  and  the  Sparrows  destroyed  three-quarters  of  the  crop.  I  have  re- 
peatedly seen  great  droves  alight  upon  a  grain-field  and  begin  picking  the  grain  from 
the  heads.    (December  10,  1887.    Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

fVauscon,  Thonuis  Mikesell:  Last  sunmier  hundreds  of  Sparrows  gathered  on  my 
wheat  shocks,  and  in  a  few  minutes  had  taken  every  grain  from  the  outside  of  many 
shocks.     Others  tell  me  of  their  doing  the  same  way  at  their  j)laccs.     (April  24,  l>^8(i,) 

West  Berlin.  Charles  H.  Sliaw  :  Some  of  the  farmers  in  this  section  have  had  to 
cut  their  wheat  earlier  than  they  otherwise  would,  as  the  Sparrow  was  taking  it  badly. 
There  is  a  flock  at  our  wheat  nearly  all  the  time.  (July  7,  1887.  Present  about  four 
years. ) 

Pkxnsyi.vaxia.  Iknrivk.  Dr.  A.  B.  McCrea:  I  have  seen  wheat  and  oats  iiiatcri- 
ally  injured  when  stauiling  in  the  titild,.  A  farmer  told  mo  he  had  noticed  tlio  Spar- 
rows going  in  aud  out  of  his  mow,  and  upon  examination  found  the  top  cl.aavesof 
the  oats  entirely  husked,     v September,  188;").) 

Bcneijn.  Frank  L.  Jinrus:  The  Sparrow  does  considerable  damage  to  ripenini; 
grain,  principally  wheat  and  oats.  On  the  former  it  works  in  large  flocks,  sbcllin;; 
out  much  more  than  it  eats.  It  is  also  very  troublesome  in  the  barn  after  tbo  crops 
have  been  harvested,  as  it  is  impossible  to  keep  it  out.  The  extent  of  the  diininL'eis 
difficult  to  estimate,  but  it  must  be  considerable,  as  it  works  on  the  grain  about  two 
weeks  before  harvest  time,  and  also  in  the  barn  until  it  is  thrashed.     (1885.) 

Chamheraburgh  (country).    Davison  Greenawalt :  In  t)ie  fall  of  1884  we  did  not  thrash 
our  grain  until  November.     We  had  a  large  mow  in  the  l)arn  filled  with  wluiii, 
Large  flocks  of  Sparrows  came  and  soon  had  every  head  of  wheat  as  far  down  as  coiiW 
1)0  reached  by  them  completely  cleaned  out.     I  have  also  noticed  them  in  the  graiu-  j 
fields  just  before  harvest.    They  will  pick  out  the  kernels  of  wheat  as  soon  as  tky  i 
are  sulliciently  hard.    (February,  1886.) 

Lancaster.    Dr.  S.  S.  Rathvon:  It  does  not  seriously  injure  grain  crops.    Mr.  J 
Duffy,  while  cultivating  a  small  farm  in  the  vicinity  of  Lancaster,  once  reported  li 
me  that  it  appeared  in  flocks  of  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  during  midsumuicramlj 
autumn,  and  fed  on  the  grain  iu  shock,  but  mainly  on  the  gleanings.    (October8. 
1886.     Present  sixteen  years  or  nu)re.) 

J'hiladeljthid.  J.  iVrcy  Moore:  On  a  number  of  occasions  this  year,  in  early  Angns'l 
when  tho  oats  were  l)eing  harvested,  1  noted  immense  Ihicivs  in  the  field.s,  pickingj 


EVIDEXCK. — INJUliY    TO    GRAIN    CROPS. 


259 


lie  more  lull 


tbo  grain  from 


laifii' •inautitioa  of  riiio  j;raiii  Irom  tlic  linlls,  and  aflorward  taking  what  hadfalleu 
to  tlu;  ground.     I  also  noticed  tlicni  in  tlio  com.     (September  7,  IStiC.') 

On  Aiiril2<),  lHH(i,  tliey  werooliserved  pulling  and  eating sjjrouting  wheat.  (March, 
Id"*".    Present  twenty  years  or  more.) 

U'lul  Chester.  ])r.  li.  H.  Warren  :  They  alight  on  fields  of  wheat  and  oats,  and 
consume  a  great  quantity  of  the  graiu,  and  by  swaying  to  and  fro  and  flapping  their 
wiiij;s  they  shower  the  ntmainder  on  the  ground.     (January,  18^7.) 

SdL'Tii  CAiioMXA.— J»iH«Hf?r(/t'.  Alexander  Macbeth:  lam  informed  that  last  week 
;i  lliick  of  English  Sparrows  visited  Captain  Hazzard's  barn-yard  near  Annaudalo, 
.scillcil  on  a  stack  of  rice,  and  commenced  eating.  They  were  wii''  difBcnlty  driven 
oil'.    (Georgetown,  S.  C,  February  4,  1887.) 

\'i;i!.MONT.— C7(rt/7o^/('.  F.  II.  Ilorslord:  They  ruined  my  field  of  oats,  seeming  to 
lirffcr  it  to  wheat  or  barley,  though  both  were  raised  near  by.     (February  '21,  1884.) 

IliiihviUe.  A.  I,  .Johnson  :  I  have  observed  them  in  largo  numbers  feeding  on 
wiicat  and  oats  in  the  fields,  and  they  will  subsist  there  as  long  as  the  grain  is  left  in 
liic  lield.     (August,  188(5.     Present  about  three  years.) 

Il'fsl  Pairlcl.  Dr.  Frank  H.  IJraymer:  They  alight  in  oat  fields  in  large  iiuiubers, 
ami  injure  Ihc  crop  very  much.     (August  151,  1880.     Present  eleven  or  twelve  years.) 

\'ii;(iiNiA. — .trcotiiik  (country).  E.  F.  Mason:  I  have  noticed  its  operations  on  stand- 
in;;  giain  and  grain  in  the  shock.     (August  "ili,  188().     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

Xriv  Market.  George  M.  Ncese  :  They  are  very  dtistructive  to  wheat  in  the  garner, 
iiikI  to  sorghum  seed  in  the  field.  (December  liO,  188").)  After  wheat  is  cut  and  in 
siidiks  in  the  field  the  Sparrows  go  in  flocks  and  eat  the  wheat  from  the  shocks.  I 
liianl  a  farmer  say  they  worked  on  his  oata  before  it  was  cut.  (August  27, 1880.  Pres- 
ent about  twelve  years.) 

Wirk'lij  .Vi7/«  (country).  H.  Martyn  Mickleui :  Wheat  fields  just  before  harvest  are 
soiiictimcs  much  injured  by  the  Sparrow,  also  wheat  when  fir.st  sown.  (December 
iil,  1S80.     Present  about  five  years.) 

Wisconsin. — Miluinikre.  Walter  15.  Hull :  During  the  fall  they  move  in  large  flocks 
and  I"(<'(1  on  grain,  etc.  \Vheii  frightened  they  rise  with  a  "whir,"  like  immense 
liiiiks  of  blackbirds.     (August  2:5,  lt80.     Present  about  six  years.) 

lUii'inc.  Dr.  P.  K.  Hoy  :  It  visits  farms  and  does  considerable  damage  to  wheat,  oats, 
liarliy,  etc.  The  farmer  would  bo  greatly  the  gainer  if  the  Sparrow  were  oxtormi- 
nati'd.     (Xovember  17,  18"i0.     Present  eleven  or  twelvt  years.) 

CANADA.  Ontaimo,  — 7i<?/(Ti//e.  Prof.  James  T.  Bell:  They  have  a.ssembled  in 
lai-^'e  tloeks  on  the  grain  fh'lds  of  Mr.  J.  W.  Ponton  and  others  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
city,  and  have  destroyiMl  the  crops  on  several  acres  in  the  whole.     (August  19,  1880.) 

Diiinii'iUe.  Dr.  C.  A.  McCallum  :  Flocks  of  them  may  be  seen  for  miles  around  this 
town  fre(iucntiiig  v.heat  and  other  fields,  but  principally  the  grain  fields;  and  many 
fiuincrs  kill  large  numbers  during  the  winter  in  and  about  their  barns,  where  they 
fi'fMl  (111  the  grain  in  slu-af.     (August  20, 188;!.     Present  nine  or  ten  years.) 

Ufilotrfll.  Wiir.am  L.  Kells.  Ijargc  flocks  have  been  seen  to  settle  down  ou  wheat, 
standing  and  in  shock,  and  devour  much  of  it.  (August  2:5,  1880.  Present  about 
nine  years.) 

(hlimca.  W.  .T.  Stevenson:  In  the  suburbs  of  the  town  they  can  bo  seen  just  be- 
foic  the  grain  is  I'lit,  and  when  it  is  in  the  stook  in  countless  numbers  completely  de- 
striiving  the  cro)!.     (August  21,  1880.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

I'lorer  Mills,  li.  Elliott :  I  have  shot  Sparrows  in  wheat  fields  (July  18,  1885)  and 
fonnd  a  large  pfrcentage  of  the  food  at  that  time  to  bo  wheat  taken  from  standing 
pniiii.     (SepttMiiber  (),  1880.     Present  abont  five  years. ) 

Stnithro!/.  !■'■  ^^-  •'^niitli :  What  1  fear  about  the  I'.nglish  Sparrows  is  the  injury  they 
iiiiiv  >et  do  to  tiie  farmers  by  eating  their  wheat.  When  wheat  is  getting  ripe  they 
20  diit  into  the  country  in  flocks  and  feed  on  it.  They  aie  spreading  out  in  colonies 
amongst  the  farms,  and  sliouhl  they  do  this  to  any  great  CKtent,  I  fear  the  damage 
tln'\  may  do  will  be  considerable;  still,  not  more  tlian  in  England,  and  1  dare  say  thoy 


260 


THE    KNGLISII    .SI'ARHOW    IN    AMERICA. 


ili. 


m 


will  notconsHmo  rnoro  tliiin  is  willfully  wasted  in  tlio  ilclils  by  tlio  farmers  thomselvos. 
However,  it  is  enough  to  nilMe  a  cry  against  tlieni  by  agriculturists.  VVlietlier  !lic 
bird  does  enough  good  to  pay  for  the  wheat  he  eonsutnes  when  standing  ripe  in  Mic 
Hold  aud  in  the  shock  is  something  I  can  not  say.  (October  11,  188;).  Present  about 
twelve  years.) 

ilvKUKC—  Muiiliml.  George  John  Bowks  :  Farmers  in  the  neighborhood  conipliiin 
greatly  of  the  injury  it  does  to  grain  crops.     (August  8, 1884.) 

Qiiebrc.  Col.  William  Rhodes :  It  does  not  injure  the  grain  crop  about  here.  Om 
grain  ripens  so  rapidly  the  birds  have  uo  time  to  injure  it.  (February  11, 1884.  Pn  s- 
out  about  twenty  years.) 

ENULAND. — Vamhridijc,  Coiiiilji.  This  county  is  a  grain  and  stock  country ;  most  nf 
it  is  known  as  the  Fen  country.  For  many  years  previous  to  the  time  I  left  tliis 
country  (1858)  the  farmers  bad  taxed  themselves  three  pence  per  acre  toexteriniiiiiti^ 
the  Sparrows.  They  were  so  numerous  that  they  were  a  terribly  destructive  pest  to 
the  grain  farmers,  in  the  winter  time  appearing  in  very  large  Hocks  of  from  live  liniiil- 
red  to  live  thousand.  Wiien  a  lad  of  ten  or  I  wcl  vo  years  of  ago,  I  was  employed  with 
a  shotgun  to  keep  them  from  pulling  up  and  destroying  the  sprouting  grain  in  October, 
but  in  the  spring  it  was  ofti'u  necessary  to  have  two  boys  in  a  llO-aero  tield  of  rye, 
oats,  or  barley  to  keep  tiiem  from  carrying  oft"  the  newly-sown  grain.  Ho  nuuuMdiis 
and  destructive  were  they  that  for  a  full  week  after  the  grain  w.as  xi\t  boys  woiild  i)u 
employed  to  keep  them  off.     (Jabc/  Webster,  Centralia,  III.,  December  21, 1881!.) 

It  does  great  dauuige  to  wheat  (.'rops.  When  a  boy  in  Norfolk,  England,  I  have 
seeu  fields  where  the  wheat  was  destroyed  two  rods  in  from  the  fence  by  the  Sparrow. 
The  town  paid  so  much  per  dozen  for  killing  them.  (Henry  Harrison,  Rochester,  N. 
Y.,  August  23,1880.) 

I  remember  an  old  farmer  in  England  who  claimed  that  ho  raised  80  bushels  of 
wheat  to  the  acre.  "That  was  a  tremendous  crop,"  said  his  hearers.  "Yes,"  saiil 
he,  "the  way  of  it  was  this:  All  my  men  told  mo  they  were  sure  the  Sparrows  aio 
half  of  my  wheat,  and  yet  I  thrashed  40  bushels  to  the  aero,"  I  saw  the  dopredat'oiis 
myself  on  that  particular  er(»p,  and  they  were  very  great.  They  generally  attaci; 
the  corners  of  fields  and  the  parts  along  high  hedges  near  a  village  or  farm  stack. 
(David  H.  Henman,  Willows,  Griggs  County,  Dak.,  Decetnbcr  12,  1886.) 

For  years  pre.vions  to  1841,  at  which  time  I  left  England,  wo  saw  the  grain  crops 
around  Leamington,  Warwickshire,  devoured  by  these  little  gluttons.  My  granii- 
fatherhad  to  employ  from  thirty  to  forty  girls  and  boys  to  drive  the  rascals  from  IiIh 
lields  of  wheat,  oats,  and  barky.  My  share  in  the  work  was  simply  to  knock  tliciii 
down  with  the  shotgun  when  the  clouds  were  raised.  The  people  in  this  count ry 
have  no  idea  of  the  countless  millions  of  Sparrows  on  the  other  side.  (Thomas  Birt, 
Utica,  N.  Y.,  September  l(i,  1887.) 

I  have  seen  wheat  fields  in  England,  adjoining  timber  and  near  towns,  with  belts 
six  or  eight  feet  wide  totally  divested  of  all  grain.  (Robert  Williamson,  Troy,  III., 
October  2,  1886.) 


KELATION  TO  OTHEE  BIKDS. 

The  original  testimony  on  this  subject  consists  of  replies  to  several 
distinct  questions,  and  is  thus  more  difficult  of  analysis  than  the  evi- 
dence in  the  preceding  sections. 

One  thousand  and  forty-eight  observers  contributed  information,  and 
in  one  hundred  and  lifty-three  cases  their  entire  replies  are  of  such  a 
nature  as  to  be  readily  summarized,  whih^  in  three  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  other  cases  only  part  of  llie  evidence  in  each  report  can  be  treated 
thus.  Tiie  following  lists  .show  the  »  hara(!ter  of  the  evi<lence  so  far  as 
it  cau  be  summarized  briefly. 


EVIDENCE. — EFFECTS   ON   NATIVE    13IRDS. 


2fil 


Auioug  the  responses  to  the  ((iiestioii,  Hoes  the  SiKiitow  molest  or 
ilrii'C  o^fany  of  our  naliee  birds/  the  following  were  reeeived  : 

Kcportg. 

Til  ink  so 7 

To  a  certain  extent fl 


Ki'poi'tfi. 

No IH 

Not  abundant  cnongli  hero  yet Vi 

Think  not l:{ 

Ndt  observed  to 70 

Not  to  my  knowledge 14 

No  (rouble  observed 9 

Not  >nncli  trouble  observed 4 

Vts 49 

Yes,  some  birds 35 


Frequently 1 

Constantly 1 

It  seems  to :S 

Am  told  so;  Lave  beard  so 4 

Does  not  rfcirc  tbeni  away 3 

Not  observed  to  drive  away  any 6 

Has  driven  none  away  yet 6 


AinoDg  the  replies  to  the  quesliou,   Wliat  specie.'}  are  molested  or  ex- 
pelled ?  were  the  following: 

Reports. 

Nearly  all  small  birds 21 

All  except  liawks 2 

All  except  tlie  kingbird iJ 

All  except  tbe  bluebird '2 

All  weaker  birds 2 

Small  birds G 

Manv  birds 2 


Reports. 

All  otber  birds 50 

Nearly  all  otber  birds 07 

Nearly  all  species,  I  think 8 

All  song-birds 11 

Nearly  all  song-birds 14 

All  small  song-birda 2 

All  small  birds 25 


Reports. 
None  except  the  blue  jay 5 


Among  the  replies  to  the  question,  What  birds  habitually  resist  the 
Sparrow,  or  attempt  to  drive  it  away  sinless  themselves  first  attacl-edF  are 
1  lie  following: 

Reports. 

None 15 

None  successfully 4 

The  remainder  of  the  testimony  relating  to  the  Sparrow's  influence 
oil  native  birds,  consisting  of  reports  from  more  than  eight  hundred  ob- 
servers, is  not  only  the  larger  but  by  far  the  most  valuable  part,  and  it 
is  with  the  greatest  reluctance  that  any  of  it  i'.  omitted.  Some  exani- 
pli's  of  this  testimony  have  been  cited  in  Part  I  of  tliis  Bulletin  (pages 
83  to  98),  and  the  following  additional  reports  will  give  some  idea  of 
the  character  of  the  whole. 

ALA»A:NrA. — Cullman,  S.  H.  Herrin  :  The  Sparrows  usually  take  possession  of  the 
homes  of  the  black  martin  and  bluebird,  and  in  many  cases  tlie  latter  have  to  give 
way  to  them.  The  bluebirds,  and  sometimes  the  black  martins,  try  to  retake  their 
ni'stiug  sites,  but  fail.     (KSeptember  24,  188it.     Present  about  two  years.) 

I'lifaiila.  E.  L.  IJrown;  None  of  our  birds  luolest  the  Sparrow,  but  it  attacks  and 
(hives  away  mockingbirds.     (September  17,  18:Jf).     Present  about  four  years.) 

JaclsonviUe.  G.  H.  Douthit:  Mockingbirds  are  attacked,  and  are  not  nearly  so 
nnmerous  here  as  before  the  appearanceof  the  Sparrow.  (.September  22,  1886.  Pres- 
ent about  three  years.) 

MuiiUon.  J.  M.  Saudliu  :  I  have  known  none  except  the  bluebird  to  attempt  lo 
reelaim  former  nesting  sites  when  these  were  occupied  by  tiio  Sparrow.  1  have  ob- 
served no  trouble  with  any  other  native  birds.  (September  21, 188(5.  Present  about 
011.1  year.) 

TnHkcjiee.  Samuel  Q.  Hale  :  The  bluebird  resists  the  Sparrow,  but  is  beaten  every 
time.  'I'lu!  Sjiarrow  moh^sts  and  drives  oil"  the  nioekingbird  and  all  otiiers.  (Sep- 
tember 17,  LWh    Present  about  two  years  ) 


2G2 


TIIK    ENOMSII    SPARROW    IN    AMKRICA. 


AnKKyaA>i.  —  IJot  iSpriiiiju.  Postmuslcr :  Tho  S|iarn>\vH  lij;Iil.  ((vcrytliiiif^,  l>iil,  iiim- 
tiiis  are  the  iirmcipal  siilltners.     (Scp'cmlioi  17,  lrtH(i.     ricsciit  ultuiit  ten  .vcarn.) 

CauI'OHNIA. — IkrJaU'u  (Hnbnrbs).  Dr.  M.  C  OToolo  :  Tlio  Spariow,  living aliiiont 
exclusively  around  dwellingH,  conies  in  conlacl.  with  i'v.w  birds  except  tlie  lioiisc 
swallow.  In  1884  tlioy  took  the  nests  ofswalliiws  under  the  eaves  of  my  house,  and 
the  swallows  loft.  I  destroyed  the  uests,  and  altliont;h  the  Sjiarrows  visit  the  jilace 
daily,  th(\y  have  built  uo  nests  since.    (February  17, 1887.    Present  al)out  three  jcars ) 

Jlirkchi).  'l\  S.  Palmer:  I  have  known  the  English  Sparrow  to  take  iiosse.s.sion  ol' 
the  nesting  site  occupied  l)y  house  liuehes  (C'<()7)(K?a('i(.'*/roH/«/(»)  for  several  yc'ars, 
and,  after  adding  to  the  old  nest,  use  it  for  the  reception  of  its  own  eggs.  I  liavoidl 
observed  that  it  drives  out  the  house  linchos  by  forcu*.  Probably  the  Sparrow  is  not 
abundant  enough  as  yet  to  do  any  considerable  damage,     (l)eceinb(ir  ;U,  1887.) 

Hujjifardx.  Dr.  J.  (J.  Cooper  :  The  elitf  ssvallow  and  bluebird  are  the  only  species 
which  ajipenr  to  resist  the  Sparrow,  but  they  are  unable  to  hold  iiossession.  ( Aii;,nist 
yr>,  188.;.     Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

Oakland.  Walter  E.  Uryaut:  I  have  noticed  that  swallows  (noticeably  one  painif 
white-bellied,  and  several  pairs  of  eave  swallows)  discontinued  building  on  Ikhiws 
wlierethe  Sparrow  nested,  although  before  the  advent  of  the  Sparrow  they  had  iiseil 
them  for  several  years.     (August  28,  1880.     Present  five  or  six  years.) 

Oakland  anil  San  Francinco.  E.  F.  Lorquin  :  It  is  driving  away  most  of  the  indi- 
genous-birds in  the  cities.  Some,  like  the  clilV  swallows,  try  to  resist,  but  are  gen- 
erally unsuccessful,  au  the  Sparrows  combine  and  attack  theui  in  force.  (Angn^l, 
1887.) 

San  Francisco.  V.  Grnber:  It  molests,  and  to  some  extent  drives  away,  native 
birds,  such  as  blackbirds,  house  (inches,  snowbirds,  warblers,  anil  some  species  nl 
sparrows.     (March  5,  1881.) 

San  Francisco.  A.  H.  Webb:  Native  birds  have  simply  given  place  to  the  Siiar- 
row.     (September  13,  1880.     I'resent  about  fiftetiu  years.) 

CoNNKCTiCUT. — Fast  Hartford.  Willard  E.  Treat:  It  does  not,  to  my  knowlodije, 
molest  other  birds  in  this  locality.  I  once  saw  one  lighting  with  the  chipping. s|iiii- 
row,  but  the  latter  came  oil'  victorious.     (November,  1885.) 

Purple  martins  and  robins  resist  the  Sparrow,  but  generally  with  little  success,  !is 
the  Sparrow  attacks  them  with  superior  numbers.  I  have  known  of  its  taking  iios- 
session of  martin  boxes  in  early  spring,  before  the  martins  arrived,  but  upon  tlieir 
coming  the  martins  in  two  or  three  cases  regained  their  nests  by  force.  In  adililiDii 
to  tlio  birds  already  mentioned,  bluebirds  and  barn  swallows  arc  attacked.  (Oetn- 
her  2U,  1880.     Present  about  nine  years.) 

Enfield.  Newell  A.  Parsons :  I  have  several  martin-houses  around  my  p!ac(^,  and 
in  the  spring  the  Sparrows  and  martins  have  great  battles  for  jiossession  of  tlio 
houses.  I  frequently  shoot  several  Sparrows,  as  I  do  not  allow  my  martins  to  bi;  mo- 
lested by  them.     (1885.) 

Gaylordsville  (country).  E.  II.  Austin  :  The  bluebird  is  driven  away,  but  ilio  wren 
has  always  been  successful.  If  Sparrows  were  numerous,  however,  I  think  tiieix'- 
suit  might  be  doubtful.     (August  l'.>,  188(). ) 

Meriden.  II.  C  Hull:  I  have  made  boxes  for  both  wren  and  bluebird,  and  tin' 
Sparrow  took  possession  of  both.     (August  IJl,  1880.     Present  sixteen  years.) 

Middle  Haddam  (country).  Henry  L.  Stewart:  In  the  spring  of  1885  tin;  Sparrows 
had  taken  possession  of  the  bluebird  box  in  a  pear  tree,  and  there  was  fighting  tm' 
three  or  four  days,  but  the  Sparrows  conquered.  Again,  in  1880,  the  bluebirds  wnv 
forced  to  leave  ano/her  box.     (September  2,  1880.     I'resent  eight  years.) 

Middhtown.     Walter  B.  Harrows:  In  May,  1880,  a  robin  began  a  nest  in  a  pear  j 
tree  in  my  yard,  only  30  or  40  feet  from  the  house.    The  Sparrows  at  once  attaekeil 
her,  not  in  large  numbers,  but  a  few  at  a  time  and  repeatedly,  and  altliough  she  pir 
sisted  for  several  days,  and  nearly  completed  (he  nest,  sin*  was  liiially  comiielled  to  I 
give  lip  the  fight  and  look  elsewhere  for  a  tiestiug  site.    lu  this  case  the  Sparrows 


EVIDENCK. Kl'FlX'I'S    ON    NATIVK    IJIUDS. 


263 


'0  to  tlio  Spiir- 


iiot  only  <li(l  thfirbcNl  to  pull  the  nest  to  nieces  iliiriiij;  the  biiirn  abseuce,  but  wLilo 
she  wfiH  Hitlinn  on  the  iie-it  iiml  8liiii)iii;;  it,  two  or  three  of  them  woiiitl  lly  at  iiinl 
peilv  lier  nntil  she  was  Icuecil  to  take  to  her  wings.  (.Inly,  IKSli.  I'reseiit  about  six- 
teen years.) 

MUlillctown.  William  V.  I'ost :  One  morniii;^  last  May  I  saw  an  Enf^lish  Sparrow 
ciifiaged  in  pulling  to  i)ieeeH  the  partly  (Inislied  nest  of  a  robin  l)uilt  in  a  tree  besiiln 
tlie  walk.  .Suiiposing  the  Sparrow  wanted  the  materials  for  its  own  nest,  1  stopind 
ti)  see  what  turn  uifairs  would  take  when  the  owner  of  the  nest  should  iii)peai'.  'I'he 
Spjirrow  eontinued  to  tug  at  and  iiull  out  straws,  strings,  rags,  mud,  etc.,  dropping 
tlicin  to  the  ground  as  fast  as  loosiuied,  until  tins  robin,  with  a  load  of  new  material, 
pcrclied  on  ii  neighboring  tree  before  tlyiug  to  the  nest.  The  Sparrow  at  once  lelt 
the  nest,  and  taking  up  a  position  on  a  Ijraneli  some  distance  above  it,  appeared  to  bo 
(■(impletely  absorbed  in  its  own  alVairs,  remaining  ([uiet  and  utieoneerned  wiiile  tlio 
niliin  (who  did  not  seem  to  sec  him)  repaired  her  danuiged  nest,  arranged  the  n<!W 
iiinicrial  she  had  brought,  and  started  in  search  of  more.  \o  sooner  had  she  gone 
lliiiii  the  Sparrow  returned  to  his  work  of  {lemolition,  and  nliiiued  until  again  in- 
terrupted by  th(^  return  of  the  owiu'r,  when  the  same  pei  rormaMce  was  gone  through 
without  variation.  I  saw  this  exhibition  rejieated  several  times  in  the  course  of  a, 
lew  moments,  and  when  I  linally  left  the  robin  was  still  trying  to  complete  her  nest, 
ami  the  Sparrow  still  doing  his  best  to  denn)lish  it  while  she  was  away.  I  was  sat- 
istiiMl  that  the  Sparrow  did  not  intend  to  use  any  of  the  materials  of  the  nest,  but 
was  simply  trying  to  prevent  the  buildingof  a  nest  in  that  place.  I.ater  I  found  the 
Sparrow  still  busy  in  tlie  same  way,  and  the  warfare  was  kept  np  for  about  a  week, 
niitil  the  ground  was  covered  with  the  wreekag<!.  Finally  th(^  S[iarrow  gave  up  the 
iiltcnipt,  and  the  robin,  not  seeming  discouraged,  raised  her  little  family. 

Again,  the  same  month,  while  watching  a  chipping  sparrow  with  its  bill  full  of 
canker-worms,  an  English  Sparrow  appeared  and  attacked  the  chii)py,  which  aban- 
doned its  load  of  worms  and  took  to  its  wingf.  The  English  Sparrow  examincMl  the 
worms  carefully  from  all  sides,  but  seemed  to  conclude  that  they  were  not  what  lie 
(■x|ieeted,  for  he  refused  to  touch  them,  and  the  chippy  afterwards  returned  and 
again  took  them  in  charge.     (January  'J5,  IHt'T.     Present  about  sixteen  years.) 

yoncich.  S.  T.  llolbrook  :  I  have  never  seen  an  attack  by  our  birds  except  in 
self-defense.  The  bluebird  ami  house  martin  are  driven  from  their  houses,  and  the 
r(il)in  and  wren  are  attackctd,  but  the  wren  is  a  match  tor  the  Sparrow.  (August  '20, 
l~"<ti.     Present  twenty  years  or  more.) 

I'ortland.  John  H.  Sage:  It  drives  oil'  the  bluebird,  house  wren,  and  purple  linch, 
tlie  latter  for  some  years  occupying  a  balsam-tir  tree  until  expelled  by  the  Sparrow. 
I  have  also  seen  it  drive  away  the  golden-crested  kinglet,  the  redpoll,  and  the  gold- 
liiieh.     (August  16,  1886.     Present  about  seventeen  years. ) 

It'ist  Hartford.  Dr.  Fred.  Sumner  Smith.  It  has  driven  oil' (to  a  certain  extent ) 
liliieliirds,  purple  martins,  orioles,  warblers,  and  llycatchcrs,  expelling  them  from  their 
iiesis  tinu!  after  time.     (November,  IHS.'). ) 

DisTHicT  or  Coi.lMiii.v. —  WaahiiKjton.  Walter  Ii.  Ihirrosvs:  Twice  within  the  past 
uMiith  I  have  seen  Sparrows  acting  as  escorts  for  robins.  On  April  2,  while  crossing 
I  lie  (,'apitol  grounds,  a  robin  left  a  tree  near  which  1  passed  and  Ih'w  to  another 
aliinit  25  yards  distant,  lie  was  followed  at  a  distance  of  a  couple  of  yards  by  live 
Sparrows  which  alighted  all  about  him,  and  all  within  a  very  few  feet,  but  did  not 
attaclf  him,  and  simply  appeared  to  be  waiting  for  him  to  move  on.  In  the  meantime 
two  or  three  more  Sparrows  joined  the  original  live,  and  when  the  robin  tlew  to  the 
next  tree  all  of  them  followed  closely  and  settled  m'arhiin  again.  He  seemed  uneasy 
and  yet  disinclined  to  lly  again,  so  I  walked  up  witliiii  a  tew  yards  and  watched  f()r 
the  next  move.  The  Sparrows  chattered  a  good  dt^al,  but  did  not  hop  about  much, 
an<l  the  robin  looked  hopelessly  about  without  uttering  a  sound  or  moving  from  tlm 
liraneh  when!  he  had  .alighted.  Prescnily  I  totdv  a  step  toward  him,  and  he  llew  de- 
jectedly toward  another  tree  iit  a  little  distance,  closely  attended  by  his  otliciouu 


\i 


W) 


2CA 


THE    ENGLIi=;TI    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


^ 


a  ,*- 


I)im1.v-j;»'H'»1,  wliicli  Wiis  iiii^iiiriited  1>y  huvoi.i1  nioro  SparrowN.  Tliis  wim  lno  iiiudi 
I'tir  tilt'  roliiii,  iiiid,  iiiiiiMinn  IxiL  an  iiiHiiuil  <iii  tlii.s  tret*,  ho  Htartcd  (tn'HwiCtly  acuws 
till!  g^l>lUlll^4,  iis  if  ilt'lt'i'iiiiiicil  not  to  Htop  again  until  lio  conlil  Nt<)iiiilon(\  I  wiilclinl 
bini  Hovoial  Inindrcd  yardH  on  liis  way,  and  saw  oiio  or  two  Sparrows  turn  liaeii,  Imt 
tin',  majority  still  I'ollowcd  as  ho  went  out  of  sight. 

Again,  on  April  i.*(!,  I  saw  a  robin  in  the  Congressional  Oardons<ollowo<l  perHistcntly 
about  in  tho  samo  w.iy  by  a  single  English  Si)arrow,  apparently  a  fenialo.  Whili! 
watebing  to  see  the  r)utcouio  of  this  nuittor  my  attent  ion  was  distracted  for  a  inDiiu-iit 
by  11  yidlow  warbler,  and  on  looking  again  both  robin  and  Sparrow  bad  disaijpcan^ii 
and  w(ue  not  seen  again. 

Many  times  in  this  city,  and  at  least  twice  in  Boston,  Mass.,  I  have  seen  (li)nicHti- 
cated  pigeons  chased  and  attacked  by  single  Sparrows,  precisely  as  a  kingbird  attacks 
a  crow  ;  tho  Sparrow  trying  to  strike  the  pigeon  on  the  head,  and  following  it  in  every 
case  several  blocks  before  giving  up  tho  chase.  I  did  not  in  any  of  these  eases  see  tlic 
origin  of  tho  trouble,  and  so  do  not  know  what  was  tho  canso  of  attack.  (.\i)ril 
27,  1887.) 

More  recently  I  have  seen  a  Sparrow  attack  and  drive  oil"  a  warbling  viroo  ;  and  it 
is  an  every-day  occurrence  to  see  Sparrows  persecuting  robins,  and  snatching  IVom 
tbeni  the  worms  and  insects  which  they  so  carefully  search  out  on  tho  grass  grdiiiid. 

Only  a  few  pairs  of  robins  have  nested  on  the  Agricultural  grounds  this  season,  Imt 
whenever  ono  appears  upon  the  grass  bo  is  very  soon  confronted  by  from  one  to  live 
S[iarrow8,  which  watch  every  motion  and  attempt  to  seize  everytbiug  eatable  u  liidi 
he  finds.  I  have  seen  the  robin  lose  in  this  way  angle-worms  and  cut-worms,  lie- 
sides  other  species  too  small  to  identify  positively.     (June  15,  1887.) 

Il'dnhuigloii  (Smithsonian  Institution).  Robert  Ridgwtiy.  In  some  instances  jiiii- 
ple  martins  succossfiilly  resist  the  encroachments  of  the  Sparrow,  and  song  sparrows, 
being  of  very  dill'erent  habits,  hold  their  own.  Bluebirds  and  wrens  resist  until  lin'V 
lin<l  the  task  hopeless.  The  bluebird,  bouse  wren,  Bewick's  wren,  and  purple  ni;irtiii 
an*  allected  far  more  than  any  other  species,  for  tho  reason  that  their  nesting  slli's 
are  taken  possesbion  of  by  the  Sparrows.  (Februarys,  1887,  1're.sent  sixteen  or  sev- 
entc(Mi  years.) 

K  anhhiijtoii.  William  Saunders,  superintendent  of  garden  and  grounds,  U,  S.  Ik- 
j)nrtment  of  Agriculture  :  I  do  not  think  th.it  native  birds  have  been  much  aii'cctcd 
in  this  city  by  the  Sparrows.  Birds  seem  to  bo  as  numerous  about  the  Agricultural 
grounds  now  as  formerly.  I  have,  however,  often  seen  Sparrows  watching  robins 
while  hunting  earth-worms,  and  have  repeatedly  seen  thetn  snatch  a  worm  from  llic 
robin  as  soon  as  it  had  been  dragged  from  tho  ground.     (A])ril  i:i,  1887.) 

Gkohoia. — Alphavetta.  William  A.  Porter:  For  years  ijasttlieswallowshaveraiscil 
theiryonng  in  the  chimneys  and  niches  of  tho  court-house  hero,  but  now  for  twoyojirs 
the  Sparrows  have  taken  possession  of  these  i>lace8.  (September  8,  1880,  Present 
about  two  years.) 

Fairhiini,  (korge  Latham:  The  Sparrow  molests  nearly  all  of  our  native  birds, 
but  they  simply  change  their  haunts,  not  going  far  unless  again  attacked.  (Octoliw' 
Id,  1880.     Present  three  years  or  more.) 

Ninr/nton.  Pustmaster:  It  drives  olf  all  other  birds;  Iho  mockingbird  and  blue- 
bird light  it  very  hard,  but  the  Sparrow  whips  them.  (October  11,  lS8G.  Present 
about  two  years.) 

Macon.  Prof.  J.  K.  WilUit:  I  have  known  it  to  oust  the  red-headed  woodpcckci 
from  its  nest;  the  catbird,  however,  rai.sed  two  broods  this  year  on  my  lot,  wlieiv 
Sparrows  are  abundant.     (Xovember  2,  188(5.     I'resent  ten  to  twelve  years.) 

Sarainiah.  J.  >«'.  .lohnsou  :  It  has  driven  olf  most  of  our  native  birds  from  the 
parka  and  trees  within  the  city.  The  warblers  are  seldom  .seen  now,  and  the  absence 
of  mockingbirds,  redbirds,  ncnpareils,  and  especially  house  [chipping]  sparrows,  ii 
notable.     (October  7,  ]88(i.     Present  about  eight  years,) 

Illi.nois. — Alcdi).  .1.  F.  Henderson  :  The  blue  jay  seems  to  bo  the  only  bird  whicli 
can  resist  its  cucroachmonts.    (September  iii),  188(1.    Present  one  or  two  years.) 


KVIOKNCK. — KFFKCTS    ON    NATIVK    HIRDS. 


265 


Alltiii.  lion.  Williiiiii  MiAiI.iiiis,  pn  ftidciil  Sliili!  Niilnial  lliHlory  ScMJcfjV  :  'I'liiit 
till' spairxw  Hctiiis  l<»  lie  iism|iii)j;  Ww  i>l;i»'i' of  a  iimiiluT  of  (inr  doiiu'stic  liinls,  or 

|;ltll('l'  tllOHl!   \V(!  llllVl)   lll!('ll   llhcd    to  llll\  illj;   ill   tllO   t  ll'CH  ill  Olll'  ViUllM,  Hl'OIII.S  fo  llC  U  filcl  j 

vcl  tiiiTii  H(d<loiii  sc  'MS  to  lio  actiiiil  coiii^ats  biilwccii  tlic  Sjiarrows  and  ollnr  MrilN. 
I  iiiiiiiit  tliat  I  do  III  .  H('i\  why  tlie  robin,  llic  Idiio  Jay,  tlic  tiiriisli,  tlio  lilacklMid,  oriolo 
iiiiliiril,  and  otl.'orH  slionld  ;;o  away,  liiit  tlio  very  coiiiinon  cxpreHsion  and  feeling  of 
(iiir  iM'opli)  liiM-e  iH  lliat  our  native  liird.s  aro  now,  williin  Hit!  last  low  yearH,  niiudi 
li'ss  iinnieroiiH ;  and  this  fact  is  ri'co;f|ii zed  with  a  fec'liiij;  of  Hoiiow  by  ('vcryl)udy, 
(Aiii^Mst  'M,  H8(i.     l'r(!Hcnt  about  foiirttHMi  years.) 

('(uhondulv.  Prof.  (J.  II.  French:  I  liave  seen  martins  liy  to  reclaim  former  nest- 
iii<;  sites.  Tlio  bluebirds  are  all  known  to  have  forsaken  my  premises  on  account  >;f 
till' Sparrow.     (September  iil),  IH-^fi.     Present  about  six  years, ) 

Ciirmi.  Dr.  Daniel  Kerry:  Most  of  "iir  hoiiso  lots  are  largo,  containing  fruit  aud 
hliiule  trees,  and  the  complaint  is  goneriil  that  the  Sparrow  hasdriven  away  the  robin, 
cutliird,  bluebird,  and  wren.     (October  0,  18H().     Present  about  ten  years  ) 

('(■iilralia.  Jabez  Webster:  It  drives  away  the  yellow-bird  we  call  wild  canary, 
the  wren,  bluebird,  swallow,  bco-ninrtin,  mockiiinblrd,  and  oriole.  I  think  iioii((  of 
(inr  native  birds  except  the  kingbird  attempt  to  di'iveitotV.  The  bluebird,  rcdiin, 
and  tliriish  often  have  troubli;  with  the  Sparrow.  I  have  seen  tin*  ntd-headed  wood- 
liieker,  when  four  or  live  of  them  were  together,  put  to  lliglit  a  Hock  of  thirty-live  or 
iiieic  S[)arrows.     (December  "21,  ISSli.    Present  about  seven  years.) 

(hiciKjo.  ir.  K.  Coale :  It  has  driven  away  the  bluebird,  Haltimoro  oriole,  white- 
licllied  swallow,  purple  martin,  cliijiping  sparrow,  kingbird  (once  common,  now  rare 
in  the  city),  house  wren,  and  red-eyed  vireo.  All  these  werc^  once  abundant,  but 
liave  now  taken  up  quarters  iu  the  country.  (August  21,  l«H(i.  Present  about  twelve 
yi'urs. ) 

CoUhisriUe  (small  city  and  country).  Henry  De\Vald.  I  have  seen  dillerent  small 
Mids,  when  driven  away  from  their  nratiog  sites,  come  back  time  and  again,  tint  the 
Simrrow  always  kept  the  place.     (October  5,  1880.     I'reseiit  about  twelve  years.) 

lumt  llhedfland.  W.  D.  Pattertou:  The  Sparrow  has  occupied  the  nests  of  swal- 
lows, purple  martins,  and  wroua,  aud  nsuajb'  huldii  puusttosion.  It  has  driven  oflT 
iiciirly  all  our  small  insect-eating  birds.    (J*Bdary,  1888.    Present  ahont  three  years.) 

I'irniroinl,  George  1$.  Holmes:  In  a  yardtoliftar  my  house  is  a  martin-liox  which 
WHS  taken  possession  of  by  the  Sparrows  iluriitg  the  winter,  an«l  when  theniartinsre- 
liinied  there  was  (|uite  a  tight.  The  Sparrpw  con<jnered,  hut  the  box  was  removed 
liy  the  owner  and  cleaned  out.  The  bluebird  and  robin  are  driven  away.  (Angnst 
•J7,  \fi8(\.    Present  about  live  years.) 

Uillnhoroiinh.  A.  ,1.  Edwards:  I  have  no  evidence  of  any  trouble  between  the 
S[iiinow  aud  other  birds.     (September  1,  1886.     Present  about  seven  years.) 

.lackaondlle.  Prof.  .J.  IJ.  Turucr:  The  bluebird  and  blue  jay  seem  to  Indd  their 
(iwn  best.  Other  birds  seem  to  steadily  and  rajiidly  diminish,  whether  from  their 
dislike  to  the  Sparrow  or  from  its  monopoly  of  the  bird  food,  or  from  some  unknown 
iiiiise,  I  can  not  tell.  Apparently  all  the  best  singing  birds  retire  before  it.  I  have 
iilisi'i'ved  no  special  uiiarrels.  I  only  observe  the  apparent,  constant,  and  i-apid,  iii- 
iicasoof  the  one  and  decrease  of  the  other,  to  me  unexpected  aud  still  unaccountable, 
Iriiiii  any  specific  and  adecjuate  known  cause.     (September,  1880.) 

JohiiHoiiviUc.  .las.  J.  Johnson:  A  pair  of  bluebirds  had  nejirly  finished  a  nest 
wlieii  the  Sparrows  came,  two  at  first,  then  a  dozen  or  more ;  but  the  bluebirds  kept 
liicir  position  and  reared  a  brood.     (March,  1887.     Present  llir(!0  or  four  years.) 

l.onmuUe.  Conrad  E.  Kaehlcr:  Martius  will  light  for  their  boxes  w^licn  these  are 
taken  possession  of  by  the  Si)arrow.     (September '27, 18'S().     Present  about  six  years.) 

Monmouth.  Dr.  S.  M.  Ilamiltoii:  There  is  no  more  war  between  Sparrows  and 
(itlier  birds  than  among  birds  of  the  same  species,  or  between  S[);irrow  aud  Sparrow. 
Martins,  robins,  bluebirds,  wrens,  and  swallows  try  to  reclaim  former  haunts,  but  no 
more  than  among  themselves.    The  Sparrow  is  no  match  for  the  bluebird  or  robin, 


w 


26G 


Tlir.    r.NOUSII    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


I 


and  llio  little  wren  liiilils  lis  nw  n  w  ii  li  liiin.  I  tin  nol  l)i'lit>vc  tlio  Sparmw  ilrivi'.H 
iiway  liny  <»f  cnr  nal  ivi^  ItintM.  1  spiMk  iVoin  ciin'riil  (diHcivat  inn,  ami  tlicy  arc  iii>,l  us 
l>ltMitit'nI  In'if  lunv  as  Itcloni  tin'  advent  ol'llm  Spannw.  I  liavti  novrr  hcimi  I  In;  Spar. 
rowH  liiuiil  tlieniHulvcH  t<>>r*Miu<i' tor  attack,  unil  am  HatiHiieil  they  do  unt  du  it;  it  h 
pair  a^aihHt  pair.  Tiio  asMcrtion  that  tln^y  attack  other  birdH  in  a  body  is  nIicct  ihhi. 
HiMiNc;  no  Hiich  tiling  in  known  in  natural  liiHtory  of  any  apecioH  ol'  bird.  (Scptcailiii 
U4,  IHHO,     PrcHcnt  twelve  or  t\)urteoii  yoarH.) 

Odin  (Mulinrbs).  W.  Inj^rani :  The  lionsc  wren  soinctinicHlias  trouble  with  the  S|mr. 
row,  but  aN  a  general  rule  they  live  in  barniony.  The  Sparrow  in  not  known  to  ;i 
certainty  to  Lave  driven  otV  any  bird,  but  there  Ih  a  noticeable  decrcs^to  in  the  nuailiir 
of  purple  martins  since  the  S[>arro\v8  Inive  become  nnmoroiiH,  (February  ^4,  1887. 
I'rcHent  about  hIx  year.s.) 

Oliiiii.  J.  C.  Allen  :  We  know  of  no  birds  that  succes.sfully  reslHt  it.  When  it  lic- 
conieis  nnini^roUH  the  bluebird,  red-bird,  robin,  oriole,  ami  eliip  bird  all  leave.  (Sep- 
teuibtsr,  IHHti.     Present  about  twelve  years. ) 

J'lkiti.  Postnnister:  One  or  two  i)air8  of  robins,  catbirds,  and  brown  tlirasliors 
still  return  and  build  nests  in  the  conrt-lionseyard,  but  the  nuickinnbird  comes  to  inu- 
city  no  more  to  nest.  Since  the  Sparrow  was  bronj;ht  In^re  our  sinyinji  birds  liavr 
decreased  yearly.  The  Sparrows  make  their  attacks  in  sfjnadsof  three  or  more.  (Oc 
tober  7,  18-St>.     Pr«;sent  about  sixteen  years). 

Itovk  Inlaud.  W.  II.  Hatch:  It  sonuitimes  drives  martins  (Vmu  their  boxes  iuul 
pigeons  frtnn  their  food  ;  it  also  drives  away  the  robin.  I  have  seen  no  rc'sistancc  on 
the  part  of  any  bird.     (October  2^t,  IriSt!.) 

ShawDeetown  (country).  George  Kearden :  It  has  taken  the  houses  from  the  mar- 
tin ahnost  altogether.  The  uuirtin  resists,  but  with  little  success.  The  barn  swailiiw 
and  bluebird  are  also  driven  oQ'.     (October  2,  188C.    Present  about  live  years.) 

T)\\i,.  Robert  Williamson  :  I  have  watched  the  house  swallow,  in  breeding  scasmi, 
driv'j  jparrows  away  from  its  nest.     (October  'J,  IbHG.     Present  about  ten  years, ) 

Indiana. —^^frioH.  Charles  M.  Clapp:  A  few  years  ago  Mrs.  A,  S.  Clapp  had  luls 
of  martins,  and  every  spring  now  they  com«  back  to  these  boxes,  but  the  Siiarrows 
drive  them  away.  This  spring  not  a  martin  could  be  setii  near  their  old  nests  until 
I  shot  the  Sparrows  oft'  the  boxes  for  a  few  days,  and  then  the  u  artins  came  baik, 
(October  14,  188t').    Present  live  or  six  years.) 

Bloomington.  Prof.  B.  W.  Evernmnn  ;  I  have  seen  Sparrows  molest  or  drive  nil 
purple  martins,  house  wrens,  blaebirdB,  and  a  pair  of  great-crested  tlyoatchers.  (An- 
gnst  25, 188tJ.    Present  about  eleven  years.) 

JiuvUngton.  W.  A.  Wright :  The  purple  nuirtin  is  the  only  bird  that  has  come  un- 
der my  observation  as  trying  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites.  In  the  spring  of  l-Tlhi 
pair  of  martins  returning  to  their  old  home,  a  box  in  my  yard,  found  it  occupied  by 
the  Sparrows.  They  Hew  away,  but  soon  returned  with  re-enforcements  and  took  pos- 
session. I  have  noticed  the  Sparrow  nesting  in  holes  excavated  by  the  hairy  ami 
downy  woodpeckers,  but  wliether  the  latter  were  driven  away  or  not  I  can  not  ti'll. 
(Septend)er '21, 18HG.     Present  sixteen  years  or  more.) 

Camden.     V.  C.  Grouinger:  In  my  lot  I  constructed  quite  a  number  of  houses  loi  ] 
the  bluebird  and  house  wren.     They  occupied  them  and  were  driven  away  liy  tin' 
multitude  of  Sparrow,s,  but  have  since  reclaimed  their  abodes  through  my  protection. 
I  have  uoticed  the  wren  fight  the  Sparrow  when  I  wh"  -round,  and  have  seen  tlu'  j 
Sparrow  lly  from  it.     The  Sparrow  molests  the  purple  martin,  bluebird,  wren,  inliin. 
ehipping-sparrow,  and  red-winged  blackbird,  but  none  are  entirely  expelled  iVoin  | 
their  former  liaunts.     (August  'iO,  1S8G.    Present  about  live  years.) 

CraudaU.  G.  W.  Jeukins:  The  martin  and  Sparrow  (juarrel  for  nesting  places,  Iml 
the  one  which  lirst  builds  in  the  house  continues  to  hold  possession.  (October  1-,  l""^''' 
Present  one  or  two  years.) 

Dei'jj/ii  (country).     John  Barnaul:  It  has  been  known  to  drive  away  all  kiinlscfj 
birds— martins,  robins,  grosbeaks,  warblers,  etc.    The  martin  resists,  but  with  no  sik- 


.  I 


EVIDKNTK. — EFFECTS   ON    NATIVE    lUUDS. 


207 


Ice^H,  ('or  if  iini' lifjiiiiH  Ik  lij;lil  Iii>  :il\v;i\N  liiis  live  or  Mix  S|i,iriowM  (III  liiiii,  iiikI  llu-ii' 
limonc  liiiiiilnil  Siiihkiwn  to  oiio  iiiiirtiii.     (Octolifr  l"^,  H.-Hi.     I'ri'.sriit  iiiuiiy  .vfiuH.) 

I'lidiiiaiid.  A.  J.  I'InIiit:  TIio  loliiii,  Niiiiiiiii'r  marl  in,  iiinl  Idiioliird  arr  iiumt 
|iriiiilil»!(l  by  111"  Spiirrow.  'I'lii-  latter  in  iiIwayH  Ilit;  a;{>{ri's.sor  and  nearly  alwajs  tlm 
hidor.    Tlioy  liavL' t'nrioiiH  conllictH.    (Octtolmr  H,  iMHfi.     rrcscnt  aliont  cinlit  ycaiH. ) 

I'liit  Itraiich.  (,'.  V.  (JiirriNon  :  In  on«  ciiho  lioro  tlin  inartiiis  liad  a  iicHt  in  n  l>o.\  on 
|j|Hil(^  ami  till'  SiiiinowH  drove  lliein  from  the  liox  after  a  lierce  ti^lit.  The  bliieliird 
j. also  attacked  and  driven  away.     (Octohor  7,  IHrtll.     Trcsent  tlireo  or  four  ytiaiH.) 

dricncaiillf.  W.  II.  Kajjan :  Tlio  crow-bluckblrd,  robin,  Jay,  bluebird,  and  wroii 
I  will  drivo  it.  awuy  from  the  vicinity  <if  iieHtinj;  jiIaecM.  I  think  the  storicHof  the  pu>r- 
iiaciiiiiH  character  of  I  he  Sparrow  are  >{rcatly  exajfj|;erale<l.  The  piiKnacioiiM  boy  huH 
liidliably  bad  iiiore  to  do  with  baiiiNliing  iiativo  birdH  than  tliu  Hparrow.  Ah  a  rnlu 
ihr  Sparrow  oecnpieM  a  Held  (streets  and  populated  rej;ions)  that  other  birds  are  not 
aiiapted  to,  and  it  Indds  this  territory  the  year  round.  (Septcnibor*Jd,  lft8(l.  Present 
alioiit  fourteen  years.) 

ln-iii(iton.  Sylvester  .Johnson  :  It  docs  not  attempt  to  usurp  the  ri^'lits  of  other 
liiids.  Then!  are  as  many  birds  here  now  iis  before;  the  Sparrow  (^ame,  and  all  live  in 
pence  and  barmony.     (.Sejiteinber  'JO,  IHHtJ.    Present  about  six  years.) 

/.((  Fayclli:  V.  M.  Webster:  The  blue  jay  is  the  only  bird  that  will  nest  in  my 
yard  where  these  birds  are  abundant.  (August  2'),  IrtHti.  rreseiit  ahoni  twelve 
years. ) 

S(W  Albaini.  .las.  M.  Payton:  'J'lio  Sparrows  an;  {;ood  lighters,  and  attack  every 
liird  that  attempts  to  nest  in  boxes  where  they  build.  They  do  not  inijjrate,  but  re- 
main all  winter,  and  when  the  bluebird  aud  martin  return  in  the  siiring  they  linil 
'  tlic  Sparrows  in  possesion  of  their  hooHes  and  hard  to  dislodge.  The  martin  is  most 
;;('mirally  successful,  but  tbo  bluebird  usually  gives  it  up.  A  few  years  ago  when 
ilie  iiiartins  camo  in  the  spring  and  found  t'le  Sparrows  in  their  boxes  there  was  hard 
ri;;l'.tiiig  for  several  days ;  then  they  stopped,  and  the  martins  occujiied  the  upper  tier 
(if  lioxes  aud  the  Sparrows  the  lower,  and  there  was  no  more  lighting  that  year. 
(.'September,  IHHf),  and  September  6,  1888      Present  since  18(57.) 

lUihmond  (suburbs).  .Joseph  C.  Katlif!':  I  have  seen  the  CoiilUct  between  tho  bluo- 
liiid  iiud  Sparrow,  and  know  of  martins  that  staid  about  their  box  for  several  days 
alicr  the  Sparrovvs  bad  possession.  I  think  iteither  drives  other  birds  away,  or  that 
(iiliir  birds  will  not  stay  in  its  company.  An-^ngr  the  birds  thus  affected  may  '•«  men- 
lidiied  the  robin,  (ield  or  song  sparrow,  tt%d  woodpflclter.  (November  ",  Itt86.  Pres- 
ent about  seventeen  years.) 

sioiii/  Pohit  (city  and  country).  Thomas  F.  Watlington  :  The  bluebird  and  house- 
iiiaitiu  attempt  to  reclaim  their  nesting  sits.  I  have  seen  some  fighting,  but  as  yet 
the  martins  appear  to  bold  their  boxes  Bgainst  all  opposition.  Ihave  not  noticed 
Unit  any  other  birds  are  midosted  as  yet-  (September  20, 188(5.  Present  about  eleven 
years.) 

htwA.—Hillcnir.  Dr.  Lawrence  31illar :  I  saw  a  i»air  of  chickadees  drive  a  pair  of 
.Sicirrows  from  their  nesting  place  in  an  oid  apple  tree  in  my  garden.  Warblers,  the 
(hipping  sparrow,  the  bluebird,  and  yellow  finch  are  molest (?d  or  driven  away  by  the 
S|)iirrow.     (October '21,  ISbCi.     I'reHcnt  about  ten  years.) 

Dairnport.  Davenport  Acadtmy  of  Natural  Sciences,  per  AV.  II.  Pratt,  curator; 
As  lav  as  can  be  determined  in  this  lociility,  it  has  had  very  little  iulliience  in  driving 
oil'  our  native  birds;  it  perliaps  interferes  somewhat  with  the  bluebird.  (April  20, 
If^S?.    Present  about  seventeen  years.) 

Crhincll.  John  lloiighlon:  The  wren,  bluebird,  martin,  blue  jay,  and  robin  re- 
sist the  Sparrow  with  varied  success.  I  baveseen  battles  for  nesting  places  between 
the  Sparrow  and  the  wren,  bluebird,  aud  martin.  In  addition  to  the  above,  the  gold- 
finch, oriole,  and  golden-crowned  kinglet  are  molested,  but  I  do  not  think  the  Spar- 
row is  abuudant  enough  here  to  tsxpel  auy  native  birds  yet.  (October  (»,  188(i.  Pres- 
ent about  two  years.) 


268 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARUOW    IN   AMERICA. 


Uhlney.  G.  V.  Swear'mgcn :  Tho  best  iiml  nui^t  usfl'iil  ol'  <iiir  sniitllcr  liirdH  in  tliis 
t'liniitry  are  wliijiped,  and  sonic  of  Hn'iii  have  nearly  ilisappeaKMl.  On  my  own  lain: 
I  liave  seen  the  pewee,  roldn,  llirnHli,  native  sparrowN,  an<l  otheiM  Iryin;^  to  wliip 
tlie  rascals  out,  but  without  help  from  man  they  all  fail.  (October  8,  1886.  rreseiit 
four  or  five  years.) 

Il'ciit  Liberty.  IJr.  E.  IT.  King:  The  JSalfcimore  oriole  successfully  attacks  it  wher- 
ever met.  The  Sparrow  has  nearly  driven  the  bluebird,  wren,  and  even  tlio  liino 
J  ly  from  our  village,  and,  with  the  exception  of  the  oriole,  robin,  and  catbird,  it  mo- 
lests all  birds  which  are  semi-domestic  in  their  habits.  (October  14,  188C.  Present 
about  nine  years.) 

Kansas. — liurUngamc.  J.  Mayberry  :  Other  birds  are  less  numerous  since  (lie  ap. 
pearanee  of  the  Sparrow;  the  wren  and  bluebird  have  very  sensibly  'liminislicil  in 
numbers,  and  the  mockingbird,  oriole,  a.id  robin  are  molested  or  driven  away.  (Octo- 
ber G,  1880.     Present  about  lifteen  years.) 

Chanuie.  S.  H.  Scott:  It  lights  the  clilf  swallow,  and  I  have  seen  it  take  pos- 
session  of  a  swallow's  nest  about  the  time  it  was  completed.  (October  f),  188t), 
i'rcscnt  less  than  a  year.) 

Fontana.  M.  J.  Camjibcll:  It  molests  or  drives  away  tha  swallow,  martin,  'frrcn, 
and  roliin.  The  kingbird  resists  it,  but  without  success.  (October  9,  1880.  Present 
less  than  a  year.) 

Munhatlaii.  Ur.  Charles  P.  lilachty :  A  few  English  Sparrows  came  hero  two  or 
three  years  ago,  at  which  time  there  were  robins,  Ualtimore  orioles,  and  orchard  oil- 
<des  in  considerable  numbers.  The  Si)arrows  have  increased  in  town,  while  llic 
olliors  named  have  dccreat  d,  although  the  opportunities  for  the  increase  of  the  na- 
tives are  much  better.  I  have  seen  the  Sparrows  drive  away  robins  and  martins. 
(November,  1885.     Present  two  or  three  years.) 

Mmihatlan.  Prof.  D.  E.  Lantz:  The  Sparrow  h.as  frequent  fights  with  the  robin 
and  some  other  familiar  birds,  but  is  not  always  victorious,  and  no  birds  have  been 
driven  away.    (September  27,  1886.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Morunlown.  P.  J.  McGlashan  :  It  has  not  bteu  known  to  drive  away  any  of  our  na- 
tive birds.  This  year  a  small  martin  box  with  four  holes  was  reclaimed  by  the  mar- 
tins, except  one  hole,  which  was  retained  and  occupied  by  the  Sparrows.  (October 
15,  1886.     Present  about  eighteen  months.) 

Otivnemo.  vr.  A.  K.  Bodley  :  I  do  not  think  any  bird  fears  the  Sparrow  more  fliaii 
other  \iirds.  It  does  no  more  fighting  than  the  jay,  kingbird,  or  crow-blackbird.  I 
have  not  kno>;ii  it  to  molest  any  of  our  vative  bird.s,  and  I  have  the  jay,  crow-black- 
bird, migrating  thrusli,  bluebird,  and  -.ardinal  grosbeak  all  about  my  house  in  sprin;; 
and  summer.    (October  \'.\,  1k8G.    Prcsfit  four  years.) 

Topela.  F.  W.tJi'.es:  My  opportunities  for  observing  the  Sparrow's  habits  liavu 
been  most  excellent,  and  I  dispute  any  man  who  .says  lie  knows  better  of  the  \v.\\nU 
of  the  bird  in  Kansas  than  I  do.  In  the  tyelve  years  during  which  I  have  been  a 
constant  observer  of  their  mingling  with  native  birds  I  have  never  seen  a  case  of  .an- 
tago:;i«Mi.  The  ridiculous  complaint  of  their  being  quarrelsome  toward  native  liinis 
has  prevailed  hero  as  at  the  East.  I  have  numy  times  olVered  $ilO  reward  for  proof  of 
a  Spanx.  ■  having  attacked  any  other  bird,  except  it  were  n  blue  jiiy  or  other  preila- 
tory  bird  destroying  their  eggs  or  young.  True  we  have  now  very  few  nativt^  liinls, 
loss  than  wo  had  twelve  years  ago,  but  in  what  city  of  thirty  thousand  hihabitants 
are  native  birds  abundant  ?     (October  (i,  188G.     Present  twelve  years.) 

Kkntitcky.— /.'»»'//»(/  (jlrceu  (country,  three  miles  from  city).  W.  Cook  :  It  molests 
and  drives  away  all  other  birds,  except,  perhaps,  the  bluebird,  which  sometim.  ssne- 
cessfully  resists  it.     (S(.'ptember  2,  188G.) 

Hiifke^viUe.  W.  1'.  Alexander  :  It  molests  the  redbird,  mockingbird,  common  .spar- 
row, and  snowbird.  The  bluebird  attempts  to  reclaim  its  former  nesting  site,  ^0e- 
tober  27,  1880.    Present  five  or  six  years.) 

Crescent  Hill  (subuib  of  Louisville).    Thomas  S.  Kennedy :  The  S'>-,i rows  camofroin 


EVIDENCE. — EFFECTS    ON    NATIVE    BIRDS. 


20') 


!('!■  binlH  ill  this 

II  my  own  t'linii 

li'yiii;;  to  wliip 

IriSG.    I'rusLMit 

itacks  it  wlior- 
ovcn  tlio  liliii; 
catbird,  it  nm- 

,  1886.    rrcsent 

lis  since  (he  ap. 
,'  '.liminisbed  in 
i  away.    (Goto- 

en  it  take  pos- 
ctobcr  f),  188ti, 

,  martin,  fi-rcii, 
1880.     Present 

110  here  (wo  ur 
lul  orchard  ori- 
own,  while  llic 
[•ease  of  tlie  na- 
s  and  nKirtiiis, 

with  the  robin 
irds  liavu  been 

any  of  our  na- 
led  by  the  mar- 
i\vs.     (October 

■row  more  tban 
■bhickbird,    I 

|iy,  crow-l)lacl;- 
loiise  inspriii},' 

I's  habits  bavu 
■  of  the  habit^ 
I  liave  been  a 
\\  a  case  of  an- 
rd  native  binls 
Ird  for  jirodf  III' 
]r  other  prcila- 
nai.ive  birds, 
Id  'iihabitantH 

Ik :  It  niob'sls 
lomctinii  ssiic- 

[onimon  spar- 
1)}^  site,    ((k- 

kv8  came  from 


ilii'  city  ill  lai'ije  lh)cks  and  located  themselves  in  ontlionscs,  lianis,  and  about  the 
ihvelliiig.  They  have  driven  away  the  American  sparrows  and  linches,  the  titmouse, 
wren,  <:atbird,  robin,  and  other  birds.     (October  5,  IH-^ti.     Present  five  or  six  years.) 

Ghfiil,  George  K.  Bowie:  It  drives  away  the  bluebird  and  black  martin.  It  lakes 
[lossession  of  their  nesting  places  during  winter  and  does  not  allow  thorn  to  conic  back. 
(October  H,  188(1.     Present  six  or  eight  years.) 

llurlj'onl.  A.  B.  Baird  :  I  have  witnessed  contests  between  the  English  S^iarrow 
and  our  native  birds,  in  which  the  Sparrows  confedcrateti  and  soon  became  the  vic- 
tors. Ill  attempting  to  reclaim  former  nesting  places  the  bluebird  appears  to  hold  its 
(nvii,  Ijiit  the  catbird,  which  has  frequent  contests  with  the  Sparrow,  is  obliged  toro- 
iimve,    (October  5,  188(;.    Present  about  six  years.) 

huicaslvr.  W.  II.  Wherritt :  I  do  not  know  the  cause,  but  several  of  our  small  birds, 
ainoiig  them  the  wren,  connnoii  sparrow,  ami  snowbird,  have  almost,  disappeared 
since  the  Sparrow  canio.  I  think  no  bird  except  the  martin  over  comes  in  conllict 
with  the  Sparrow.     (October  11,  1886.     Present  eight  or  nine  years.) 

I.onisrilh:  J.  B.  Nail:  Before  the  introduction  of  the  Sparrow^  the  bluebird  and 
pcwi'c  were  coniinon  on  every  farm;  now  it  is  a  rare  thing  to  see  one.  The  inartiu 
is  also  molested.     (September  8,  1886.     Present  about  twelve  years.) 

LdiisiANA. — liaratarln  (country).  William  B.  Berthond:  The  mockingbird  resists 
ihc  till  roachments  of  the  Si)arro\v,  and  on  rare  occasions  the  tyrant  flycatclicr,  or 
l.iiigliird,  attacks  it  with  partial  success.  Warblers  and  tlycatchcrs  are  the  birds 
iiuist  comnionly  molested  and  driven  away,  but  also  the  wron.  (June  27,  1887,  Pres- 
ent about  four  years.) 

Maine. — FairfuUh  James O.  Whittemoro  :  I  have  known  but  one  instance  in  which 
any  of  our  naiiive  birds  attempted  to  drive  oft'  the  Sparrow  when  not  first  attacked.  A 
pair  of  woodpeckers  (yellow-shafted  llicker)  took  possession  of  a  hole  formerly  occii[ded 
iiytlicse  birds  and  successfully  held  it  against  a  great  number.  I  have  known  blue- 
Wrils  and  tree  swallows  to  bo  driven  from  holes  by  the  Sparrows,  and  unable  to  make 
ifsistance.  Iioniember  an  instanceof  a  Baltimore  oriole  dispersing  a  largo  number  of 
Spainiws,  but  the  ease  of  the  dickers  was  the  most  positive  one  I  have  known.  I 
lave  never  observed  any  actual  molestation  except  the  above,  and  do  not  think  tbo 
Spai'i'ows  are  plenty  enough  in  this  locality  to  diminish  the  number  of  other  birds. 
I'Angiist  11),  1886.     Present  ten  years.) 

t'liiiiiiiijitoii.  E.  E.  Kiehards:  It  has  a  habit  of  attacking  nearly  all  birds  coming 
in  its  way,  especially  about  nesting  places  or  feeding  ground.  I  think  it  is  always 
tiic  ai];grcssor,  except  perhaps  in  contests  for  martin  houses  and  nesting  places.  (Aii- 
gnst ','0.  1886.    Present  about  six  years.) 

Xiiiili  Lhrriiiorc.  George  H.  Berry:  It  molests  and  drives  away  the  robin,  bliie- 
liii'd,  cliipping  sparrow,  red-eyed  vireo,  and  the  smaller  liirds  in  general.  The  purple 
martin  and  white-bellied  swallow  attempt  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites.  (August 
y,  1^>*I).    Present  about  three  years.) 

I'tiiiliunl.  Nathan  ClitVord  Brown:  I  have  seen  it  attack  the  downy  woodpecker, 
aiul  molest  the  robin  and  Baltimore  oriole.  It  drives  away  the  white-bellied  swal- 
l»w  liy  taking  possession  of  its  nests.     (1884.     Present  ten  years  or  more.) 

MASsAciicsiirrTS.— .(m/icr8<.  Hubert  L.  Clark:  1  have  noticed  that  the  Baltimore 
oiiol(>  (Iclcnis  ijalhiilit)  is  almost  the  only  bird  which  does  not  seem  to  \n',  troubled  by 
the  Sparrow.  It  is  the  only  bird  which  is  to  be  found  breeding  in  our  s^^^ieets  as 
idiiiiulantly  as  (ivo  or  six  years  ago.  This  may  bo  an  exception,  but  I  thought  it 
woitby  of  note.     (Septembers,  1887.     Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Cimhridijc.    William  Brewster:  Markedly  and  unmistakably  and  with  appalling 
rapidity  our  native  birds  are  leaving     I  do  not  often  see  the  Sparrows  actually  at- 
tack ilicin,  however.     All  species,  with  the    .. ..■option  of  robins,  blue-jays,  and  crow- 
iluckbirds,  are  allected,  but  house  wr.,ns,  bluebirds,  swallitws,  l(>iis(  pewees,  and  ori- 
I  I'lis  most  noticeably,     (.l;iiniiuy  :{•),  1881.     Present  eleven. years  or  move.) 

!Ioliii)ke.     W.  F.  Lanib:   It,  eerl;iiiily  molests  and  drives  away  such   birds  as  the 


*'^'p 


270 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


^ 


purpio  iiiiirtiii,  robin,  cherry,  bird,  cliippiujf  sparrow,  wbi to-bellied  swallow,  ^old. 
finch,  !ind  son^  sparrow.     (February  2[),  1H84.     P.'csent  iiftoen  years  or  n\ore.) 

lloljiokc.  l'\  11.  Metcalt':  ltliie))irds,  wrous,  and  martins  generally  attempt  to  (hive 
it  away  from  some  nesting  placts,  l>nt  the  Sparrows  are  too  nniiierons.  I  have  himmi 
ono  wriMi  at  the  door  t>f  a  bird-house  Hucc<!ssfiilly  resist  the  attack  of  nine  Sparrows. 
She  then  ton;  the  Sparrow's  mst  to  pieces.  IJlue.birds  g(M)erally  gixe,  in  to  the  Spar- 
row.  It  nudests  the  robin,  bluebird,  wren,  orioles,  vireos,  song,  field.  Savanna, mid 
other  sparrows,  grass  lineh,  and  martin.  The  latter  is  becoming  extinct,  I  beliovc, 
from  tiiis  cause.     (August  iiit,  18SC.) 

Mcclford.  John  Ayers:  I  never  saw  it  assail  birds  of  other  varieties,  but  have  often 
8e(Mi  them  light  among  themselves.  I  have  heard  many  persons  repeat  tiio  ciincni 
8tori(^s  of  tiieir  driving  o(V  native  birds,  but  have  never  seen  a  person  who  could  naiin' 
any  kind  tliat  sufl'erel  from  them.  Certainly  the  robins  are  as  abundant  as  ever,  and 
peidi  and  destroy  my  ixviches,  pears,  and  grapes  as  usual.  (May  29,  lriS4.  rreseiit 
twelve  or  tifteen  years.) 

Itehoboth  (country).  F.  11.  Carpenter  :  A  small  colony  of  inartins  has  driven  away 
three  i>airs  of  Sparrows  from  their  box  each  spring  sini^e  1882.  The  Sparrow  has 
driven  oil'  the  white-bidlied  swallow.     (August  iil,  1881).     Present  about  scNven  years.) 

Somerset.  ElishaSlade:  The  chipping  sparrow,  goldtinch,  imrpb^  liinli,  bliieliinl, 
whitcljellied  swallow,  and  summer  yellowbird  hav(i  retircul  before  the  imgiiacioiis, 
i|uarrelsome  exotic,  and  in  some  cases  have  almost  entirely  disapptsared  Irom  around 
the  house,  barn,  and  orchard.     (October  19,  1885.) 

I  do  not  know  of  any  non-predatory  bird  which  habitually  attacks  the  Sparrow 
unless  itself  lirst  attacked,  and  even  when  attacked  the  defensi!  is  usually  unsi-ei'i'.s.s- 
ful.  I  know  of  ono  successful  instance,  however.  A  pair  of  white-bellied  s'-.  allows 
having  possession  of  a  box,  their  nest  built  and  eggs  laid,  were  attacked  by  a  pairot' 
English  Sparrows,  and  the  ST.-allows  bravely  resisted  the  attack  and  compelled  tin' 
Sparrows  to  retreat.  In  less  than  half  an  hour  the  Si)arrows  returned,  accoiiipanicd 
with  si.x^  other  Sparrows  to  aid  them,  and  commenced  an  assault.  The  swallows 
fought  hard  in  di^fense  of  their  home  and  won  the  battle  of  the  brave,  tbougli  only 
two  to  ci;ihf.     (August  20,  188t).     Present  about  tn'elve  years.) 

Taiinloii.  II.  (J.  White  :  It  takes  possession  of  all  available  places  in  the  city,  ainlas 
it  commences  to  l>reed  as  early  as  March  (March  12,  1881),  it  has  full  control  of  tin' 
boxes  put  up  for  the  accommodation  of  blu(d)irds  and  white-beilied  swallows  In'l'mv 
tlicse  reach  their  summer  homes.  Consequently  these  birds  leave  thei\  old  hannt.s  tn 
iind  new  breeding  places,  and  few  birds  except  Sparrows  are  seen  in  the  city.  *  '  ' 
For  a  number  of  years  it  has  been  my  habit  to  place  an  elevated  platform  in  tin' 
garden,  on  whicih  the  birds  might  feed  when  snow  covered  the  ground.  Fornu'rly 
juncos  and  tree  sparrows  were  there  all  day  in  Hocks  of  twenty  or  twentj'-iive,  lint 
for  the  last  three  winters  their  numbers  have  grown  "  beautifully  less,"  and  this  year 
they  have  only  been  in  the  garden  twice,  while  Sparrows  are  as  abundant  as  jinii:"> 
used  to  be.     (February  25,  1881).) 

Tijngahoro  (country).  (',  W.  Swallow  :  I  found  a  nest  of  the  I'.nglish  Sparrow  inn 
dead  ap[ile-tree  limb  May  Hi.  HS  I.  Under  the  nest  was  a  dead  white-liellied  swallow, 
which  had  evidently  been  killed  by  the  Sparrow.  Tlie  Sparrows  are  quarrel.sonic, 
espe<'ially  with  bluebirds  and  white-bidlied  swallows.     (March  29,  1887.) 

MiCiiKiAN. — AUviian.  licv.  ]).  D.  Chapin:  The  smaller  birds  generally,  whicii  an' 
woiit  to  nest  about  Iionsefi  and  yards,  are  molested  or  driven  away.  The  goldlincli 
surt'ers  in  particular.     (Oetolier  :{(l,  18S(>.) 

(.'ovHtnm.  Dr.  (',  T.  Armstrong:  It  drives  away  or  kills  all  song-birds  a»nd  ollnr 
•lesirablo  birds  -robins,  orioles,  tanagers,  song  sjiarrows,  bluebirds,  plunbes,  and  evtii 
the  ])ugilistic  martins.     (N'ov(Mnber  I,  l-^^ll.     Pr.'sent  al»out  five  years.) 

Elk  Rni)i(h.  .las.  !■;.  JiauUin:  It  lias  iVeiiui'iil  lialtles  with  the  robin  and  chipii'- 
bird,  and  the  bluebird  si-ems  to  bo  di'iveu  back,  but  tlie  hou><e  martin  retains  'w*  own 
uesting  place.    (Oetober  18,  ISSil.     Present  al'oul  six  years,) 


evidi:n(;jv — ioifects  on  native  birds. 


271 


iWiiUow,  ^old- 
If  more.) 
tt^iiipt  to  ilrivi. 

i.        I  llllVO  8(H'l: 

nine,  Siiaridws. 
ill  to  tli(!  Siiiir- 
,  Savanna,  iind 
inct,  I  believe, 

but  liiivc  often 
cut  tlio  ciiirem 
i'Iii>  could  iiiiine 
lilt  iis  ever, and 
1.'584.    rrcscMit 

IS  driven  away 
ic  Sparrow  has 
itscvou  years.) 
lincb,  bluebird, 
lie  iiiij;iiaei(ms, 
.m1  truni  aroiMiil 

:3  the  Sparrow 
lally  niisrcccsjj- 
I'llicd  8'  allows 
:c(l  by  a  pair  of 
compelled  the 
(1,  accompanied 
riu)  Hwallow.s 
e,  thoiigli  only 

lie  city,  and  as 
control  of  the 

Ivallows  befdiv 
old  liaunts  tn 
0  city.  *  '  • 
atforni  in  the 
lid.  Foriiunly 
nty-live,  hut 
'  and  tliis  year 
hint  asjinicos 

Sparrow  in  a 

lllied  swallow, 

(inarrelsonie, 

Illy,  which  are 
rriic  goldlindi 

[d.s  :wid  oiiiir 
Ibcs,  and  even 

and  chippy- 
Itains  ii"  own 


[■'ranh/orf.  Charles  Hiirine'.ster  :  It  molests  and  drives  away  the  bluebird,  cLicka- 
(lec,  and  wren.  It  has  been  observed  that  four  or  live  Sparrows  would  attack  ono 
little  bluebird,  and  by  force  of  numbers  put  the  solitary  bird  to  flight.  (October  lii. 
1,">S(;.     Present  about  (ivi;  years.) 

mihdiile.  Ira  B.  Card  :  The  martins  rotiirn  in  large  numbers  once  or  twice  a  year 
ami  try  to  reclaim  former  nesting  sites,  but  fail  inglorionsly  in  every  battle.  The 
Sparrow  drives  off  the  robin,  Iduebird,  graybird,  blue  jay,  and  all  other  native  birds. 
Tliere  is  nothing  left  but  the  filthy  Sparrow  and  his  ilirt.  (October  (5,  188ij.  Present 
twelve  years.) 

Iliidsoti.  A.  II.  Boles:  I  have  observed  scvoro  battles  between  English  Sparrows 
and  Idnebirds,  martins,  and  some  of  our  smal'er  birds.     (lH8.i.) 

Kiiluiiiicou.  Dr.  Morris  tiibbs  :  Many  specie.;  are  bothered  by  the  Sparrow,  and  all 
malu!  more  or  less  resistance,  but  generally  with  little  success.  The  bluebird,  robin, 
and  martin  attiMsipt  to  reclaim  former  ne.'.tiiig  .nites  ;  the  bluebird  gives  the  best  light, 
and  the  robin  does  fairly  well,  but  the  Sparrow  drives  all  out.  (November 'J3,  I^i^tf. 
Trcsent  nine  or  ten  years.) 

.l/rins' (country.)  (Jeorge  Wyckolf :  It  drives  otf  the  eavc  swallow  and  bluebird. 
The  latter  will  light  the  Sparrow,  but  as  the  odds  are  always  against  if,  sometimes 
livt^  to  one,  it  has  to  give  up,     (October  7, 18.S().     Present  about  three  years.) 

,U.)i/»(  (7rHiCH»  (country).  .Jno.  B.  Lconardson :  My  bird-bouses  contained  about 
Ni'veuty  pairs  of  martins  ;  now  all  are  goii(\  Bluebirds  once  lived  on  my  cornice 
lirackets  with  the  jjlitebi!,  but  they  have  been  driven  away,  as  have  also  the  barn 
swallow  and  ground-bird.     (August  5?0,  I88(i.     Present  three  years.) 

Oirus/^o.  A.  Lee  Williams:  It  is  conlined  to  the  city,  and  as  yet  docs  not  clash 
nineli  with  our  native  birds,  except  with  swallows  and  martins,  which  I  think  it  will 
in  time  drive  off.     (Si^ptember  2, 18815.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

J'rlrrnhiiry  (country).  .leroine  Trombley:  The  house  wren  attacks  the  Sparrow 
and  usually  comes  ofl' victorious.     (Angu8t23,  1886.     Present  about  nine  years.) 

Sdliiir  ((onntry).  Norman  A.  Wood:  I  know  several  instances  in  which  house 
wrens  and  martins  have  successfully  reclaimed  their  nesting  sites.  Last  spring  a 
Siiarrow  had  a  nest  coinmenced  in  a  bird-house  occupied  the  year  before  by  a  bluebird. 
The  bluebird  pitched  the  nest  out,  and  finally  occupied  tIiebo.>c.  The  Sparrow  molests 
and  drives  off  the  Baltimore  oriole,  lobin,  chipping  sparrow,  purple  grackle,  and  yel- 
lowliird.     (September  (),  1880.     Present  about  six  years.) 

.sVuflHac.  M.  S.  Lonl  :  I  have  noticed  that  flycatchers  and  iho  tree  sparrow  are 
molested  and  driven  away.     (Octobers,  1881).*  Present  seven  years.) 

>S(UtU  de  Stc.  Mark:  William  S.  Shaw:  I  have  seen  swallows  flglit  with  them  until 
they  fell  to  the  ground.  In  ono  case  the  swallows  drove  them  otf  their  nest.  (October 
11,  18i-*().     Present  three  years.) 

,'<(lioi)hrnft.  P.  1).  Miller:  It  drives  ofl'  the  robin,  bluebird,  swallow,  martin,  and 
chii)iiy.  I  have  watched  their  actions  with  the  robin  and  chippy  in  my  yards.  Three 
or  four  years  ago  I  had  a  good  many  nests  of  the  chippy  in  my  yard,  but  this  year  I 
do  not  think  they  were  able  to  nest  there  at  all.  The  English  Sparrows  destroy  their 
ei,'gs,     (October  11, 1880.     Present  about  nine  years.) 

Tcciiinwli.  C.  A.  Wright  and  C.  A.  Story:  Kobius  and  crow  blackbirds  seem  to  be 
the  only  ones  that  can  hold  their  own  against  the  Sparrow.  (October  11, 1880.  Pres- 
ent seven  years.) 

ThornviUc.  Dr.  John  S.  Caulkins:  A  pair  of  Sparrows  last  Bnmnier  drove  out  a  pair 
id' liarii  swallows  from  their  nest  (oci.'upied  by  them  for  two  or  three  previous  seasons) 
and  took  it  for  their  own.  Tlic  swallows  attempted  to  reidaim  their  nest,  but  failed. 
The  Sparrows  relumed  to  the  nest  again  this  summer,  and  raised  their  young  there. 
They  begin  to  build  and  lay  soiuier  than  any  of  inir  native  birds.  (August  14,  18"*0. 
Piesent  four  years. ) 

Missis.sipi'i.— '■'()/((iii6'(.t.  D.  C.  Hodo  :  The  bee  mart'ii  and  house  martin  resist  the 
iMH'ioarhmentsof  the  Sparrow,  and  at  temp;  t^i  (lii\t'  it  otf,  but  the  Spaurow  holds  the 


272 


TIIK    ENULlhll    «1'AUH()\V    IN    AxMKKICA. 


i'u',l(l.  Till!  house  iiiiirliim  iitteinpt  to  build  in  tlieirold  iii'sts,  but  iivts  drivc'ii  olf,  a.saru 
alHO  tho  inockiiij^birilH  and  bluebirds.  (CiiiroUton,  Ala.,  September  2\,  1880.  I'resiMii 
about  two  years.) 

Corinth.  Dr.  Kawliiig.s  Young:  It  is  not  yet  numerous  enough  to  scatter  into  tlic 
Bubiirbsand  molest  other  birds.  I  have  seen  blue  jays  and  mockingbirds  fighting  i(, 
(September  7, 188().    Present  about  two  years.) 

Mlssouiu. — Cape  Giraidivn.  Henry  A.  Astholz  :  It  has  driven  away  the  mockiiiff. 
bird,  bluebird,  and  house  martin.     (September  3, 1886.     I'resent  about  six  years.) 

Nkw  II.viMi'SiliRi;. — Franklin  Falls.  Ccorgo  Stolworthy  :  It  ocenpies  nearly  all  tiie 
artificial  nesting  places  formerly  nscd  by  the  white-bellied  swallow,  martin,  and  blue- 
bird, and  has  driven  awi.y  the  robin  and  lialtimore  oriole,  Avhich  nscd  to  build  near 
these  places.  The  only  •  pedes  I  have  seen  nesting  near  the  Sparrow  are  the  clicny 
bird  and  the  pewee.  This  spring  three  pairs  of  Sparrows  occupied  nesting  places  that 
had  been  used  by  bluebirds  for  tlirce  years.  The  bluebirds  tried  hard  to  recover  tliem, 
but  without  success.  Purple  martins  and  swallows  bad  no  better  success.  (August 
24, 188(5.     Present  six  or  seven  years.) 

Lisbon.  Dr.  C.  II.  Boynton:  They  have  not  been  hero  long  enough,  and  are  loo 
few  in  number  to  canso  a  decrease  in  the  nnmber  of  native  birds.  (February  4,  If'f^l, 
Present  about  three  years.) 

MilJ'ord.  Jas.  P.  Melzer :  The  purple  martin  is  successful  in  reclaiming  fornn'r 
nesting  places;  the  bluebird  and  white-bellied  swallow  attempt  to  reclaim  ncstiiiif 
sites,  but  arc  not  always  successful.  I  think  the  bluebird  would  usually  succeed  ifjt 
were  not  easier  to  find  another  nesting  place  than  to  have  a  long  fight.  (August'^'?, 
1886.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Nkw  Jkusf.y. — lU'uhjviou.  Charles  E.  Bellows:  It  molests  the  chipping  sparrow, 
house  wren,  and  summer  yellowbird.  The  purple  martin  habitually  resists  the  oii- 
croachnients  of  the  Sparrow,  and  will  not  let  one  come  within  a  stone's-throw  of  Lis 
house.  I  have  seen  the  martin  fight  for  former  nesting  sites,  and  come  oil"  best  man 
every  time.     (August  Si6,  1886.     Present  eighteen  years. ) 

CaUhcdl.  Marcus  S.  Crane:  It  drives  away  the  bluebird,  wren,  martin,  and  cliip- 
ping  sparrow.  It  has  battles  every  year  with  bluebirds  for  the  possession  of  bird- 
houses.  Last  July  it  drove  some  martins  from  their  nests  under  the  eaves  of  my 
brother's  barn,  and  two  years  ago  they  drove  some  from  the  nests  under  the  eaves  of 
a  neighbor's  house.     (February  U),  1884.    Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Jlackcnuack.  Weldou  F.  Fosdick  :  I  have  never  noHced  any  trouble  between  llio 
Sparrow  aiul  other  birds.     (August  26,  1886.     Present  fifteen  years.) 

Oravyc.  Lloyd  McKim  Garrison  :  City  and  suburb.  It  molests  and  to  some  extent 
drives  away  the  wren,  bluebird,  downy  woodpecker,  purple  martin,  cliff  swallow,  and 
barn  swallow.     (February  11,  1884.     Present  many  years.) 

riainfield.  F.  T.  Cuthbert :  It  has  been  observed  to  drive  away  from  their  fornar 
nesting  places  the  robin,  bluebird,  thrushes,  song  sparrow,  and  catbird.  (Februaiy, 
1887.) 

Itidfjewood  (country).  Henry  Hales:  I  have  not  seen  it  molest  our  native  birds 
except  in  struggles  for  nests,  and  by  crowdingout  from  near  the  buildings  bluebirds, 
chippies,  and  wrens,  and  in  winter  our  tree  and  song  sparrows.  I  have  a  number  of 
nest-boxcs  up  on  trees,  intended  for  bluebirds,  wrens,  and  purple  martins.  If  tlio 
Sparrow  occupies  them  I  find  no  inclination  in  Mrens  or  bluebirds  to  dispossess  them- 
they  ^vould  rather  go  oil",  and  so  get  crow<ted  out.  I  have  no  martins  now.  I  have 
not  seen  any  b'rd  reclaim  its  nest.  (Janiuiry  18,  1887.  Present  about  fifteen  ^-ears.) 
Tinknion.  S.  .Jillson:  It  takes  possession  of  all  flic  boxes  put  uj)  for  blue iiirds 
and  martins,  and  will  soon  occupy  all  the  hollow  trees  and  woodpecker  holes.  (Fcli- 
rujiry  Id,  l^'84:  Present  about  el(!ven  year's. ) 

Nicw  VoifK,— -J //*'<(/  Cinlre.  V.  S.  Place  :  Last  spring  I  saw  the  Sparrow  and  honso 
wrens  i|Mari(lling  over  a  hole  iu  the  limb  of  au  apjile  tree.  This  was  kei)t  up  fov 
Rev«ral  days  until  the  Sparrow  finally  sueccedt^d  in  driving  away  the  wrens,  when  it 
uesicd  there.     (1885.) 


EVIDEN'CK 


■Kl'KKCTS    ON    NATIVE    BIRDS. 


273 


fii  oir,  iiHiiro 
i8G.     I'resoiit 

tter  into  tlni 
Is  figbtiii;,'  it, 

;bo  mock  in;;, 
lix  years.) 
loarly  all  tlie 
in,  iiiulbliiL'. 
to  build  luiir 
ro  tbo  cherry 
K  places  that 
L'cover  tliciii, 
ss.     (August 

and  aro  too 
■nary  4,  im. 

ininj;  funntT 

laini  ncstii:^r 

succeed  if  it 

(August  2?, 

ng  sparrow, 
sists  tho  en- 
throw  of  his 
'IF  best  man 

1,  and  chip- 
ion  of  binl- 
ives  of  my 
0  eaves  of 

etwceu  the 

lonio  extent 
allow,  and 

heir  former 
February, 

xtive  birds 
bluebirds, 
number  of 
ns.  Iftiie 
isess  them- 
IV.  1  have 
Jen  years.) 
bluebirds 
es.     (I'eli- 

and  house 

'l)t    up  fill 

■I,  when  it 


Hill/  liidrje.  J.  A.  I'erry  :  It  issupiioseil  by  many  persons  that  the  English  Sparrow 
is  highly  destructive  tf)  our  native  sonjfl)irds,  and  the  regret  has  fVe(iuently  been  ox- 
[iressed  on  that  account  that  they  should  be  sntlVred  to  live  and  accumulate  in  such 
vast  numbers.  ]$nt  the  writer,  who  has  had  ample  ojiportunity  to  observe  tho  habits 
(it  tliese  birds,  is  confident  that  the  o]>inion  entertained  of  their  destruetiveuess  is  a 
|iiiliiilar  prejiulice,  and  i.s  not  substantiated  by  facts.  Large  luunbers  have  made  the 
rnrul  residence  of  the  writer  their  home  for  many  years,  as  have  also  some  fifteen  or 
tweuty  trilies  of  songsters,  and  not  a  single  instance  has  been  observed  of  a  conHict 
lietween  them.  'J'he  Siwrrows  ((uarrel  among  themselves,  but  they  do  not  appear  to 
interfere,  in  a  belligerent  way,  with  other  tribes  of  birds.  (For  the  Journal  of  Coiu- 
nieree.    New  Y<uk  City,  January  24,  1880.) 

Hdil  li'iilf/e.  li.  ('.  Townseml:  As  regards  the  peaceful  relations  of  the  English 
Sparrow  to  other  birds,  my  experience  eoniirins  the  testimony  of  my  neighbor,  Mr. 
J.  A.  Terry,  with  the  exception  of  a  single  case.  There  were  certain  swallows  build- 
ing their  mud-nests  under  our  front  porch,  which  nests  they  attacked  with  great 
viojenee  ami  destroyed,  driving  the  birds  away.  The  simple  attempt  to  destroy  the 
nest  of  wrens  upon  the  rear  porch  was  unsuccessful,  as  tho  little  wrens  fought  with 
^reat  des|teration,  and  liiuilly  drove  them  entirely  away,  reniaiuiug  during  the  season, 
and  rearing  two  broods  of  young.     (March  27,  1881).) 

Iliiiyliamlon.  U.  J.  Gaylord  :  The  bluebird,  martin,  and  wreu  will  resist  encroach- 
nieuts  if  in  {lossession,  and  sometimes  with  success.  I  have  on  my  place  ten  or  twelve 
liinl-honses  for  bluebirds,  wrens,  and  martins.  If  the  Sparrow  is  in  possession  of  a 
lidx  it  will  invariably  hold  it,  as  tlie  other  birds  will  not  contest  bbeir  rights.  (Octo- 
ber*, 188().     Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Hiuokl\j\i.  Olive  Thorne  Jliller:  I  have  closely  watched  the  birds  around  myhouso 
in  Brooklyn  for  four  years.  The  first  ar.^l  second  years  there  were  at  least  two  pairs 
ofriiliins  and  one  or  two  pairs  of  IJaltimore  orioles  which  nested  in  my  neighborhood, 
and  which  I  saw  and  heard  everyday.  The  third  year  there  was  one  pair  of  robins  and 
(ine  pair  of  orioles,  and  the  fourth  there  have  been  neither  robins  nor  orioles,  except 
MS  rare  visitors  from  some  other  neighborhood.  I  have  noticed  also  in  Prospect  Park 
[liriMikiyn]  that  as  tho  Sjiarrows  penetrat(>-  farther  in  the  native  birds  retreat.  From 
my  windows  I  have  many  times  seen  Sparrows  fcdlow  a  robin  or  an  oriole  from  tree 
•o  tree,  flying  closely  after  him,  and  alighting  when  he  alighted,  not  attempting  to 
teneli  him,  but  evidently  annoying  him  very  much,  for  he  always  appeared  uneasy^ 
ami  never  staid  long.  There  is  near  me  a  bitter-sweet  shrub,  and  every  year,  in 
Oetdlier  and  November,  when  it  is  full  of  berries  there  come  to  it  several  thrushes, 
I  tliink  the  hermit  thrush  ('/'.  palluni).  I  have  to-day  seen  Sparrows  collecting  in  tho 
trees  near,  all  violently  calling,  in  their  loud,  harsh  way,  as  they  do  when  danger  ai>- 
ptdaches.  On  looking  closely  I  saw  iwo  thrushes,  which  have  been  about  for  a  week 
or  more,  trying  to  eat  the  berries.  Every  time  one  of  them  flew  a  Sparrow  would  tly 
after  it.  The  thrnsh  was  annoyed  and  would  leave  the  bush  where  it  was  eating,  ami 
ali^jiton  the  fence.  The  Sparrow  would  alight  too,  and  be  ready  for  insvant  flight 
the  moment  tlie,  thrush  started. 

1  (ine(>  saw  Sparrows  in  the  same  way  attempt  to  mob  a  cat-bird,  bnt  a  cat-bird  is 
not  lo  be  v.orried,  and  he  easily  put  to  lliglit  the  whole  party.  From  what  I  havi! 
seen  of  them,  I  think  Sparrows  keep  away  other  birds  partly  by  annoying  them  in 
the  way  1  have  mentioned  and  jiartly  by  filling  with  their  nests  and  noisy  broods 
every  nook  and  corner  in  which  oiir  own  birds  eonid  build.  1  have  seen  tr"m  per- 
sistently follow  and  hustle  robins,  thrushes,  and  orioles.  Cat-birds  are  not  so  easily 
iltive:  'V,  and  will  generally  stand  their  ground.  Mobbing  is  the  Sjiarrow's  favorite 
iiietju  ;k1  I  have  seen  it,  employed  against  a  solitary  red  S(inirrel  that  had  lived  for 
two  (ir  three  nu)ntl>.s  iu  the  trees  of  the  m^igbborhood.  and  even  against  a  cat  which 
eiimbA'.d  a  vine  where  nests  were  placed.     (1884,) 

Jiiooidyih  Hon.  Nicolas  Pike:  Though  tlui  Sparrow  is  a  most  pugnacious  bird,! 
1^0  iu)t  tjiink  it  drives  our  birds  a\va,v,  fuy  \t  js  piy  belief  niQSt  ivre  a  inotcll  J'OF  liilU, 

'8404— Bull  I i8 


274 


THK    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 


It  is  tnio  tlioy  are  not  i>lt'ntiful  i\n  formerly  in  Brooklyn,  but  it  is  from  tho  inr roiiso 
of  ])opiila1i(>n.  AVliolc  streots  and  avenues  of  houses  arc  now  standiiii;  whore  not 
niauy  years  ajjo  were  thick  woods  where  I  went  <;uuiiin<;.  Oitr  hirds  have  <;rii(l- 
ually  irfucil  lo  the  country,  where  they  find  (jnit^t  and  congenial  fooil ;_  hut  the  Simr- 
row  has  remained,  as  it  ratlitu'  likes  noise  and  bustle,  and  can  tind  littiiif^  f;)()d,  uiiilui' 
almost  any  eomlitions,  anywhere. 

(Jo  to  Prospect  Park,  where  hundreds  of  pretty  songsters  have  a  secure  refuge,  ami 
rear  their  young  in  i)eace.  Now,  I  do  not  know  any  place  where  Sparrows  must  do 
cmigregate  as  lh(\v  do  in  this  same  park.  It  is  a  pleasure  +o  me  every  sunnuer  to 
watch  them  hatliing,  forty  or  liftyat  a  time,  on  tho  unu'gins  of  the  ponds,  and  I  never 
saw  them  interfere!  with  our  charming  chats,  yellowbirds,  robins,  catbinls,  etc., 
that  como  down  and  sliare  tho  bath  with  tUoir  Knglish  cousius.  (February  8,  1884, 
Present  about  thirty-Anir  years.) 

Vanuxvrdfia  (country).  E.  S.  Gilbert:  It  has  taken  the  nests  of  the  unul  swallow 
{I'vlvDihclUhin  Iiniifrons),  driving  away  the  rightful  owners.  (August 'iH,  1880.  Pres- 
ent one  year  or  less.) 

('oiisl(tiili<i.  Wallace  D.  llhincs:  I  have  a  inartin-lioust;  which  is  claimed  by  tbo 
martins  as  soon  as  they  arrive,  and  is  kept.  1  have  never  noticed  the  nuirtins  molest 
a  Sparrow  excei)t  neai'  thi'ir  house.  The  martins  arrived  Jlay  Ki,  188(i,  and  foiuid 
their  house  oc(!Ui)ied  by  Sparrows,  and  containing  young  and  eggs.  I  saw  th(!  mar- 
tins drag  out  tho  young  and  kill  them,  and  also  carry  away  the  eggs.  (August ','3, 
188G.      I'resent  four  or  five  years.) 

(Uinnevoovt,  Joseph  W.  Shurter:  I  have  observed  instances  in  which  the  blue- 
bird resiste<l  the  Sparrow,  but  most  of  our  siimnior  birds  yield  their  ground  without 
an  ell'ort  at  defense.  In  two  cases  the  bluebirds  attempted  to  regain  i)Ohsessi(m  of 
boxes  put  uj)  for  them,  but  were  unsuccessful  until  aided  by  a  few  charges  of  sliot 
sent  where  they  would  do  tho  nn)st  good.  I  have  observed  numerous  contests  be- 
tween Sparrows  an<l  various  other  birds,  in  which  the  Sparrows  were  evidently  the 
aggressors,  and  this  fact,  taken  in  connection  with  thc!  decrease  of  other  birds,  1  lliiiik 
justifies  tho  statement  that  the  Sparrow  molests  and  drives  away  most  of  our  soii;;- 
birds.     (February  4,  1888.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

Ithaca.  George  Donaldson  :  I  Lave  seen  it  drive  tho  blutdiird  from  its  old  home  and 
oc(!upy  it;  also,  downy  woodpeckers  from  their  previous  aiiode.     (1^85.) 

Lockpoft.  Lewis  II.  Hill  1  have  never  seen  the  Sparrow  iuterfere  with  otlier 
birds.  This  year  we  have  quite  a  good  mauy  Sparrows  and  robins,  and  ono  nest  of 
wrens.  Formerly  \v(!  had  sonuj  bluebirds  and  orioles.  I  do  not  know  whether  the 
Sparrow  drova  them  away  or  not.     (September  3,  1881).) 

Lomj  Inland  City.  W.  F.  llendrickson :  A  few  years  ago  nests  of  the  robiu  and  oriole 
■were  very  common  ahnig  the  roads  here,  and  in  tho  gardens  were  numbers  of  wood 
thrushes,  catbirds,  and  other  birds;  but  now  there  are  hardly  any  nests  of  the  roliiu 
or  oriole  to  be  found  ou  tho  trees  along  the  roads,  and  the  birds  are  gradually  beeoiii- 
ing scarce  in  tho  gardens.  Tho  Sparrow  now  builds  in  the  voods  also,  and  I  supijo.se 
that  iu  tho  course  of  a  few  years  more  it  \vill  have  entirely  supplanted  the  otlier  liinls. 
(October  a2,  188.-).) 

Lyons.  J.  S.  Roys:  It  has  been  observed  to  molest  and  drive  olV  roliins  and 
meatlow  laiks,  and  other  song-birds  seem  to  hav(!  decroiwed  since  the  iiitroduetiouof 
the  Sparrow.     (October  ^(),  188().     Present  several  years.) 

Kvw  York.  A.  Church  :  I  have  seen  them  in  villages  where  there  was  a  great  va- 
riety of  other  birds,  and  they  did  not  molest  them.  I  havesoen  a  robin's  nest  within 
a  few  feet  of  where  tho  Sparrow  was  nesting,  and  in  one  place  J  saw  the  blueliird 
occupying  ono  part  of  a  Spaiiow  house  and  tho  Sparrow  the  other  at  tho  same  time, 
and  the  entrances  to  the  house  within  three  inches  of  each  other.  There  was  also  ii 
nest  of  the  ph(eb(<  bird  within  a  few  feet  of  this  same  house.     (March  27,  1884.) 

Xew  i'ork.  W.  A,  Cimklin  :  It  molests  and  drives  away  tho  iudigo  bird,  bluebird, 
yellowbird,  aud  wren.     (.Inly  G,  18?J4.     Present  twenty  years  or  ruore.) 


EVIDENCE. — EFFECTS    ON   NATIVE    lURDS. 


275 


1  of  our  SDiiji;- 


old  hoiiic  iiud 


yew  Tovk:  Dr.  F.  Ilollick  :  I  liivvo  a  Idid  liouso  wliicli  Vkih  now  l»t«eii  occupied  for 
tliict'  years  in  Hiu'ccKsion  liy  Itliichinls,  ri};ht  amonj;  a  large.  Hock  of  Sparrows,  in  my 
own  Harden  ;  ii  robin  also  liuilds  overy  year  in  n  treo  cIoho  by,  nnder  wliieh  the  Spar- 
rows c()iij;re<?ato  every  day.  I  believe  tliat  it  is  the  Hinall  l)()y  and  tlio  .shotirnn  that 
drive  away  our  native  bird.sfnini  inhabited  places,  and  when  they  are  <roiie  the  Spar- 
rows, who  alono  can  withstaiul  theno  enemies,  are  accused  of  driving  them  away. 
(Septembers,  IH84.) 

Old  U'tnthurij.  John  D.  Hicks:  There  is  no  conflict  between  the  Sparrow  and  the 
liinls  in  our  locality,  exce])t  with  the  bluebird  and  wren,  which  compete  for  nesting 
places.  The  Sparrow  by  tirst  occni)ancy  gtds  iiossession  and  holds  it  ;  consetiuently 
ijhu'liirds  are  scarce.  Wrens  only  sncccetl  iu  building  in  houses  with  small  entrances. 
(September  (),  lUtHi.     Present  about  twenty  years.) 

I'liiiited  I'ost.  A.  II.  Wood:  The  comm  )n  hous(i-wren  resists  the  encroaeliiucnts  of 
tile  S[iarrow  with  great  snceess,  <luuipiiig  out  the  whole  business,  eggs  and  ail ;  the 
pinple  gracsklo  also  does  so  to  acertain  extcsnt.  Uarn  and  ditf  swallows  and  bluebirds 
ri.iist  with  jioor  success.  I  have  not  observed  the  Sparrow  todriveolf  any  of  our  na- 
tive birds.  The  trouble  is  that  it  takes  possession  of  desiiable  nesting  l)lacl^s,  and 
wiicii  other  birds  arrive  the  Sparrows  are  fully  established,  and  the  native  birds  are 
I  imi)ellcd  to  go  elsewhere.  Formerly  bluebirds  nestwl  very  freely  iu  this  vill,'ig(<,  bnt 
siiiie  the  S[)arrows  have  bcf^ome  numerous  they  have  entirely  disappeared  from  their 
iii'siiiig  pliices.     (August  10,  188C.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

I'Uitlnhuryh.  G.  II.  Hudson  :  I  have  seen  six  or  eight  Sjiarrows  follow  a  robin  about, 
anil  seize  upon  and  appropriate  each  earth-worm  which  he  dragged  from  the  ground. 
(ls-1.) 

UiiihvHtvr.  Henry  Harrison  :  I  have  ntsver  seen  any  of  our  native  birds  attempt  to 
drive  away  tbeSparrow,  but  it  takes  po.sse.ssion  of  any  nest  it  wisln^s.  A  robin  built 
A  iii'st  for  three  seasons  in  a  tr<'e  opposite  my  window,  anil  the  Sparrow  drove  it  awiiy. 
It  olso  drives  away  orioles  and  woodpeckers.  (August  '2'S,  1881).  Present  about  four- 
tct'ii  years.  ) 

Siliinilers  Zn/re  (country).  La  Grande  Sonfhworth:  I  have  seen  the  downy  wood- 
jieclu'r  attempt  to  drive  ofV  thy  Sjiarrow,  but  ho  was  always  defeated.  The  Sparrow 
also  attacks  bluebirds  a!)d  robins,  and  I  have  seen  it  octnpying  a  robin's  nest,  b\it 
never  saw  the  robin  attempt  to  reclaiin  the  nest.  (December  2,  18H(».  Present  about 
six  years.) 

Siiifi  Siiuf.  Dr.  A.  K.  Fisher;  Before  the  advent  of  the  House  Sparrow,  and  before 
lie  liad  become  fully  established,  the  wood-tliriis'i  {Turdiis  miintrHiiHH),  robin  (Mvntht 
ii.iijrdlofia),  Ualtiniore  oriole  (hteviiH  (lalbitUi),  jmrple  niaitiu  {I'lotjiic  mthin),  house 
wren  (Troghdjites  ai'dou),  catbird  {flaleoscoptts  can>U>>cii!iiii),  and  a  jiimber  of  oth(>r 
species,  were  common  summer  residents  iu  the  village,  building  tluMr  nests  iu  the 
larj;edoor  yards.  For  years  they  have  been  rnrely  known  to  l>ree(l  excei)t  iu  the  out- 
skirls  of  the  village.  The  purjile  martins  have  disaiipeared  from  the  locality,  with 
tlic  exception  of  one  colony,  which  still  occui)ies  a  largo  martin  box  at  the  State 
prison. 

Once  a  pair  of  kingbirds  attempted  to  build  a  nest  in  one  of  the  larg(»  sycamores 
wliicli  stood  near  the  old  I?;iptist  church  in  the  center  of  the  vill;ige.  They  linally 
iiad  to  abandon  this  site,  for  the  Sparrows  would  lly  up  in  the  absence  of  the  kiiig- 
liiiilsand  remove  the  material  as  fast  as  it  was  deposited. 

The  habit  of  the  Sparrow  in  following  the  robin  and  snatching  particles  of  food 
I'roiM  its  bill  was  noted  by  the  -vriter  iu  a  letter  to  Dr.  Cones,  published  iu  the  Ameri- 
ean  Naturalist  for  Decemlx^r,  188:i,  p.  llioy.     (188.').     Present  about  uinete(>n  years.) 

N.VXicH.se  (city  and  country).  Edwin  M.  Hasbrcuick:  One  case  has  come  under  my 
iiotico  where  a  robin  had  partly  linishc<l  a  nest  iu  a  maple  tree  wlicn  the  Sparrow 
took  possession  and  completed  it  after  iiis  own  ideas.  Tliis  was  blown  or  torn  down, 
Mill  two  years  after  was  oceu[)ied  by  the  raliin,  but  the  Sparrow  has  possession  now. 
It  molests  and  drives  otf  warblers,  thrushes,  llycatchers,  orioles,  and  the  goldfinch, 


27(J 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


wnsii,  bluebinl,  and  piirpio  gnickh^    ( Anj^ust  20, 18H0.    Presont  twonty-two  or  tweuty- 
throe  ycarH.) 

TiiUy  (country).  J.  A.  Dakin  :  I  havo  Heen  tlio  biitelier-binl  and  kingbird  drive  it 
away  without  hv'iu^  lirst  attacki'd.  Th(!  jmrph'.  martin  is  thoonly  bird  1  haveiKilicwl 
attoinptinj;  to  n-claiin  former  ncstiuf^  nitcH.  I  Haw  Heveral  of  tUfSu  laist  May  linlitiii|t 
for  the  i>o8,seasion  of  a  forniei  ncHtinj;  hoime  whicli  the  Sparrow  was  then  occupvliifr, 
The  robin  and  eavo  swallow  {lniii/niiiH)  have  been  expeUcd  to  a  considerable  ex tuiit. 
(S('iit(>mber  lt»,  1SH(5.    I'rcsent  about  eiy,ht  years.) 

H'athhis.  II.  C.  (Jriswohl:  Last  Hjiriny,  when  the  Hiraw  stacks  wens  torn  down, 
about  sixty  Sparrow.",  which  werc!  tlius  dt!i)rivedof  a  ])liiceti)  roost,  came  to  thcrvci-- 
greens  in  the  front  yard  and  i)itcli(Ml  battle  with  four  or  live  pairs  ef  purple  rniclics. 
Th(!y  drove  the  rinchcij  from  the  jdace  they  had  freiiuented  for  years,  and  evtsn  wliip|Mil 
or  dis(!onra<^ed  a  hen  so  as  to  make  her  look  elsewhere  for  shtdter.  At  a  neij^lilicii's, 
where  seventy  or  eighty  martins  build  their  nests  under  Mie  eaves,  they  drove  tluiii 
away  after  a  few  days'  fight,  so  that  now  the  Sparrows  have  sole  possession.  (.Siji- 
tenibiu' :!0,  iHM.'i.) 

H'cxl  I'arms,  New  York  ('ihj,  Jas.  Angus:  Thc^re  is  but  one  serious  objection  lo  \\w, 
Sparrow,  and  that  is  that  it  annoys  and  keeps  away  the  wrens  and  bluebirds ;  Imt  I 
protect  the  wrons  by  contracting  the  o))eniug  to  their  house  ;  if  it  is  nui.le  just  iai"v 
enough  for  the  wren  it  is  too  small  for  the  Sparrow,  ai,ul  there  will  be  no  tronlilc, 
(Kebruary  11,  JH81.    Present  fifteen  or  twenty  years.) 

NoKTH  Cauolina. — Graham.  Robert  J.  Thompson  :  A  resident  of  (he  town  of  fJiii- 
hani  told  nu)  that  he  had  seen  the  Sparrow  attack  and  kill  all  kiinls  of  other  birds 
and  their  young  ;  that  ho  had  scon  as  many  as  a  dozen  Sparrows  attack  one  liird.  Tiut 
Humuuir  sparrow  and  wren  seem  to  bo  the  birds  which  suffer  most,  but  robiii^  ami 
bluebirds  are  also  attacked.     (Rock  Creek,  N.  C,  March  7,  188H.) 

liule'mh.  T.  C.  Williams  :  It  is  driving  out  our  native  sparrows,  mockingbirds,  and 
other  snuill  birds  that  formerly  abounded  in  and  around  country  villages  and  towns. 
(Si^pteniber2,  188(5.     Present  about  fiv()  years.) 

Ohio. — Aherdteti,  George  Sibbald:  In  1884,  when  the  oats  were  ripe,  I  saw  a  liotk 
of  Sparrows  sitting  on  the  fence  that  inclosed  the  field— the  iirst  I  had  seen  oiitsidi^ 
the  city  or  village.  In  1885  a  few  built  their  nests  and  hatched  their  young  in  and 
about  uiy  dwelling-house.  In  the  year  1880  they  came  in  large  nuinbers  and  drove 
all  the  native  birds  from  the  trees  in  the  front  yard,  and  built  their  nests  in  and  about 
the  house  as  before.  In  the  spring  of  1887  I  had  all  the  old  iiests  thrown  out  and 
every  hole  and  crevice  stopped  up.  They  came  in  great  numbers,  but  only  one  pair 
found  a  place  to  hatch — the  others  all  left.  The  native  birds  riiturned  to  the  tiees 
and  bushes  in  my  yard  and  reared  their  young.  A  visitor  at  my  house,  who  had  Ix'iiii 
traveling  much  this  season,  said  I  had  more  birds  than  any  place  he  had  seen,  and 
named  four  or  live  ditferent  kinds  which  had  ue^ts  on  the  trees.     (.June  10,  1887.) 

liuTton  (country).  P.  W.  Parmelee:  The  martin  and  bluebird  havo  lield  their  own 
with  the  Sparrow,  but  the  robin,  swallow,  yellow  bird,  catbird,  and  pluebe  lia\i' no 
show  with  it,  aiul  have  almost  entirely  left  this  part  of  the  country.  All  thealiovc- 
named  birds  and  the  wren  havo  nested  on  my  jdace,  mostly  in  nests  occupied  tin' 
previous  year,  until  within  a  year  or  two.  (September  1,  1880.  I'rosent  about  live 
years.) 

Cincinnati.  William  Ilubbell  Fishor :  The  only  birds  to  bo  found  In  the  city  now 
are  the  Sj)arrow  and  the  domestic  pigeon.    (Siiptemlier  D  1884). 

Cincinnati.  Dr.  E.  W.  Laugdon :  It  has  replaced  to  a  very  large  extent  the  blue- 
bird, martin,  and  in  some  neighborhoods  the  house  and  Carolina  wrens,  that  for- 
merly bred  in  boxes  put  up  for  them.  A  bridge  within  the  city  limits,  formerly  oc- 
cupied by  hundreds  of  cliff  swallows,  has  for  several  years  past  been  tenanted  almost 
exclusively  by  the  Siiarrows.    (November,  1885.) 

Circliville.  Dr,  Howard  Jones :  The  wrens  are  not  equ.al  to  Sparrows  in  tiglitin;; 
qualities,  so  far  aa  I  havo  ohscvvcd,  uud  tUo  houso  wrojt,  Bewick's  wien,  auil  tUu 


EVIDENCE — EFFECTS   ON   NATIVE    IHUUS. 


277 


yoortwpiity- 

jliinl  (liivoit 
liiivo  iioI'icihI 
May  li^liling 

II  OOCUliyilljr, 

Table  extent. 

I)  torn  (ItPWM, 
in  to  tliccvcr- 
ii'iili)  liiiclics. 
jven  whiiipcd 
a  iieii^lilMii's, 
,•  (Irovi)  them 
'ssion.     (Si'ji- 

jectioii  to  {\h: 
ebird.s  ;  liiil  I 
i.lo  Just  \HV'V 
Hi  no  tniiilJi', 

town  ol'drii- 
)f  otlicr  liii'dn 
[)ii(!l)inl.  Till* 

lit   l•()biu^s  llllil 

ingbirds,  and 
)8  anil  towns. 

I  .saw  a  lloik 
8e<;n  onisidi? 
oinifi  in  mid 
;i's  and  (Irovd 

inandiiliiiiit 
•own  out  and 
inly  one  pair 
|1  to  the  tiens 

ho  had  beou 

ad  seen,  mid 

0,  1887.) 

1(1  their  own 
ln'be  lia\  I'  no 
In  tlii'iiiiDvc- 

pcciipi(;d  lin^ 
about  live 

|bc  city  now 

lit  the  bUic- 
li.s,  tliat  I'or- 
rormerly  oe- 
fited  almost 

in  lif{htinf,' 
tn,  ami  thu 


great  Carolina  wren  are  molested  iiiid  driven  otl'.   (AnjjiiHt  11',  li;8(j.     Prcseut  about 
ei({lit  yeans.) 

I'Idrluiid.  Dr.  K.  Sterllnj;:  WIk  n  few  in  iiunibcrH  they  did  not  molest  our  na- 
tive birdH,  l>ut  now  that  they  have  waxed  .stronj;  and  I'at,  no  native  birds  are  left. 
La.-^t  si)rin;j;lHaw  a  ^aiif^of  them  kill  outri},'bta  robin  on  the  vul)lie  H(|uaro.  Ten  years 
a^'o  1  eouiiled  11)2  nests  of  native  iiinls  on  two  and  one-lialf  miles  of  Enelid  avenue; 
this  last  .season  yon  eonld  hardly  liiid  a  do/en,  and  there  is  no  other  eanse  for  their  dis- 
aiiiiearauee  tiian  these  little  pests.  I  have  seen  tbomtcar  up  the  nests  of  other  birds 
and  break  the  e;;j^s;  liavt;  seen  them  drive  an  old  lien  and  her  brood  from  their  In- 
dian-meal fooil  by  foree  of  number.s;  ;uid  even  oiir  tomeat  hail  to  bu(d<  out  wlien  iibont 
to  try  his  baud  on  a  lledycdin;^.  Tiie  kinjjbird  is  tiieonly  one  that  holds  his  own  with 
:liiMi;he  breeds  here  midistiirbed.  ( I'ldtrnary  "J."),  l."*.-*!.  Present  about  f(Mirteeii  years.) 

I'uliimbns  (subinli,  Ohio  .State  University ).  William  li.  Ahvood:  I  hav(^  never  oli- 
wrved  a  direet  conlliet  between  tlio  Sp.-irrow  and  other  speeies.  Mis  lordship  simply 
appiopriatcs  the  cboie((  localities,  and  other  speeies  aeiiniesce  In  his  (ie<Mipancy.  (July 
10,  I.S87.) 

Coliiinhiin.  Dr.  J.  JI,  Wheaton  :  It  molests  and  drives  away  tlie  house  wren,  biiie- 
liird,  wood  )>ewee,  ehiiiiiiiiu;  s))arrow,  and  a  few  other  city  birds.  I  am  satisfied  that 
in  (iiir  eity  few(^r  birds  ni.'ike  t  heir  appearam^e  than  liid'ore  the  Sp.arrow  w.'is  iiitro- 
dnced.     (April  18,  1884.     Present  about  twelves  years.) 

Uarrvtisville.  A.  .1.  Smith  :  I  have  known  the  marl  in  to  hold  pos.session  when  at- 
tacked 1  the  Sparrow,  and  the  Sparrow  to  take  the  lower  tier  of  boxes  in  the  same 
iioiise  with  the  martin.  I  hiivo  known  the  Sjiarrow  to  take  iiossession  of  the  robin's 
iKst  after  the  robin  hacV raised  one  broo<l  in  it.  (October  27,  188(5.  Present  about 
live  years.) 

l.anr>\.  Daniel  l$ohl :  I  have  seen  this  pestiferous  little  bird  destroy  the  iiijsts  of 
(inr  idbiiis,  and  this  sprinj;'  1  tore  its  nests  out  of  a  martin  box  which  I  Iiave  set  up 
toar  dill'erent  tiuie.«,  yet  it  persisted  in  buildin;?;  but  I  uevor  ceased  until  the  mar- 
tins had  taken  full  possession.  'riies(>  troublesome  inqis  drive  the  martins  away- 
and  I  have  seen  them  drivi;  out  our  native  barn  swallows  and  take  full  possession  of 
tlicir  nests.     (Au<;ust  (i,  1887.) 

Mi'tdinoia.  II.  C.  Somes:  The  luijilisb  Sparrows  ar(!  too  nnmerous  here.  We  bad 
IK)  phd'bes  in  their  old  plac(!  last  si>riii;;'  except  for  a  few  d.-iys.  My  hiimmin<;birds 
wtvo  all  i^ono  last  year,  and  there  were  no  ytdlowbirdsor  wrens,  and  but  few  meadow- 
laiks  and  robins.    (February  ll!,  188,'-i. ) 

Siir  Linbo't.  .1.  F.  Beiiner :  It  does  not  drive  off  any  natives  birds  to  my  knowl- 
id};i'.  In  thespriu<;a  martin-liox  on  my  ]ireniises  istai<cii  jiosse.ssion  of  by  the  Spar- 
rows; the  bluebirds  will  lij^ht  them,  and  sometimes  j^et  possession  of  a  part  of  it  until 
till' martin  comes,  when  both  have  to  vac'ate  in  a  hurry.  (August  27,  18a(!.  I'reseut 
about  six  years.) 

Xiirlh  7)011?  (suburb).  P.  11.  Wjuder  :  The  house  wren  and  bluebird  are  driven  off 
l)ytlie  Sjiarrow.  The  jj;reat  crested  tlycatcher  and  bluebird  sometimes  reclaim  for- 
nwr  nestiuf^  places,  but  rarely.     (November  27,  IHf^iJ,     Present  about  eleven  years.) 

(hj'iivd  (country,  1  mile  from  village).  L.  N.  Hnnham  :  Jay-birds  and  robins  resist 
iiiiil  attiMiiiit  to  drive  off  tliii  Sparrow,  but  it  ne\er  leaves.  A  few  years  iigo  the  blue- 
liinls  attempted  to  reclaim  their  nests,  but  they  have  given  iiji  the  contest,  and  I 
nrvir  see  them  now  ;  they  have  been  driven  olf  my  farm  entirely  by  the  Sjiarrow.  Mr. 
K.  I'.  Wetinore,  of  the  Oxford  Farmers'  Club,  tells  me  of  a  long  contest  in  his  door- 
,\aiil  bi^tween  Sfiarrows  and  nibins.  The  baru  swallows  also  have  all  gone?  simie  the 
Sp.iirow  came.     (Columbus,  Ohio,  November  2i),  188t). ) 

U'lilrman  (country).  W.  P.  Hall :  ft  is  sauey  and  aggressive.  I  have  seen  it  drive 
till'  Iduebird,  wren,  barn  swallow,  and  downy  wnokpeeker  from  their  nests.  It  does 
not  seem  to  be  endowed  with  individual  eourage,  but  moves  in  tloeks  and  overcomes 
liy  force  of  numbers.     (1885.     Present  about  four  yeai's.) 

Il'ist  lierUii  (country).     C.  II.  Shaw  and  ,1.  P.  Roloson  :  We  have  seen  tlieni   tight 


■F 


I 


278 


TIIH    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMKRICA. 


blui'binlH  for  wciUh  at  a  tiiiir,  and  also  l'ij;lit  rohiiis  in  order  to  j;(\t  tlicir  nest  and  lniild 
it  over  for  thfni.sclvcrt.  Martins,  too,  are  niolosteil  and  UrivtMi  away.  (Septtinlirr 
8,  18H().     i'rt'wnt  alioiit  tlirco  yoiiru.) 

I'KNNSYI.VANIA. — Hcnrjiii.  Krank  L.  MurnH;  I  have  frt'iincntly  seen  tlut  Hiianow 
ti};lit  and  conijiRM' ii.ilivo  liirdH,  printiiially  tlic  lionsc  wron,  and  tako  jiosficHsidii  ni' 
jilacoM  fornualy  ociiupied  by  them.  Tli«  most  deploralihi  work  of  tliin  pcHt  lirs  lui  n  lo 
drive  from  tlii-ir  accnstoincd  haunts  tho  hhii-k  martin  (rn>i/iii:  mihiH).  I  know  nl' 
Hcarcoly  a  plat'o  that  is  now  ocenpiod  hy  Iho  martin  wlioii*  live  years  aj^o  Ihev  wein 
numerous.     (January,  188(i,) 

llryii  Miner.  A.  Ji.  Montf^omery  ;  and  Radnor.  W.  W.  Montgomery  :  We  havr  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  Hceu  tli«!  Sparrow  actually  attack  other  hiiils,  except  in  a  lii^lil  lorn 
nesting  place,  hut  liavo  often  observed  their  system  of  mobbing  othi'r  birds,  such  as 
the  brown  Ihrusli  and  cat-bird.  This  system  seems  to  (M)nsist  in  sitting  in  a  ciowd, 
just  out  of  reach  of  the  olijcct  of  Iheir  dislikis  and  "  insulting"  him,  following  liim 
when  he  moves,  and  giving  liim  no  jnwice  until  he;  leaves  Hit!  neighborhood,  'J'lic  ic- 
Hiilt  of  their  colonizing  the  lu'ighborliood  of  a  country  house  is  soon  apparent  it:  tiic 
gradual  di>iap))earance.  of  tluj  native  l)irds.     (Novemlier  H,  ISHC.) 

(irrmaiilitnti  (snliurb).  Witmer  Stone :  (Joldlinches  {Si)iiiiin  /r(«/i«),  as  well  as  kiIi- 
ins,  Imve  lieeu  frc(iin'ntly  driven  from  the  premises  liy  the  Sparrows.  (Xovemlicr '.i, 
b'-Hd.      Present  thirteen  years  or  more.) 

(Imnaiiloii  ii.  William  liotch  Wist(M' :  The  Knglisli  Sparrow  Ikih  not  drircii  nwiiji, 
(i)id  can  not  ilvivviiuaij,  ouruative  birdsfrom  their  formerhannls.  About  (iermaiitowii 
It  abounds  in  large  uumberH,  but  robiiiH,  bltiobirds,  song  sparrows,  tlirnshes,  inid 
wrens  are  more  nunierons  than  they  wer(»  twenty  years  ago,  owing  chielly  to  llic 
greater  amount  of  prelection  in  thi!  way  of  shrubbery  ami  the  legal  protection  all'iinlcd 
to  insectivorous  \)ird8.  I  observed  two  wrens  contest  an  earthen  crock,  intended  fur 
a  nest,  with  a  pair  of  Sparrows  which  were  already  in  ]iossession  when  the  wrens 
arrived.     In  the  struggle  the  wrens  were  victorious.     (March,  lHH(i.) 

Notwithstanding  an  immense  number  of  Sparrows  about  Gormantown,  where  I  rr- 
siih',  it  can  safely  b(i  saiil  that  robins,  chijiping  s]>arrows,  song  s])arrowN,  wood  niliiiis 
\_Tuv(luH  muKtclhuin'! \,  and  small  birds  generally  werc^  n(!Vcrso  nnmerons.  PaltiMioiv 
and  orchard  orioles  are  plenty.  »  #  *  i  fretpicntly  hear  it  said  that  the  Sparrows 
drive  olV  our  native  birds,  but  wIkmi  cross-questioiu'd  no  one  can  give  an  instance  of 
it.     (NovcMuber  ;i(),  IBfO.     I'resent  many  years.) 

Lttiivantir.  \U-.  S.  S.  Kathvon:  I  have  not  seen  it  in  the  act  of  driving  oil' onr 
native  l>irds.  Mr.  .John  C.  Linville,  an  intelligent  fjirmcr  of  Gaj),  in  this  county, 
stated  to  me  that  the  barn  swallow  {('Itclidnii  vriithrofjanlrr)  had  entirely  disajtpcairil 
from  his  premises,  and  timt  this  was  also  the  case  with  otlu^r  birds,  but  that  the  Knj;lisli 
Sparrow  is  abiind.tnt.  Mr.  Collins,  of  Oolerain,  reports  the  entire  abseiu'C  of  swiil- 
lows  and  blackbirds.  'IMie  following  specie's  were  common  in  the  suburbs  of  this  city 
twenty  years  ago,  but  have  now  all  disai)peared  :  Pur[)le  martin  {t'roijiiv  Huhin).  cat- 
bird {dalcoHcoptcH  r(trotiiic)inin),  ht)UM',  wren  (  7';w//of/(//c.v  0(Wo»)i  thistle  tiiudi  {Sjiiiiitii 
/ri«<is),chii)ping  sparrow  (.S'^(i;(7/rt  «oci(//i.'*),  song  sparrow  {.Mrh'<i>i:n  m(h>di(i),\UUi- 
ir.ore  oriole  (Ictirnn  .</(i//;«/«),  orchard  oriole  (/(/(rH-s  fl^xi/Htt),  bluebird  (>Vi(j/(((  siii/iv), 
robin  {Mcnila  m'uiintoriii),  chimney  swift  {Clininru  jjc/rt.v/cd),  kingbird  (Tfji-dini:!^ 
ijiyfininix).  About  the  timeof  the  introduction  of  the  Si)ar!ow  in  my  locality, ihcri!  was 
said  to  be  sonn^  eontiict  lietween  the  English  .Sparrows,  bluebirds,  an<l  chiiiping  spar- 
rows, but  none  of  the  latter  two  .have  visitt^l  me  for  fifteen  years  or  more,  whatever 
the  cause  may  bo. 

There  a  re  coincidental  circumstances  which  ha  ve  a  ti- ndency  lo  discredit  the  Sparrow. 
For  instance,  fifio'ii  or  twenty  years  ago  the  swift  {Chwliira  pcUujka)  was  very 
abundant  every  summer  in  my  immediate  vicinity,  Init  I  have  not  noticed  a  8inj;le 
individual  the  present  year,  and  they  have  been  grailnally  disappearing  for  the  past 
ten  years  or  more  ;  and  yet  I  can  not  see  how  these  should  ever  come  in  eontiict  with 
the  English  Sparrow.     Again,  about  tho  same  period  or  later,  catbirds  were  comuiou; 


KVIDKNCK. —  KrFIXTS    ON    NATIVK    lilWDS. 


271) 


!Ht  andliiiild 
(Sentt'iiilitr 

thii  Himirow 

KISSl'Nsion   of 

.  lli'H  l)C('ll  Id 

I     klHIW    III' 

(>    Illl'V   \V(!lll 

Vo  llllVc  Ncl- 

ii'ils,  HnvA\  nn 
:  ill  a  orowil, 
llowili;,'  liilii 
i)(l.  'J'llc  ic- 
mrciit  in  tliu 

well  us  Kili- 
VovoiuIktU, 

ilriftii  (!»•(( I/, 
iiTiiiiiiilown 

lnl^^l)(^s,  mill 

hictly  to  lii(! 
lidii  iiltonli'il 
iiitciidcil  t'lir 

I     tllO    WTl'IIM 

wlicrc  I  I'l'- 

kood  loliiiis 

Diiltiiiioro 

:  Spiliro'AS 

instiiiKriit' 

nu;  olV  (Pill' 
lis  comity, 
;:i)i|i(>;ilril 
lio  I';iii;lisii 
i'i>  of  .s\v:il- 
of  this  city 
s((/)(,s),  ent- 
ail   {SifillllH 

dia),  i!aiti- 
[liii  .si(i//s'), 

•.tlicic  WHS 
)\m\fi  spiir- 
wliiitfvcr 

it>  Spai'i'ow. 

was  vory 
■d  a  siiij;U' 
or  till'  past 
iillict  with 

coiiiniou; 


iiiik'cil,  on  Olio  (K'Ciisioii  I  coiiiitL'd  lil'U'cii  im  ii  siiif^le  Clinlnn  ^rapc-viiiu  ;  but  for  ti'ii 
yenrx  I  bavo  not  Hcon  ono  on  tlio  proniJHi'N.  "  »  *  |{|,|  .^n  ||,i^  j,^  cIuinitMl  liy 
the  friends  of  I  lie  Sparrow  to  lie  I  lie  result  of  I  lie  liiiildiiiy;  iniproveiiicnf  s  in  tlie  siihiirlis 
ofliie  eit.v.  Of  eoiiixi;  this  is  worlliy  of  consideration,  liiil  in  llie  few  walks  1  have 
liiki'ii  in  tliu  cuuntr.v  in  the  paMtHuasoii  I  nt.ver  failed  to  linil  iSparrows  in  IIocUh  of  tun, 
twenty,  or  (ifty,  in  tlie  fields  and  anion;;;  tlie  tri'cs  and  sliriildiery,  Iml  ii<i|  a  native 
bird  of  any  species.     (Oetolier  n,  L"'"'ti,     Present  sixteen  yeais  or  more.) 

MiiHHjiv.hl  (NiilnirliH  of  l'ittHlniif;li,  two  and  a  half  miles  fioin  eily  liiie\  Dr.  K,  L. 
WalUi'r:  I  do  not  know  of  a  Hin;.!;le  instance  of  birds  nest  in;;  in  this  phu'O  that  tho 
Spiuidw  has  not  tried  to  drive  away.  .\loii;,'si(le  my  yaideii  a  pair  of  robins  built 
llicir  nest,  and  only  preserved  it  by  dinl  (d'  hard  and  constant  li;;hting;  and  tlu'ii 
only  sncceeded,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  in  reaiin;;  om-  bird.  (.July,  X^f^' .  I'reseiit  about 
live  years.) 

.Vhc  LcxiiKjIoii.  Dr.  H.  D.  Moore:  While  I  have  obst;rv<'d  no  li;;lilin;;,  yet  wlillo 
llic.son;;  sparrow.  chip|iiiiH  spai  ro  .v,  summer  yellowbinl  (DcinlioicK  (rnlir<i),  swallows, 
ami  other  birds  formerly  nested  ii"ar  biiildin;;s,  they  do  ..ot  return.  (.September  i;{, 
issi;,     I'resi'iit  abcnit  cloven   years.) 

Xnrtli  luiHi.  Many  K.  McXichol  :  1  have  (diserved  it  en;ia;;eil  in  driviii;;-  o(f  or 
cliasiii;;  ndiins,  orioles,  wrens,  bliiid)ii'ds,  and  downy  woodiieckers,  altlion;;h  usually 
it  seems  to  be  afraid  of  the  wren,     (iss.'i.     I'rcscnl  six  or  seven  years.) 

riiihtdilphiii.  ,).  Percy  Moore:  I  can  not  say  from  my  own  exj»crieiice  that  this 
Hpecies  hasactually  driven  away  other  species  of  birds  from  this  neighborhood,  but  I 
lia\('  often  Hcen  it  eii;;a;;ed  in  li;j;hts  with  our  iiiitive  biids,  in  which  it  ;;eiieriilly 
iiiiil  the  advantage.  On  one  ticcasion  (May  10,  lS"<ri)  I  observed  a  jtair  of  .Spar- 
rows drive  a  pair  of  bluebirds  from  their  lu^arly  linishcd  n-st  in  a  de.vcrt<'d  llicker's 
(C'lluiilei  oiiratiiK)  hole.  'I  he  Sparrow  took  possession,  remodeled  the  nest,  and  laid 
one  i';;i4'.  The  nest  was  robbed.  lio\\i!ver,  and  when  the  SjiarrowH  deserted  it  the  bliie- 
liirds  returned,  built  a  new  nest,  and  laid  live  e;;;;s.  On  April  '2'i,  18*'),  when  tho 
imrple  martins  first  arrived  in  luimbers,  1  witnessed  a  battle  beiwei'ii  about  twenty 
ofliiem  and  a  lar;^er  number  of  Sjiairows.  'J'lie  latter  had  built  their  nests  in  several 
liiry;e  bird-houses,  in  which  the  martins  had  been  Jicenstoined  to  br<!ed  year  alter  year. 
When  the  martins  arrived  tiie  Sparrows  tried  to  ju'cveiil  them  iVom  enteiin;;  tho 
Ileuses,  but  after  a  Ion;;  battle  tli(!  martins  were  victorious,  and  the  two  sfiecics  lived 
to;;etlier  duriii;;  the  whole  summer,  each  raisin;;'  its  youii;;.  (.Seiiteniher  7,  18H(). 
Present  twenty  years  or  more.) 

ri(ilii<h'l}>lii(t  (suburb).  F.  1{.  Welsh  :  Wherever  the  S|)arrow  has  becmiie  \i'ry 
iiiiiiiei'oiis,  other  small  birJs  of  all  kinds  have  diminished  in  numbers  or  di.sappeared, 
often  without  any  aiiiiarcut  cause.  On  three  occasions  I  have  seen  from  two  to  four 
Spiiirows  defeated  by  a  pair  of  wrens,  and  on  one  occasion  a  i>air  was  beaten  by  a 
pair  of  bluebirds.  The  contest  on  each  occasion  was  concernin;;  a  iicstin;;  place.  I 
know  of  no  other  cases  of  actual  hostilities,  but  have  several  times  .seen  a  robin  lly 
when  a  Hock  of  Kn;;lish  Sparrows  setlletl  near  il,  th()ii;;li  it  wouid  not  have  noticed 
a  ihidi  of  crow  blackbirds.     (October  (i,  IS<>. ) 

liobins  are  often  luohisted.  I  h.ivc  seen  a  .Sjiarrow — always  the  male— hoji  around 
.it'ter  a  robin  without  any  aiiiiarciit  reason  excejit  to  make  himself  disa;;i'eeable.  Oc- 
casionally the  robin  would  vacate,  but  more  often  he  would  char;;e  the  Siiarrow, 
\vlii(li  woiihl    lly  away,  sometimes  returniii;;,   to  lie  driven  off  a.i;iiiu.     (Au;;ust  "24, 

i.>'.'^i;.) 

IiiioDK  Isi,.\.Ni). — Xfiipoil.  .John  M.  Swan,  jr.  :  It  drives  away  the  robin  and  yellow 
Warbler  {Dciidroica  OHtlra)  freiiueiitly.  In  some  instances  these  have  been  disturbed 
for  the  ])nrpo8eof  nestiup;  jdaces  for  the  .Sparrow:  in  otliers  merely  for  tho  food  in 
tlie  shape  of  e;;gsaud  youn;;.  The  blaekliird  and  ,^ra(dvle.  in  every  instanci^  snceess- 
f'nlly  resist  the  advances  of  the  Hjtarrow.     (SepUnilier,  I-'Hti.     Present  live  years.) 

South  C.\Uolin.\. — .IbbeviUe  C.  II.  .1.  F.  C  Dii  Pre  :  In  this  section  the  Sparrow  i» 
an  unmitigated  nui.sance.     lleretoforo  the  oht-iield  sparrow,  blu(d)ird,  nuthatch,  cat- 


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280 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


bird,  mockingbird,  tomtit,  tlycatcbcr,  thrush,  bobuliuk,  and  wren  bavo  kept  ipjnri- 
ous  insects  down  to  tiio  ininitniiin,  but  uow  you  seldom  sec  one  of  tbusu  birds.  Here- 
tofore I  have  fed  my  native  birds  in  the  winter  time  on  elevated,  covered  platlornm 
with  grass  seed,  millet,  sunflower  seed,  etc.,  and  have  frequently  had  over  two  Inm- 
dred  of  different  kinds,  but  uow  a  dozen  or  two  are  about  all  I  can  muster.  (August 
30,1887.) 

Charh'ston,  Tbco.  D.  Jervy:  It  has  driven  away  from  my  garden  the  nulbird 
{CardinaUs  cavdinaUs)  and  the  mourning  dove  {Zctiaidiira  macroura).  (March  15, 
188(5.) 

Charhston.  Dr.  G.  E.  Manigault :  It  molests  and  drives  away  the  orchard  oriole 
(Icleriiamturiua),  painted  (inch  (PaHScrinaciris),  and  Carolina  wren.     (August  24, 18H4.) 

Tknnkssee. — Latin ncchuryh.  W.  T.  Nixon:  It  seems  to  live  in  harmony  willi  all 
our  native  birds  e\c<;pt  the  bluebird,  and  only  a  chance  rencontre  is  had  with  tlint, 
and  this  at  nesting  time.  The  blue-bird  is  always  victorious,  never  failing  to  secure 
the  old  nesting  place.  With  this  (exception  Ihave  never  seen  the  English  Sparrow 
in  contest  with  any  of  our  native  birdH,  altliongli  they  are  almost  constantly  in  close 
proximity,     (February  21,  1887.    Presc^nt  about  two  years.) 

Patia.  Dr.  John  T.  Irion:  Birds  of  value  are  decreasing  as  the  Sparrow  increases. 
The  mockingbird  a  few  years  ago  was  increasing  rapidly,  but  now  it  is  seldom  seen. 
(November  11,  188().     Present  three  years  or  more.) 

Vermont. — liuiUiujIon.  Charles  A.  Davis:  It  drives  off  the  robin.  In  the  Burling- 
ton railroad  station,  where  robins  used  to  be  plenty,  there  are  now  as  many  as  tifty 
Sparrows'  nests,  and  not  one  robin  to  be  found.     (1885.) 

Hartford  (country).  Allen  lla/.en:  I  saw  it  drive  away  the  tree  sparrow  {Spi:vUa 
monticola)  on  January  21,  188:"),  and  after  that.     (August  28,  188G.) 

Saint  Johnshury.  Kev.  Henry  Fairbanks:  The  song  sparrow  and  the  savanna 
sparrow,  which  until  tive  years  ago  were  exceedingly  abundant  here,  have  greatly 
diminished  since  the  English  Sparrow  came.  The  latter  are  not  good  neighliors  to 
the  robins,  thru.sbes,  and  vireos,  and  with  fewer  robins  and  thrushes  the  white  grub 
and  cutworm  increase.    (1885.) 

West  Pawlet.  Dr.  Frank  H.  Br.aymer:  It  molests  the  chipping  sparrow-,  robin, 
martin,  brown  thrush,  goldlinch,  yellow  warbler,  etc.     (February  15,  1884.) 

I  have  also  known  it  to  drive  oil'  the  bluebird,  song  sparrow,  pnrjtle  lineh  (Curiio- 
(facMS  jjMrjJMceMs),  and  greenlots  (  r/ivo).  *  •  •  It  drives  away  the  eedar  bird  (.(w- 
peliH  crdrorum),  house  wren,  and  catbird.  (August  111,  IS-ifi.  Present  elevenor  twelve 
years. ) 

ViROiNiA. — Xeiv  Mariii't.  George  M.  Neese :  The  Sparrow  has  a  bad  name  here, 
worse  than  it  deserves.  1  do  not  think  it  has  driven  otf  a  single  native  bird,  although 
it  fights  the  bluebird  and  the  w  ren,  but  only  lor  its  own  home.  It  is  true  it  generally 
appropriates  all  the  boxes  and  nesting  places  in  the  spi  ing  for  its  own  use  before  the 
other  birds  arrive.  Then,  when  the  other  birds  (the  bluebird  and  the  wren)  begin  to 
look  about  for  nesting  places  the  lighting  commences,  and  the  Sparrow  is  always  the 
victor.  But  bluebirds  and  wrens  are  nuite  as  plentiful  hero  as  they  were  twenty  yean 
ago.  The  purple  martins  are  not  so  abundant  here  as  formerly;  in  fact,  I  have  not 
seen  one  this  year.  Some  attribute  their  disappearance  to  the  Sparrow,  but  an  old 
farmer  told  me  that  the  maitin  was  getting  more  and  more  scarce  every  year  before 
the  Sparrow  came  bore.     (December  HO;  188I>. ) 

There  have  beeu  no  purple  martins  here  for  the  last  few  years,  but  I  do  not  know 
whether  or  not  it  is  the  Sparrow's  laiilt.  Thu  Sparrows  commence  their  breeding 
season  before  the  wren  returns  from  the  south,  and  appropriate  every  available  nest- 
ing place.  When  the  wrou  comes  it  generally  fights  a  few  days  for  its  old  home, 
gets  whipped  in  consequence  of  numbers,  an<l  seeks  a  place  the  entrance  of  wh.rli  is 
too  snuill  for  the  Sparrow.  Last  winter  I  clowd  a  box  in  which  a  i)air  of  wrens  had 
nested  last  ye.tr,  and  in  the  spring  when  the  wrens  came  I  opened  it.  The  Sparrow 
took  possession  of  it  immediately.    The  wrens  fought  nobly,  but  the  Syarotws  wore 


EVIDENCE. — EFFECTS   ON   NATIVE   BIRDS. 


281 


>  kept  ii'juri- 
birds.  Here- 
iretl  platl'di'iim 
ivor  two  liiin- 
ter.    (August 

1  tho  redbird 
.    (March  15, 

)rcbard  oriole 
gU8t24, 18H.1.) 
iiiony  with  ail 
lad  with  that, 
ling  to  Rocuro 
^lish  Sparrow 
autly  in  dose 

row  incriMseit. 
i  seldom  Kcen. 

[i  tlio  Buriing- 
uiauy  as  fifty 

rrow  (SpLvlla 

tho  Ravnuua 

liavo  greatly 

neighbors  to 

10  white  grub 

irrow,  robiu, 
W4.) 

(inch  (i'ltfiio- 

nrbiril  {Am- 

von  or  twelve 

iianio  here, 

rd,  although 

e  it  generally 

so  before  llie 

n)  begin  to 

s  always  the 

wontyyeai's 

,  I  have  not 

,  but  an  old 

year  before 

do  not  know 
i5ir  breeding 
ailablo  nest- 
tH  old  hiinu>, 

of  wh.ili  is 
f  wrens  bad 

ho  Sparrow 
iri'owH  were 


BO  plentiful  that  I  thought  the  wreuH  had  a  bad  show  fur  success,  and  I  closed  tho  box 
a;;ain,  but  put  a  siuall  oyster  can,  with  an  opening  just  large  enough  to  admit  the 
wren,  on  a  tree  about  six  feet  from  the  box  of  contention.  The  wren  built  in  the  oys- 
ter can  and  the  Sparrow  built  on  toji  of  the  closed  box.  Tliey  had  a  few  fights  dur- 
ing nest-building,  but  each  reared  its  brood.  (August  27, 18^G.  Present  about  twelve 
years.) 

Wkst  ViiiGi.NiA.— /)V//(rtHi/.  M.  E.  Brown:  It  drives  other  birds  away  by  robbing 
tbeir  necfs  and  lighting  them.  A  wholes  colony  will  go  to  the  rescue  of  one.  (Novem- 
ber 12,  11^80.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Iliicllianuoii.  Dr.  .J.  K.  Mathers:  The  martin,  bluebird,  robin,  wren,  and  catbird  are 
all  able  to  drive  the  Sparrow,  but  they  sometimes  have  considerablo  strife  before  they 
succeed.  Every  s|)ring  the  martins  can  be  observed  driving  the  Sparrow  from  tho 
boxes  that  they  occupied  the  previous  year,  and  the  robin  a'ld  bluebird  do  the  same. 
(August  19,  1880.    Present  five  years.) 

JCUiuhvlh.  Z.  E.  Tliorn :  The  wren  and  bluebird  seem  to  have  become  ovorpow- 
ere<l  by  the  numbers  of  Sparrows,  and  have  nearly  all  left  this  section  of  country. 
Tliey  seemed  to  be  a  match  for  the  Sparrows  until  overcome  by  numbers.  None  of  our 
native  birds  molest  the  Sparrow  uuless  first  attacked.  (November  4,  1880.  Present 
alioat  two  years.) 

Hiillfoiin  (town  and  country).  John  II.  Stridor.  'I'lie  English  Sparrow  drives  off 
all  other  sparrows,  the  wren,  martin,  and  all  insec^t-eating  birds;  in  fact,  all  our 
small  birds,  except  the  kingbird,  and  i)erhaps  the  catbird,  which  seems  to  hold  his 
own  against  it.     (September  fi,  18f^(i.     Present  about  seven  years.) 

Xcir  Marliin^rille.  Ben.  M.  Welch  :  It  drives  almost  all  other  birds  away.  Whole 
lidcks  will  attack  one'bird,  and  it  is  bound  to  give  up.  (November  12,  188().  Present 
live  or  six  years.) 

Wisconsin. — Clintun.  C.  N.  Crotsenburg:  The  yellow-shafted  tlicker  {('olaptcn aura- 
Ins)  lias  been  rei)eatedly  attacked  and  is  able  to  withstand  tln^n  only  just  so  long  as 
lie  stays  in  his  hole ;  when  outside  he  is  obliged  to  retreat.  (April  2:5,  1887.  Present 
about  eight  years.) 

JiiiiiHville.  H.  L.  Skavlein:  I  do  not  know  that  the  S|)arrows  have  taken  up  the 
nesting  places  of  our  native  birds.  This  summer  a  robin  nested  in  oim  of  my  shade 
trees,  and  I  noticed  repeateilly  that  Sparrows  would  alight  in  trees  near  by,  and  the 
robin  would  drive  then>  olf.  I  do  not  believfi  there  are  any  less  native  birds  her(< 
iiiiw  than  before  t!ie  Sparrow  came.     (August  24,  lrt8t>.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

AcirdHwce  (country).  Ransom  A.  Moore :  In  several  instances  the  Sparrows  have 
attacked  olhitr  birds,  and  at  such  tinn^s  keep  themselves  in  a  body  and  help  each 
iillier.     (November  H,  IH'Ti.     Present  about  two  years. ) 

Milivaiihce.  Walter  B.  Hull:  In  resisting  the  Sparrow's  encroachments  the  king- 
liiiil  is  the  ino»t  courageous;  a  few  robins  always  show  fight,  but  all  kinils  are  oiit- 
iiiiinbered  and  almost  invariably  defeat(,'d.  (August  2;?,  IS'Ct.  Present  about  six 
years.) 

Miliviuihr.  Charles  Keeler:  The  Sparrow  has  recently  found  its  way  into  tho 
coiintry  aliinit  here,  and  tho  American  gohlfiiich  (Sithiiin  Irinlis)  has  become  quito 
Ncarce  in  places  frecinented  by  it.  The  food  of  tlie  two  birds  is  similar,  anil  if  ono  or 
tlie  otht'.r  must  givt;  way  it  will  be  the  goldfinch.  (Angu8t21,  18.S(?.  Present  about 
lift  ecu  years.) 

CANADA.  Ontaimo.— /.V/^n7^•.  Prof.  James  T.  Bell:  The  robin  and  grackle  aro 
tlie  only  birds  I  have  observiul  which  icsist  or  attempt  to  drive  off  the  Sparrow,  and 
tlieirsu(!ci'S8  isonly  temporary  and  piirtial.  A  Sparrow  \\ill  summon  his  fellows  to  fight 
with  ar(d»in,but  they  appear  to  be.ifVaidof  the  grackle.  Purple  martins  defend  their 
nests  against  the  incursions  of  the  .Sjiarrows,  on  Front  street,  Belleville,  but  these  are 
the  only  birds  I  have  seen  so  cuigaged.  The  Sparrow  nndests  and  diives  oil  the  blue- 
bird, gold-finch  {Siiiiiiin  Irinth),  and  small  finches  and  warblers  in  general.  (August 
11),  Ibm.) 

Mr.  Thouuis  Walker,  of  the  township  of  Uuwtlon,  who  resides  some  2()  miles  from 


..I/.'. 

1 

ttrJttii 

It'  "v  ■•■S 


282 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAIIUOW    IN    AMElilCA. 


V,' 


■;    ":'. 


I 
I 


;4  f. 


hi 


S^ll 


tbis  city,  a  f«w  ilays  ago  jjavo  mo  tbo  following  facts  in  regard  to  tlie  English  Spar- 
row. It  lirst  appeared  on  his  farm  in  1885,  wlion  two  couples  came  early  in  tbe  spring 
and  took  possession  of  two  swallows'  uests  under  tbo  caves  of  bis  barn.  Wbcu  the 
swallows  returned  tbey  set  upon  tbo  intruders,  tore  down  tbe  nests,  and  tbrew  the 
eggH  of  one  couple  and  tbe  four  newly-butcbed  young  ones  of  tbe  other  to  tbe  ground, 
and  ihovo  aw:vy  tbo  parent  birds,  which  appeared  no  more. 

Early  in  tbe  present  year  a  i)air  of  Sparrows  canio  to  the  barn,  and  occupied  a  nest 
us  bcfori.  ()u  tbo  arrival  of  tbe  swallows,  tbey  again  attacked  the  Si>arrows  witli 
rapid  evolutions  and  shrill  twitterings.  Next  morning  Mr.  Walker  found  four  jiur- 
tially  (lcdg(;d  nestlings  iind  tbo  old  cock  Sparrow  lying  dead  on  the  ground.  The  lien 
bird  took  rofugo  in  the  porch  of  the  dwelling  house,  where  she  was  fed  by  the  family 
for  a  few  days,  when  she  also  disappeared.    (October  4,  1H86.) 

BeUerillc  (country).  William  L.  Ponton :  The  number  of  other  birds  (except  bluck- 
birds)  has  been  much  diminished  of  late  years  hero  through  the  ferocity  and  persecu- 
tion of  these  little  marauders,  whoso  plnckinoss  is  worthy  of  a  better  cause.  (Sip- 
tomber  27,  1884.) 

Collam.  W.  E.  Wagstaff:  The  barn  martin  alone  attempts  to  reclaim  former  nest- 
ing sittvs  when  tluiso  are  occupied  by  the  Sparrow.  I  have  not  observed  the  Sparrow 
to  molest  or  drive  olf  native  birds.     (August  28,  1886.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Ilamilton.  Thomas  Meliwraitb:  No  other  bird  is  tolerated  where  the  Sparrows 
have  settled.  I  have  seen  them  eject  swallows,  bluebirds,  and  bouse  wrens  from  tlicir 
nests.  The  robin  holds  his  own  by  superior  strength,  but  should  a  casual  visitor  of 
smaller  si/*;  and  timid  nature  appear,  tbe  Sparrows  leave  their  own  tight  nnsc^tticd 
and  unite  in  driving  the  stranger  oif  tbe  premises.  (March  10,  1884.  Present  about 
10  years.) 

Loudon,  W.E.  Saunders ;  In  four  years  from  its  introduction  it  ousted  from  our  hoiisn 
and  one  bouse  on  each  side  three  pairs  of  robins,  two  pairs  of  bluebirds,  tbi-eo  pairs  of 
■white-bellied  swallows,  and  one  pair  of  wrens.  Our  city  is  full  of  tretis,  and  I  havciscni 
orioles,  bigb-bolders,  jays,  redheads,  and  other  similar  birds  close  to  tbo  business  ]):nt 
of  the  city  belbre  we  bad  this  intruder.  Now  not  one  is  to  bo  .seen  for  every  live  tiiat 
wore  hero  seven  years  ago.  Then  our  city  was  full  of  barn,  cave,  and  white-belliid 
swallows,  chimney  swifts,  and  martins.  They  were  /Aicfc  among  tbo  stores  all  dny; 
now  only  tbo  chimney  swifts  and  nuirtins  are  left.,  and  ibcy  in  reduced  numbers. 
Tbe  following  birds  were  much  more  numerous  in  the  city  before  the  advent  of  tiie 
accur8<Hl  stranger  :  The  chippy,  robin,  yellow  warbler,  warbling  vireo,  wren,  bliu'- 
bird,  white--}ellied,  eavc,  and  barn  swallows,  aiul  oriole.  (December,  188.5.) 

rvmhrolie.  E.  Odium:  Tbe  Sparrows  fight  liercely  among  themselves,  but  I  have 
not  seen  them  attack  other  birds,  and  their  nesting  does  not  interfere  with  them.  If 
there  bo  any  interference  with  any  other  bird  it  is  with  tbe  robin,  as  it  appears  to  bo 
getting  scarcer  in  Sparrow  centera  ami  more  general  about  '"''0<ls.  (Augusts."),  l."*"*!!. 
Present  about  twelve  years.) 

riorcr  Mills.  R.  Elliott:  I  should  say  that  the  Sparrow  is  invariably  the  aggressor, 
and  all  birds  molested  simply  act  on  tbe  defensive.  I  have  known  the  plupbe  {Smj. 
ornis  fuHca)  to  tight  persistently,  in  two  cases  uusncces?fully,  in  one  successfully. 

Three  years  ago  (188.1)  a  Sparrow,  in  tbo  month  of  March,  began  to  remodil  a 
pluKbe's  nest;  the  second  week  in  April  the  j)ho'bo8  came,  tore  sonn*  straw  out  ami 
guarded  their  borne.  Tbo  fight  lasted  ten  days,  when  tbe  Sparrows  (the  first  pair  nt 
my  barn)  left.  Tbis  year,  188(>,  a  pair  occujiied  an  old  nest  of  the  summer  warliler, 
closo  to  a  window.  The  warblers  had  been  there  for  four  or  five  years  previously,  imt 
disappeared  this  year. 

The  eave  swallow  (li(nifroiin)  often  finds  its  old  nost  occupied  by  domrHliciiii,  which 
invariably  holds  the  fort  in  sjdto  of  all  the  attempts  made  to  dislodge  him,  but  tlio 
swallows  rebuild,  I  fancy.  The  bluebird  generally  keeps  his  old  quarters.  (Septeiu. 
ber  6,  1886.     Present  about  livo  years.) 


EVIDENCK.— KKLATION    TO    INSECTS. 


283 


Stialhroy.  L.  11.  Smith  :  1  do  not  believe  lie,  is  guilty  <»1'  chiving  awny  onr  uiitive 
birds  as  badly  as  icine8i'ut<!«l.  I  have  watched  liini  lor  twelve  years,  and  but  one 
cu)<i' 1)1°  lighiiiig  with  onr  native  birds  has  eonie  under  my  notice.  On  my  |ilace(>t'12 
srics  I  had  two  or  three  pairs  of  cat-birds,  one  or  two  pairs  of  Virginia  yellowbirds, 
imc  pair  of  (iluebeH,  several  song  and  cliipping  sjiarrowrt,  orioles,  lionse-wrens,  etc. 
Sdiiit'  seasons  I  would  miss  a  |i:iir,  and  at  another  st^ason  perhajis  oiu>  kind  winild  not 
lie  icpresented  at  all.  For  instance,  tvl'ti'V  the  phu'bes'  building  niider  my  veranda 
two  y<'ars  and  under  my  cornice  one.  I  missed  them.  I  tVnind  how  much  bird  life 
varird,  what  a  great  percentage  of  nests  were  destroyed  by  their  luttnral  enennes. 
As  well  as  !  eoulil  care  for  them,  and  as  suitable  a  place  as  1  had — acres  of  trees  and 
shrubbery— I  don't  think  on  an  average  nmre  I  bun  one  pair  of  binls  in  live  succeeded 
ill  raising  n  brood  each  snison.  IJirds  for  some  reason  move,  sonu'times  temporarily 
ami  sometimes  permanently,  frou\  localities,  and  it  is  possible  in  some  places  tbey  are 
I'niiglit  with  and  driven  away  by  the  English  Sparrows,  hut  such  an  instance  never 
caiiK!  under  my  noti(;o.  The  whippoorwill,  the  nightliawk,  and  tin;  jiasscnger  pigeon, 
liave  almost  left  this  part  of  the  country.  Surely  the  Sparrow  did  not  drive  them 
,i\viiy.     (October  11,  IHW.     I'resent  about  twelve  years.) 

Toronto.  Dr.  William  Brodii!:  It  is  generally  admitted  that  it  has  driven  away 
fiDiii  (titles,  towns,  and  country  villages  a  few  native  sjiecics,  such  as  the  chipping 
Kliarniw  (Sphflla  xocioliH),  bluebird  (Sialia  nialix),  house-wren  {'J'roiihxhitcfi  ai'don), 
yellow  warbler  {iMntdroica  tistira),  clill'swallow  ( rctrovhclidoii  liiiiilroiix),  tree-swallow 
{Tiirhiiciutta  bicolor).  ami  a  few  others,  species  which  were  taking  i)erha|)S  rather 
sparingly  to  our  bustling  centers.     (.January,  188S.) 

QL'Knr.c. — Monlrcnl.  Ernest  D.  Wintle:  Last  spring  I  observed  a  pair  of  summer 
warlilers  {Dtudrokn  (mtivn)  build  a  nest  in  a  tree,  when  the  Sparrows  drove  them 
away  and  built  a  nest  for  tlu'inselves  right  on  top  of  the  w  arbler's,  so  that  you  could 
not  see  any  part  of  the  hitter's  nest.  (September  5iO,  l-^HG.  Present  sixteen  years  or 
more. ) 

Xkw  Bnvsf^wicii. —Poilland  (suburb  of  St.  .John).  .J.  W.  Ranks  :  A  friend  of  mine 
showed  nu5  a  myrtle  warbler  which  he  saw  killed  by  the  Sparrow.  (Octol)er  10,  1p8(). 
Pri'sout  two  or  three  years.) 

Nova  Scotia. — Tiro  liim-s.  B.  B.  Barnhill :  I  have  seen  it  fight  with  the  barn  swal- 
low and  attack  crows.    (August  '20,  IH>^G.) 

ENtiLAND.  — It  always  raised  my  ire  as  a  boy  tosee  thenisteal  the  nestsof  theeavo 
or  window  martin.  I  have  many  times  perforated  the  i)ii)ing  over  such  nests  with 
shot  to  kill  the  rogues.  I  have  butlittleac(|uaintanco  with  them  in  America.  (David 
II.  llenm.an,  WiUows,  Dak.,  December  I'i,  188(5.) 

Itl'.lJMUDA. — I  am  informed  by  a  relative  who  spent  last  winter  in  Bermuda  that 
iii'arly  all  the  beautiful  birds  of  that  island  have  been  expelled  by  Sparrow  usurpers, 
wliich  are  innumerable,  and  devour  fruit  and  grain,  and  foul  porches,  walks,  roofs,  and 
windows.  Negro  children  are  there  constantly  employed  to  kill  them.  My  infornuiut 
is  (iliscrvant  and  merciful,  but  says  that  onte  naturalized  in  a  foreign  country  the 
i^parrow  becomes  vicious.  (W.  N.  Ponton,  M.  A.,  Belleville,  Canada,  September  27, 
WA.) 


RELATION  TO  INSECTS. 


The  testimony  on  this  subject  came  from  five  liumlrod  uml  ninety- 
one  observers,  of  wLicli  number  one  hundred  and  tliirty  six  sent  replies 
of  such  a  nature  as  to  allow  of  eomplete  "ummari/iition,  and  in  two 
luiiidred  and  seven  other  cases  a  partof  ea(  -eport  may  be  so  treated. 
The  following  lists  show  the  character  of  the  evi<lenco  which  can  be 
thus  condensed. 


284 


THE   ENGLISH  SPAKUOW   IN  AMERICA. 


li 


k' 


;i  * 


I      * 

Mi 


:    I 


Among  the  replies  to  the  question  Under  tchat  circumstances  does  the 
Sparrow  feed  on  insects  f  the  following  were  received : 


Kt'lM)lt». 

Under  no  circiinmtaiices  whatever 10 

Uiiilor  no  circumstuncuH,  8o  far  as  ob- 
served    50 

Have  never  known  it  to  eat  insects..  I'i 

Think  not  nnder  any  cirtiiin.stances..  5 

Rarely,  if  ever I) 

Rarely 10 

Never  to  any  extent 4 

Occasionally 9 

Only  as  a  last  resort 2 

Only  when  starved  to  it 7 

In  case  of  extreme  necessity 4 

When  very  hungry 2 

When  seed  is  scarce 4 

When  f;;raiii  is  scarce 4 

When  it  can  get  no  grain 25 

When  it  can  get  no  grain  or  frnit G 

When  it  c;;n  get  nothing  olso 22 

When  otliei  food  is  scarce 10 

When  insects  arc  abundant ;? 

Mostly  in  winter 2 

Mostly  in  smnnicr 5 


two  ports. 

Mostly  in  spring 3 

Mostlj  in  fall 1 

In  wint(!r  and  spring 2 

In  early  spring 6 

In  spring 4 

Atall  times C 

At  nearly  all  times 2 

Whenever  it  can  get  them fi 

lJnd<!r  all  circnmstancos 5 

It  carries  insects  to  its  young 2.') 

It  feeds  its  yonng  nniiidy  on  insects..  5 
It  takes  a  few  insects  to  its  yonng...  7 
It  takes  a  very  few  insects  to  its  yonng.  2 
It    takes     insects    when    feeding    its 

young  24 

It  takes  insects  only  when  feeding  its 

young  3 

It  takes  insects  especially  when  feed- 
ing its  yonng 8 

It  takes  insects  mainly  for  the  young.    7 
It  takes   insects  during  the  breeding 
season Hi 


Among  the  replies  to  the  question  What  kind  of  insects  does  it  destroy  f 


were  the  following: 

Reports. 

All  kinds "J 

Nciirly  all  kinds 2 


KflHIl'Is- 

Few  of  any  kind 2 

None  to  any  extent I) 


In  response  to  the  qnestion  Has  an;/  casein  which  it  has  been  of  marled 
benefit  to  the  fanner  or  horticidlurist  come  under  your  notice  f  twenty- 
seven  o\»servers  replied  in  the  negative  and  thirty  nine  in  the  atlirnia- 
tive.  The  latter  in  most  cases  stated  the  manner  in  which  the  benefit 
was  derived,  and  almost  all  such  i-eportshave  been  printed  in  full. 

The  remainder  of  the  testimony  in  relation  to  the  Sparrow's  insectiv- 
orous habits  consists  of  reports  from  about  four  hundred  and  iil'ty  ob- 
servers, and  its  character  will  be  fairly  shown  by  an  examination  of  tlie 
following  examples,  in  connection  with  the  summaries  given  on  i)<iges 
101  and  102  of  Ibis  IJnlletin. 

Ai.AHAMA. — Ci'iilir.  J.  J,  B.  McEIrath  :  It  eats  the  caterpillar  of  frnit  trees  mid 
grapevines.     (.September  20,  l.H8(i.     Present  two  years. ) 

Kiifdiilii.  E.  L.  Brown  :  My  im])ressiiin,  founded  on  observation  only,  is  that  it  docs 
not  feed  upon  insects  at  all.     (St^ptember  17,  18H().     Present  four  or  live  years.) 

AitKA.NSAS. — llrliiKi.  J.  O.  Bagwell :  It  will  not  eatidi  a  grasshopper  or  other  insect 
as  long  as  it  can  get  a  living  in  the  streets.  (September  20,  18H(i.  Present  throe 
years.) 

Lonoke.  A.  F.  Huntsman:  It  destroys  worms,  bugs,  and  insects  in  the  gardens  and 
fields  early  in  the  spring,  feeding  constantly  on  almost  every  kind  of  insect  and  larva. 
(September  2:1,  IH8(5.) 

Otceola.    Dr.  D.  A.  Richardson :  Mr.  Bacchus,  a  druggist  in  town,  tells  mo  that  during 


iW- 


m 


EVIDENCE. — RELATION    TO   INSECTS. 


285 


tho  Hiimmor  he  noticed  tin;  English  SpiiriowH  iiicliiiig  what  ho  wuppowH  t»)  hiivo  heeu 
e^<;s  of  iiisectH  from  tho  uikUt  dido  of  tho  luuveu  of  Home  mulberries  near  the  store. 
(Di'cembor  27,  188(5.     Present iibout  six  years.) 

Califouma.— /;<->A"t/(i/  (suburb).  Dr.  M.  C.  O'Toolo :  Spiders  and  moths  are  used  as 
fmid  for  tho  young,  but  the  Sparrow  will  devour  that  whioh  is  near  at  hand.  lie  may 
oat  iiisucta  of  any  kind  if  grain  can  not  be  had.  It  will  be  found  that  the  Sparrow 
is  Motiof  any  service  to  the  farmer  or  any  one  clso.  It  visits  tiie  fields  onhf  in  harvest 
time,  and  then  in  Hocks.     (February  17,  18S7.     Present  about  three  years.) 

A'liccA'a  (suburb).  Charles  Piebig:  It  eats  insects,  mostly  caterpillars,  when  feed- 
iuji  its  young      (September  28,  188(1.     Present  lifteen  months.) 

Ua>jwiudH.  Dr.  .1.  (i.  Cooper:  It  evidently  prefers  seeds,  but  is  seen  to  catch  Hies, 
etc.,  when  feeding  its  young.     (February  22,  1881.) 

(Iiikltinil  ami  San  Fraiichvo.  E.  F.  Loniuin:  I  have  seen  it  catching  Hies,  of  which 
it  is  very  fond,  but  I  have  never  seen  it  feeding  on  worms  or  caterpillars.     (August, 

iH-r.) 

San  Fraiirisco.  F.  Gruber:  It  eats  dies,  sjtiders,  moths,  butterllies,cateri)illars,  and 
tho  iarvie  of  insects,  and  feeils  its  young  on  the  larvie  of  insecits,  worms,  and  soft  in- 
sects. The  bird  seems  to  prefer  insects  or  grubs  to  seeds  or  grain  in  the  winter  sea- 
son. •  •  *  During  the  last  four  years  I  tind  that  insects  and  garden  snails  have 
bct'dine  remarkably  scaveo  here.    (.March  5,  1884.    I'resont  nine  years.) 

fiaii  Francisco.  William  McK.  Heath:  A  vary  few  insects  are  fed  to  its  young. 
(May,  1887.     Present  ten  or  lifteen  years.) 

San  .f 081^.  A.  L.  Parkhurst:  They  feed  on  various  worms,  caterpillars,  and  grass- 
bopi>ers  <lnring  tho  breeding  season.     (August  27,  188().     Priisent  about  five  years. ) 

CoxXKCTiCUT. — East  Hartford.  Willard  E.  Treat:  It  devours  the  canker-worm, 
goldsmith  beetle,  and  various  small  moths.  It  feeds  on  insects  mostly  in  the  spring, 
(lining  breeding  time.     (October  23,  18811.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

Middlelown.  Walter  B.  Barrows:  During  May  and  early  June  (1886)  the  canker- 
worm  {Anisoplerjix  vei'itata)  was  extremely  abundant  througliont  the  town,  and  nearly 
nil  the  unprotected  apple  and  elm  trees  were  completely  stripped  of  their  foliage. 
While  the  worms  were  very  small  tho  Sparrows  did  not  seem  to  notice  them,  but  when 
one-third  or  one-half  grown  they  began  to  collect  and  carry  them  to  their  young  in 
laijfo  numbers.  I  frequently  saw  a  dozen  or  more  Sjiarrows  on  a  single  large  elm 
close  to  the  house,  all  busily  collecting  the  worms,  and  each  carrying  away  a  bunch 
ill  his  bill.  The  adult  birds  never  seemed  to  eat  any  of  these  worms,  but  they  cer- 
tainly carried  thousands  e.ach  day  to  th«!ir  young  in  the  ivy  close  by.  In  spite  of  this 
however,  and  the  additional  fact  that  many  other  birds  were  also  feeding  constantly 
oil  the  worms,  the  elms  were  completely  stri|>ped  of  their  leaves  before  the  worms 
were  fully  grown,  and  they  were  thus  compelled  to  siiiu  down  to  the  ground  and 
travel  olf  in  search  of  other  food.  While  thus  moving  otf  on  fences,  walks,  and  the 
ground  I  never  saw  the  Sparrows  touch  them,  probably  because  there  were  still  many 
trees  on  whicdi  worms  were  to  be  found.  It  should  be  noticcMl  in  this  connection  that 
the  canker- worm  is  a  smooth-skinned  span-worm,  and  a  favorite  food  with  almost  all 
liinN  which  habitually  eat  insects  ;  while  its  great  abundance  so  near  the  nests  of  the 
Spiirrows  will  in  part  account  for  their  lecdiiig  their  young  so  largely  on  it.  The 
moth  of  this  species  is  most  abundant  in  early  spring,  when  the  wiiij'lcss  female  issues 
from  the  gi-oundlato  in  the  afternoon,  usconding  the  trees  to  dc^posit  her  eggs  during 
the  night.  On  favorable  evenings  in  Marcli  and  April  of  the  season  in  (luestion.tho 
grass  and  leaves  beneath  elm  and  apiile  tnscs  were  fairly  alive  with  these  wingless 
I'l'inales  distended  with  eggs.  The  robins  ato  Ihoai  by  hundreds,  but  I  never  saw 
au  I'.iiglish  Sparrow  take  any  notice  of  them,  although  it  occasionally  chased  tho 
winged  males,  which  wore  equally  abundant  and  much  mire  conspicuous.  (July, 
lt?8l).    Present  about  sixteen  years.) 

New  Haven.  Louis  B.  Bishop :  It  feeds  o.i  inseots  when  no  other  food  is  plenty. 
I  have  seen  it  kill  tho  cicada,  cankof-wonn,  anil  cubbajje-woroi)  hut  very  rarely, 
(August  23^  1886.    Preseut  fifteen  year.?  or  more.) 


lit 


286 


THE   KNGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


;  I    ■;' 


m  , 


1 1 


New  Ilaren.  Robort  D.  Cainp:  I  uiii  pohitivo  that  the  Hparrow  kills  a  groat  mim. 
ber  of  tluMiinkvrwoniis  wbich  iiifoNt  our  elm  trees.  I  biivo  Hcen  tlie  feiiiuli^  hird 
uliglit  <)ii  (he  iicreh  of  its  lioiiso  in  iVoiit  of  my  wiiulow  with  novum  woriii.s  in  its  liuak 
at  oncf,  and  iVom  my  observations  I  should  say  that  it  would  average  three  woriiiH  in 
every  eight  ininntcH  during  tliu  day  whilo  raising  itM  young.  (Aiuil,  1H87.  I'reHuut 
flfteen  year."!  or  more.) 

New  Ifaven,  A.  C  Sheldon:  Wheu  feeding  their  young  I  have  Heen  tlioin  reHting 
on  our  window-Hlielf  with  from  one  to  live  worms  in  tlieir  luoutliN  at  a  time.  Tlie 
worms  were  alive  and  wriggling,  and  wero  about  three  tliirty-Heconds  of  an  inch  in 
diameter  by  seveneighl  lis  of  an  ineh  in  length,  and  of  n  '  leaf  grouu  color.  The  Spar- 
ron'M,  after  resting  a  moment,  llcw  to  their  nests,  where  1  have  seen  thorn  feeding  these 
worms  to  their  young.     (Ai>ril,  IHH7.     I'resent  lifttien  or  sixteen  years.) 

Soiilh  fl'oo(Inlork.  Mrs.  («.  S.  V.  Stoddard  :  I  have  never  seen  tbeni  feed  ou  insects, 
though  watching  them  ofien  in  dideront  places.     (January  22,  lt-ri7.) 

DisTitn  T  oi' C'oi.iMiUA.— .l/()i(H<  I'lcumnit.  William  Ifolmead:  They  are  of  no  ben- 
efit to  the  farmer.  They  will  only  feed  on  insocts  wben  they  can  not  get  grain.  Since 
the  introduction  of  the  Sparrow  our  gardens  and  tiehls  have  been  devastated  \>\  in- 
sects, especially  those  wliiuli  attack  the  cabbage,  and  only  in  the  country,  when'  the 
Sparrows  are  not.  numerous  and  our  native  birds  are,  can  cabbage  bo  raised.  (NK- 
vomber  H,  HHtJ.     I'resent  lifteen  years  or  more.) 

Wanh\n(jlitn.  S.  M.  (Ilark :  They  do  not  feed  upon  larvio,  but  supply  them  to  their 
young;  I  bave  watched  them  closely  in  this  regard.     (Janimry  11,  IH8C.) 

lf'anhhi<il(iii.  James  Halley :  Kor  several  evenings  i)ast  1  have  seen  the  Sparrows 
cat(!hing  the  white  moths  ol'the  web-worm, eating  some  and  carrying  others  to  lluir 
yoting.  I  H.i'.v  at  least  twenty  carried  off  by  one  pair  of  Sparrows  in  ii  short  tinir. 
The  moths  only  begin  to  leave  their  coiioons  toward  sunset,  and  do  not  fly  much  niitil 
it  begins  to  grow  «lark,  so  that  few  birds  can  g(;t  them,  and  the  Sparrows  are  Hunly 
doing  SOUK*  gooil  in  destioying  them.     (May  II,  l"'f<7.) 

(Siieeinn^isof  thismolh  were  bron^fht  to  the  department  by  Mr.  llalley,  anil  pnivcd 
to  be  Uiiphanliia  trxlor,  the  moth  of  tho  fall  web-worm,  one  of  the  species  which  liiis 
been  most  injurious  to  the  shade  trees  in  Washington.  Mr.  Alexander  MeKericlicr, 
assistant  gardener  at  the  Doiiartment  of  Agricnlturi^,  was  with  Mr.  Halley  at  the  t  iinu 
tho  Sparrows  were  catching  the  moths,  and  testifies  that  ho  has  seen  tliem  doing  no 
at  other  times,  as  well  as  catching  s<!venteen-year  locusts  and  other  insects  ) 

WashimjIoH.  George  llenning:  I  have  seen  it  carry  worms,  cicadie,  May  or  nIuuI 
flies,  and  other  in.'recta  to  its  young.  (March  U,  l8-?4.  Tresont  fourteen  or  liftccii 
years.) 

Wushinijton.  il.  W.  llenshaw:  In  If^K'),  during  the  jirovalenco  of  tho  seventeen- 
year  locusts  in  this  city  and  vicinity,  tho  English  Sparrow  was  observed  to  attack 
and  destroy  these  insects  in  very  considerabh*  numlmrs.  The  same  facta  were  ob- 
served by  Messrs.  K.  Hidgway,  C.  V.  Uiley,  and  i>thers. 

Waxhiniilon.  William  Saunders,  superintendent  of  garden  and  grounds,  U.  S,  Di- 
partment  of  Agriculture:  Some  insects  are  eaten,  mainly  by  tlio  young  in  the  nests. 
I  have  8(;en  the  old  birds  carry  C!iterj)illars  (not  hairy),  black  beetles,  and  gras.'<lio|i- 
pers  to  their  nests.  1  do  not  think  they  will  touch  hairy  caterpillars.  (April  1;$,  lA"'. 
Present  sixteen  or  seventeen  years.) 

li'aHhi nylon.  Walter  B.  IJarrows:  Perhaps  twenty  times  during  the  i)reHent  sum- 
mer  I  have  seen  a  Sparrow  with  an  insect  of  scune  kind  in  its  bill.  Tho  insects  wliicli 
could  bo  identified  were:  Cicada',  once  or  twice;  cut-worms,  several  tim«s  (twospici- 
mens  identilied  by  the  assistant  entomologist  as  XcphvlodeH  viohimi),  ouco  or  twice 
snatched  from  robin.s  l)y  the  Sparrow;  in(;ths  of  tho  fall  web-worm  (7/i/p/i((n<n'«),  two 
or  three  tinie.s,  and  larger  moths  twice ;  three  May  lUeH^Ephemirw),  singly  ;  one  gnod- 
sized  gra-sshoppcr.  Sparrows  were  also  seen  to  chase  butterflies  of  several  species 
and  frequently  appeared  to  be  oatcliing  or  chasing  iijsocta  too  small  to  see.  (August, 
ld87.^ 


EVIDENCE. — RELATION   TO    INSECTS. 


287 


:js 


M  a  groat  ntim- 
II)  IViniilc  bird 
'iiiH  ill  its  liuaic 
luce  woriim  in 
1887.     I'li'Heut 

I  ilium  rcHting 
t  a  time.  The 
H  uf  an  iiu'li  in 
or.  Tilt!  Spar- 
I  f(3U(liiij{  thuge 

) 

ueil  ou  iiiHcctH, 

y  are  of  no  \wn- 
t grain.  Since 
^astatt'd  li,v  iu- 
try,  wlitsri'  tlie 
u  raised.    (NK- 

y  tluMli  to  (lli'ir 
)C.) 

I  tlio  Sparrown 
others  to  liirir 

II  a  Hhort  liiiic. 
;  lly  much  iiiilil 
rowH  art'  f  iiri'ly 

ey,  ami  provfil 

ii's  whifh  liiis 

Mi;Kt'riclii'i-, 

lK<y  at  tilt"  tiiiio 

liciii  doiii^'  HO 

aocts  ) 

May  or  Kliaii 

;eu  or  iiftten 

thti  seveiittH'ii- 
ivtMl  tt)  attack 
facts  were  i)b- 

inds,  U.  S.  ])f 
iif  ill  the  nests. 
ami  graH^lKiji- 
[April  l;«,  l*-* 

0  present  nmiii- 
inscctHwiiieii 
ii«8  (two  siH'ci- 

on  CO  or  twice 
ijphuntritt),  tw« 
frly  ;  one  good- 
several  spceieii 

SCO.     (August, 


GF.OROiA.—Alphairlla.  William  A.  Porter:  It  lias  been  of  marked  benefit  from  its 
destrnction  of  Ihe  cabbagf-worin,  a  soft,  green  worm  resembling  the  tobacco. worm 
ami  very  destructive  to  cabbage.  It  feeds  on  this  worm  iiniler  orilinary  circiimstaiices, 
as  wtdl  as  on  Hies,  ants,  gnats,  anil  small  bugs.  (.September  8,  IHsO.  Present  about 
two  years.) 

Atlitnta.  Hull.  W.  A.  Harris  :  I  do  not  think  it  feuds  on  insects.  As  a  destroyer  of 
till)  caferpilliir  it  is  it  failure.     (November  11,  188(5.     Present  about  leii  years.) 

AiKjUHln.  Dr.  .1.  P.  H.  lirown  :  I  know  of  no  innrked  beiielit.  It  destroys  in.>«ects 
(iiiil  their  lai'v;i)  without  stop]iiiig  to  discriiuinate  between  tho  injurious  and  bciieli. 
rial.     (Septeiiibcr  .'">,  188().     Presi'iit  about  lifleen  yt^ars.) 

Hiinia  rUla,  Thomas  H.  Lumpkin  :  When  hungry  ibey  go  for  all  kinds  of  in- 
Mcts,  but  seem  to  prefer  crickets  and  grasshoppers.  (October  1.  lH8(i.  Piesent  about 
two  years.) 

Ciirrolllon.  M.  1{.  Uiis.sell:  In  the  brooding  season  it  destroys  gra.sslioiipers  and 
lalildige- worms.     (September  2.",  188(».     Present  about  four  years.) 

(hi  [fill,  .1.  11.  Hariies:  It  is  of  no  benefit  to  tho  farmer  or  horticulturist.  It  feeds 
ou  insects  when  there  is  nothing  eI.so.  It  never  toii'-hes  the  cabbage-worm  or  the  cot- 
ton-worm, tho  greatest  pests  of  (Jeorgia.  (September  17,  188<).  Present  about  six 
years. ) 

l.t.riiKjton.  .John  T.  M.  Ilairii :  It  has  been  of  marked  benetit  by  eating  the  cater- 
|iillais  from  cabbago  and  grape-vines.     (.September  "25,  188(i.     Present  four  years.) 

I'lilmcllo.  Simeon  Zellars:  It  feeds  on  insects  generally,  and  especially  while  feed- 
in;;  young.     (October  4,  18H(;.     Present  about  four  years.) 

SiuiiiiiKih.  J  N.  .Johnson  :  I  have  seen  it  feed  upon  moths  and  upon  cnt-woriiis 
(HI  rare  occasions.  It  has  been  of  no  marked  benefit  to  farmer  or  gardener.  (October 
1,  iH-ili.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

Il,i.iN'oi«. — Albion,  George  Ferriiiian  :  It  does  considerable  good  by  devouring  small 
iiisci  ts,  moths,  etc.  I  have  seen  it  catching  tho  moth  luid  worms  from  all  kinds  of 
lici's  to  feed  its  young.  I  think  at  times  it  destroys  all  kinds  of  insects.  (September 
I!, I^'^ti.     Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

MIon.  Hon.  William  McAdanis :  It  destroys  caterpillars  and  other  larva'  that 
are  found  about  tho  elms  and  other  shade  trees  in  spring.  (August  21),  188(5.  Present 
aluiMt  fourteen  years.) 

I'iii-ikkIoUc,  JJr.  W.  S.  Strode:  In  twenty  dissections  I  have  not  found  a  single  iii- 
si'ct  or  worm  in  the  crops.     (September  7,  1887.     Present  two  or  three  years.) 

(itimi.  Dr.  Daniel  IJcrry  :  Many  years  ago  it  was  a  conimon  thing  for  a  horse  to  die 
with  tho  botts.  This  is  a  rare  occurre:ico  now,  and  I  have  been  led  to  believe  there  is 
sonic  relation  between  this  immunity  from  fatal  botts  ou  the  part  of  the  horso  popii- 
iiitioii  and  the  advent  of  tho  Sparrow.  The  Sparrow  isa  model  jiroviderfor  a  family; 
iKiiii!  so  busy  as  he  when  his  young  are  untledged.  At  such  times  bis  iiiaiii  source  of 
siiNtciiance  is  the  horse  dung  of  the  street,  and  there,  I  believe,  is  where  ho  does  his 
Kociil  work  in  destroying  the  larva)  of  thatfiy.  Ibit  without  any  ])ositive  knowledge 
I  make  the  suggestion  of  this  relation  between  tho  Sparrow  and  tho  botts.  (October 
li, !■<■;().     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Ctiilralia.  Jabez  Webster:  It  feeds  its  young  upon  insects  for  the  first  seven  or 
t'l^ht  days.  I  have  not  ob.scrved  it  eating  any  particular  kind  except  small  grass- 
lioinn'is;  it  prefers  grain  or  fruit.     (December  21,  188(J.     Present  about  seven  years.) 

CiiUiiinrillt;.  Henry  DeWald  :  In  the  spring  of  the  year  it  feeds  its  young  a  great 
deal  on  caterpillars  from  trees,  not  from  vegetables.  (October  .'>,  188(J.  Present  about 
twelve  years.) 

Vvcvhurifh.  Charle  Becker :  I  have  seen  them  catch  army-worms  by  the  thousand. 
Two  years  ago  wo  had  a  timothy  patch  near  tho  Catholic  church,  where  Sparrows  are 
ahinidant,  which  was  attacked  by  tho  army-worm,  but  iii  a  short  time  the  SpanowH 
destroyed  them.  It  was  interesting  to  see  tho  Sparrows  fiy  into  tho  meadow,  catch  a 
worm,  and  fly  back  to  feed  tho  young  ones ;  and  this  they  did  to  such  an  e.xtcut  that 


■'■» 


i 
'i 

V 


288 


THE    ENGLISH    SPAUKOW    IN    AMERICA. 


\v 


tbit  (U<n<l  uriiiy-wuriiiH  could  \w  foiiiid  iiroiiiil  thiMr  iioHtiii);  jtlactm,  lut  1  fnniiil  liy  iu. 
HpeciiuK  tlio  )it>MtM  with  noiiio  otliur  purr  >nH  to  wlioiii  I  cuiiiiiiiiiiiciiteil  my  oWwrvatuii. 
When  fccirHi};  thuir  brooilH  tliry  uIho  cutch  ciitiirpillarH,  lociiHtM,  biittrrtlioH,  etu.  (.S3ii> 
tenibor  ISO,  Ir^HCS.     I'rcHoiit  about  iiiiio  yours.) 

IhUjiiHvUh.  T.  W.  I'arki'r:  So  far  »h  I  have  iioticuil  itth'stroyH  iiisouta  only  to  a 
very  liniitml  uxtunt.  I  havo  80uri  it  fuod  uii  ;;ra!4!4hop|)urH.  (Si>pt«nibor  22,  \tM. 
ProNont  about  four  yoaiH. ) 

J<ihnKOHviUv,{\\\\i\\n'i).  JiiN.  ,1.  Johnwin :  In  tin*  brootliii/;  m'UHon  it  oarrivH  to  iu 
young  a  groat  nnmy  iiiH(!<;tM.  Tbu  larvM  of  thtt  May-l)U(!tlo  HtM>ni  to  Itu  a  favoiltv 
food,  and  any  utlior  grub-worui  or  larva  is  taken.  (March,  1887.  I'rcHont  tlufti  (ir 
four  yeiirs. ) 

Xew  Alhciin,  Ang.i.st  (iierHchnor  :  It  has  biM'u  of  nuu'kiMl  bcnelit  to  tliu  farmer.  In 
the  Hpring  it  catH  many  of  all  Norts  of  (caterpillars,  ami  even  during  winter  it  pickxdi) 
many  larvae  wheritver  it  linds  them.  It  also  dcstroyH  Itirvat  of  buttertli(>H,  motlis,  ami 
bugH,  •  •  »  I  have  not  noticed  that  he  dfHtroyn  any  of  our  nu).st  hurtful  iiiscct.'o 
8nch  a«  the  army-worn>,  chiuch-bug,  Hes.sian  lly,  potato-bug,  etc.  (October  .'),  l.'?)'(l. 
Present  iibout  fourt(!en  years.) 

Qiiiiiey,  J.  H.  Kichardson  :  It  dcHtroys  very  few  in.seclH,  if  any.  I  can  tind  no  oiiu 
of  our  farmerH  who  thinka  them  a  benelit;  they  all  tell  me  they  are  a  great  nuisaiive, 
(Octgber  4,  1H8().     I'rcBont  about  Hixtcou  years.) 

JlobcrlH.  E.  O.  Nuwnnin:  In  rearing  itH  young  it  feeds  them  on  all  kinds  of  woriiiH 
and  Huntll  caterpillars.     (September  27,  iWrtli.     Present  about  eight  years.) 

J{ock  Island.  W.  H.  Hatch  :  I  havo  never  observed  it  feeding  ou  in.sects,  nor  have 
I  been  al>le  to  (ind  any  ou  dissection.     (October  25,  188(i.) 

ll'vut  JiiUeKillv.  (ieorge  (J.  Bunsen  :  It  will  occasionally  cat  grasshoppers.  (Au- 
tumn, 18H,'').) 

Indiana.— /ir«i(/.  D.  W.  Urattin  :  I  havo  observed  it  closely,  but  never  saw  it  ft-cd- 
ing  on  insects,  although  the  latter  were  abundant.  (September  1,  188G.  Present 
about  seven  years.) 

llrookvilh.  Amos  W.  Butler :  The  army-worm  and  seveuteen-year  cicada  are  iiioro 
largely  oaten  here  by  the  English  Sparrow  than  by  any  other  bird  we  have.     (Autinmi, 

18-r).) 

J'Jdiiardsville.  Edwin  Yenowine:  One  case  of  marked  benelit  to  the  fiirnuT  lias 
been  noticed,  viz,  their  taking  cabbage- worms,  I  think  for  their  youn;;.  (Septt^iiiljcr 
7,  138G.     Present  about  four  years.) 

J'JvaiiBrille,  Dr.  William  Weber:  It  has  been  of  marked  benetit  to  the  farmer  by 
destroying  the  whito  miller  moth,  cabbpgo-worm,  aiul  numerous  other  worms  ami  in- 
sects when  it  has  young.  It  docs  not  destroy  the  couimon  (saterpillar  so  much,  Imt 
prefers  the  moth.    (October  1."),  188G.     Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

Grecncastlc.  W.  H.  Kiigan  :  It  certainly  feeds  ou  injurious  insects  at  times.  1 
often  observed  it  feeding  on  the  soventeen-year  cicada  during  their  prevalence  in 
1885,  and  havo  also  noticed  it  feeding  on  tho  tent-catorpillar,  and  in  one  instance  on 
the  fall  web-worm.  From  good  authority  I  am  persiuide<l  that  it  alsosoniotinies  Cei-ds 
ou  tho  cabbage-worm  (Picris  rajxv).     (S«<ptember  2"<,  188().) 

In  regard  to  tho  fall  web- worm,  the  case  referred  to  occurred  iu  August  last.  A 
single  bird,  industriously  »<ngaged  in  the  midst  of  a  web,  seemed  to  bo  feeding  ou  tbo 
larval.  After  observing  him  for  sonu)  moments  bo  ilev/ down  to  tho  fence  near  nic 
with  a  larva  in  his  ber.k,  and  there  deliberately  devoured  it.  This  is  tho  only  instance 
of  the  kind  which  I  havo  personally  observed,  but  my  osteomed  friend,  Hon.  Sylvester 
Johnson,  of  Irvington,  this  State,  president  of  tho  Indiana  Horticultural  Society,  has 
more  than  ouco  reported  having  caught  them  iu  tho  act.  (July  4,  1887.  Present 
about  fiftoeu  years.) 

Irvington.  Hon.  Sylvester  Johnson  :  It  destroys  the  cabbage- worm,  and  the  phira- 
curculio  whon  shaken  from  tho  tree,  (September  20,  18S6,  Proqeut  about  sixteen 
years.) 


KVIDKNCK. — UKL   TION    TO    1NHKCT8. 


289 


ittppers.    (All- 


I.U  Fajictle.  J.  M.  l)n>tiHi-r:  It  fueiN  upon  IiihocIh  when  it  cuii  ){ot  iiothiiiK  else. 
It  liim  lifitn  HU'Mi  to  eiit  tliu  caliliiiKti-wonn,  hut  only  wliun  tttarvcd  to  it.  I  bavu  never 
M't'ii  or  iit'iinl  of  II  bug  or  worm  Itcin^  foiuxl  in  the  uro|i  uf  un  KngliHh  Spurrow.  (Do- 
iiiiiliir  II,  lH«t'».     I'ri'Hont  iiWout  twelvo  yi'iUH.) 

1.(1  rnjiflte.  r.  M.  WebHter:  I  have  never  seen  it  feed  »\k»\  iriHcctH  to  any  extent, 
cMcpt  on  Hie  Moveiileen-yeiir  locimt  (Civtida  Hfiitcmdir.fm)  iiiul  ii  jjraHHlioitpor  {Mvlano- 
jiimfiiiiiir-vuhnim).  I  lhinl<  it  inefeiH  0/-//ir>jW<r((  itinl  tlie  larger  nimi}tlira,n^\»>Mi- 
Illy  \iino)tlera.  It  takeH  inHCcts  wlion  it  can  ^et  notliin^  elae  convenieiiMy.  I  have 
iHitii'i'il  riMteiitly  tliiit  it  calclieH  KriiHHlio|i)ierN,  l>iit  Miin  lias  only  been  K<*i"K  <>"  '*><>ce 
Hiiiali  frnilM  ami  grain  have  bcvoine  cxliaimteil.  (Aiiifimt  'iTi,  lHrt(i.  FreHent  about 
twi'lve  years.) 

Miiiicie.  (Jranvillc  Cowing:  Its  diet  sooniH  to  be  wholly  vegetable,  and  it  is  re- 
(jiuilcd  hero  asa  great  and  growing  eiirMo  to  agricnllnre  and  horticulture.  (Noveui- 
Ik'I'J'.*,  Iri-^li.     I'lcsent  about  nix  years.) 

.\iiv  Albaufi.  .Ins.  N.  Payton:  In  this  eily  and  other  places  in  the  country,  before 
iUaiiie  wo  had  a  eatt^rpillar  plague  every  three  or  four  years.  •  •  •  The  caterpil- 
liir  ^trip])ed  all  our  shade  trees  ex('e])t  the  maple  and  sugar  tree  of  all  tlitMr  l(>ave8. 
.Since  the  Sparrows  have  Ix^come  numerous,  we  liavt;  not  had  any  trouble  from  eator- 
|iilliirs,  and  I  believe  the  Sparrows  did  the  work.  (September,  IHHo.  I'rt'st^nt  about 
twenty  years.) 

A'((/i»i«H(i  (suburb).  Joseph  ('.  HatlitV:  It  does  not  taki^  insects  unless  when  feed- 
in;;  ils  young,     (November  5,  1S8(!.     I'leseiit  about  seventeen  years.) 

7(7/  Cilff.  John  L.  Iluber:  It  has  been  of  marked  benelit  in  the  destruction  of 
tiiL'  iiriuy-worm.  It  also  eats  the  cabbage  worm,  and  all  other  worms  infesting  vege- 
tation.   It  feeds  itw  young  upon  insects.    (Octolxu'B,  1881!.  Present  about  twelve  years.) 

\'ir(t>i.  William  li.  Stratford:  It  dt^stroys  the  cabbage-worm  (a  great  pest  in  this 
liicality ),  but  I  believe  not  more  ell'ectually  than  did  our  other  birds  before  the  advent 
of  tlio  Sparrow.    (October  7,  188(5.     Present  about  ten  years.) 

Iowa.  IMU'xue.  Dr.  Lawnnice  Millar:  I  have  observed  it  tearing  the  nestflof  the 
li'al'-roiler,  and  extracting  the  larva-.  I  often  see  it  carrying  «)ll' beetles.  It  feeds  upon 
insects  during  the  brooiling  season.     (October  27,  188(».     Present  about  ten  years.) 

lUti-liuj/toii.  Howard  Kingsbury:  It  luinetits  th»!  farmer  by  destroying  countless 
iiiiiiiliers  of  codling-worms,  larva-  of  Coleopltra,  iwtl  many  vjirietiesof  .iphidw.  It 
fi'Cilsiipon  insects  whegever  it  can  get  them — especially  while  rearing  its  young.  (Do- 
it'Uilicr  "JS,  1880.     Present  sixteen  or  seventeen  yt^ars.) 

t'turlinijton.  I").  Y.  Overton  :  It  appears  to  Im  a  scavenger,  and  lives  but  little  upon 
iiis(Mtts;  I  have  .seen  it  attack  and  destroy  a  wounded  grasshopper,  but  it  exerts  little 
I'llcct  oil  the  worms  or  insects  which  infest  trees  and  vegetables  in  the  city.  (March, 
If-'ii.) 

Ihihiiqite.  Theo.  W.  Iluete:  It  feeds  its  young  almost  exclusively  upon  grubs, 
larv.i',  and  small  iusoots.     (October  2.j,  ISdti.     Presenl,  eight  or  tt^n  years.) 

Iiiira  ('iti/.  C.  C.  Nutting:  It  uses  in.siicts  lor  feeding  its  nestlings,  but  not  to  any 
imtcworthy  extent.     (October  13,  188(5.     Present  about  live  years. ) 

Iaiidx.  a.  C.  Brice:  They  certainly  feed  upon  insects  and  their  larvie,  especially 
wlicii  they  have  young.     (October  8, 18S(5.     Pres(!nt  less  thvn  a  year.) 

AVirroH.  W.  E.  Diugman  :  It  commonly  eats  insects  in  preference  to  grain.  It 
liiw  been  seen  to  catch  and  eat  the  young  of  the  grasshopper  or  locust,  also  the  com- 
mon horse-tly.  It  destroys  to  a  great  extent  the  bot-tly,  melon-bugs  of  all  kinds,  and 
sonii'tiinos  a  honey-bee  or  wasp.     (October  l.">,  18*1.     Present  two  or  three  years.) 

IViUK'Ho.  L.  M.  Jamison:  Like  other  birds  it  uses  insects  in  feeding  its  young 
brood.    (October  11,  188C.     Present  tlu-ee  or  four  years.) 

Kansas. — Garnelt,  M.  A.  Page:  It  has  destroyed  millions  of  worms.  It  is  a  ben- 
efit especially  to  our  apple  orchards.  I  know  that  it  destroys  the  codling-moth  and 
miller.     (September  3,  188(».     Present  abont  one  year.) 

Larldii.    P.  C.  Swe.-nucy:  It  does  not  destroy  insects  or  their  larva)  to  any  great 
8404— Ball.  1 19 


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290 


THE    liNOLISH    8PARU0W    IN   AMERICA. 


flXteiit.  IIh  fiMxl  Ih  HOfdH,  and  not  inm>ctN,  »»  Airinxrly  Hiippomtd.  It  only  feoli*  its 
broixl  with  ill^4uutH  wliilo  vury  .v<>iiii}r.     ^OoIoImtT,  IHiU.     l'ri>MiMituli(itit  thri(u yours. ) 

Lainetiue.  Ii.  F.  Kniitli:  1  liiivo  iiovor  obturvod  it  feeding  upon  intiectH.  It  wiw 
bruiijflit  litTo  t(i  look  iiftcr  tlio  inii|)li)>\v<>rni,  wliicli  frequently  dcMtroyH  tlie  foiiit^rn  of 
tile  Mi»|ili)  twice  ill  11  Ht^uHoii.  It  douH  not  feud  iipou  that  worm  nur  doim  any  oihur 
bird  thiit  I  hiive  observed,    (.luniiiiry  12,  1HH7.     I'rcHont  about  ten  years.) 

Muimittan.  Dr.  Cliiirles  1'.  lilaehly :  The  iiia]ile-inoth  huHbeen  very  injnrioiiN  Imrc, 
Htiipiiiii^  (he  treoH  of  foliii<re  twice  vomphfih/  and  partly  athird  time,  in  aHuaNon,  ami 
ninrkiiiK  it  very  otreiiMive  by  their  dropiiin^H  and  by  covuriji);  Hidewulks  and  femes  in 
eoiintleHH  myriads.  The  KiiKlinli  Sparrow  han  not  been  observed  to  moleHt  tiiein, 
though  breediiifj  oxteiiHiveiy  in  biiildiii);s  <iverHliadowed  by  tlio  maiiluM  which  wtTr 
completely  defoliated  by  the  wonim.     (November,  IHH5.) 

Mnuhatlini.     rrof.  I).  K.  Laut/:  It  feeds  upon  the  Cicaf/a.     (Autumn,  IHH;').) 

It  has  not  been  of  any  marked  benclit.  It  feeds  sparint^ly  upon  the  maple-worin, 
HO  destructive  to  the  iiiiipie  in  this  locality.  During  the  breed iu); season  it  feeds  n|i(iii 
insects,  and,  althou;;h  I  have  not  iiivestiKiitod,  I  am  satisliod  that  its  food  is  lar^'t^ly 
of  this  kind  duriuji;  the  early  Hiimmur  months.  (Soptomber'i,  185(>.  rrcHontabmil  tsix 
years.) 

Toronto.  .1.  It.  Stockton ;  I  never  aaw  it  touch  worm  or  tiy.  My  trees  were  tilled 
with  fi;reen  worms,  eating  the  foilaKo;  but  I  never  saw  a  Sparrow  intcrfcro  with  oiu!, 
while  the  other  birds  did.     (October  (i,  18Hti.     Present  about  one  year.) 

\\K\TVL\i\. —  Hlooiiijicld.  .John  Allen  Terrell:  It  destroys  caterjiillars,  eabliat;(>. 
worms,  jjrasshoppers,  and  larvie  of  every  description,  except  thiit  of  the  potato-beetle. 
It  feeds  upon  insects  under  ull  circumstances.  (October  5, 1880.  I'rosout  iw  tout  sev- 
enteen years.) 

IloivUiiii  (Ireoi.  Postmaster:  I  liavo  personally  examined  the  crops  of  tweuty-seveu 
En<rlish  Sparrows  this  summer  and  not  found  a  buj;  or  worm.  (October  3,  If^dU- 
Present  about  cifjht  y«'ars. ) 

Columbus.  F.  II,  (iardener :  It  docs  not  seem  to  discriminate,  but  eats  icost  small 
insects  thrown  in  its  way.     (October  D,  188{i.    Present  about  three  years.) 

CriHci'iit  Hill.  Thomas  S.  Kennedy :  I  liave  not  seen  it  interfere  with  the  cub- 
bagc-worm  or  its  butterfly,  with  the  codling-moth,  or  any  beetles,  cnt-worm.s,  or 
otlurd(  structivo  insects,  except  the  hairy  caterpillar.  It  feeds  its  young  on  insects, 
especially  on  the  moth  of  the  common  hairy  caterpillar.  (October  5, 188().  Prcseut 
five  or  six  years.) 

Elkton.  E.  W.  Weathers  :  It  seems  to  catch  the  worms  from  the  cabbages  cspec- 
ially.  It  feeds  upon  insects  when  rearing  its  brood,  and  destroys  to  a  limited  extent 
such  as  are  common  to  the  garden.     (October  4, 188('.     Present  about  six  years.) 

(ircenville.  C.W.  Short:  The  extent  to  which  it  feeds  upon  insects  is  not  wortliy 
of  notice.     (October  11, 188G.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Hartford.  A.  H.  Baird:  It  feeds  upon  insects  only  from  sheer  necessity.  In  a  very 
few  instance)  it  has  been  observed  feeding  its  young  on  grasshoppers.  (October 5, 
1880.    Prcse  '    about  six  years.) 

Lancaster.  W.  H.  Wherritt:  I  think  it  feeds  upon  insects  only  when  hard  pressed 
for  food.  In  a  few  instances  I  have  known  it  to  destroy  the  green  cabbage-witrm. 
(October  11, 1886.     Present  eight  or  nine  years.) 

Lonisville.  J.  B.  Nail:  It  feeds  npon  insects  whenever  it  can  get  them.  I  have 
seen  it  eat  cut-worms,  and  moths  of  various  kinds.  It  has  nearly  exterminated  the 
white  caterpillar  that  a  few  years  ago  threatened  to  destroy  our  shade  trees.  It  eala 
all  kinds  of  insects  to  some  extent.  (September  8,1880.  Present  about  twelve 
years.) 

Louisville.  A.  P.  Farnsley,  per  J.  B.  Nail :  I  have  seen  English  Sparrows,  blue- 
birds, tame  pigeons,  and  blackbirds  feeding  upon  the  cut-worm  and  arniy-wonii,  I 
am  certain  these  birds  saved  mo  more  in  two  seasons  than  they  could  possibly  injure 
me  in  twenty  years.     *     *     *     A  few  years  ago  I  had  a  barley  field  infested  with 


EVIUKNCi;. — RELATION    TO    1N8ECT8. 


291 


Ariiiy-wuriiiH.  After  I  t;ut  tliv  ItuiK-y  tbi;  woriiiH  coiniiiuiR'cd  moving  iiitu  nn  n«IJiicuiit 
('orii-th)ltl.  1  tluiiiKlit  my  corn  would  Ixt  rnnuMi,  hut  to  my  grout  duliglit  tliu  KngliHli 
S|i:irn>\VM,  tnmu  pigeonM,  i  'mI  UluckbirdH  cunio  to  my  aid  in  vimt  llookN,  and  pickud  np 
mill  ciirrifd  oil' the  wornm  lui  fuHt  UH  they  omcrgi^d  from  the  harlcy  tiuld.  (Augiitttti, 
l-^-ii.) 

MaytvUlc.  A.  C.  Hch|>(>hs:  It  fcudH  upon  uutn  und  ot1ii>r  liiHt'ctH  in  ctirly  spring. 
(( >(toi)or  (>,  liSHii.     |*roM4nt  mncn  or  fight  years. ) 

Sliilbyrillv.  Dr.  Ormshy  (iruy:  It  lias  hi-un  of  inarkod  honflit  in  Hoino  oascH.  It 
fiiils  its  young  oil  tho  inillcrH  and  bntturiiics  ot'niany  destrnctivK  caterpillars,  thcn^- 
liy  destroying  nniny  broods.  It  destroys  iusDcts,  ho«'«vcr,  only  when  rearing  its 
yoiiiig.     (<)ct(d)er  12,  If^t^d.     I'rcsont  about  eight  years.) 

simiiHotirille.  H.  II.  (ieorge:  It  cats  somu  catfr])illars  and  souu)  innocent  worms, 
iiiit  has  been  of  no  marked  huneflt.     (October  !.'>,  iH.-^Ci.     I'restMit  aixmt  seven  years. ) 

l.diisiAN.x. — /)V()•rt^ln■a  (country).  William  M.  Uerthoud  :  I  liiive  nevi  <own  it  to 
destroy  insects.  1  have  often  killed  and  dissected  them  for  examination,  but  nuvur 
I'iiiiikI  any  insects  in  them.     (.Juno  '^7,  Hi7.     Present  about  four  years.) 

lUiirk  Ifaick  (country).  W.C.  Percy, Jr. :  It  feeds  upon  insects  during  winter  and 
>|iiiug,  but  I  do  ru>t  know  up  in  what  kinds.  It  does  not  eat  the  cotton-worm,  and  I 
liiuu  seen  hut  few  insects  in  its  stomach.  (iScptumbor  15, 18tfiS.  Present  about  two 
y...is.) 

DiniuldHoinulli;  L.  K.  Uentloy  :  I  do  uot  know  of  its  destroying  any  particular  in- 
iti'(  t,  injurious  or  otherwise.  Insects  remain  undisturbed  in  its  very  roosting  trees. 
October H,  lrt"'t!.     Present  live  year^.) 

Mai.nk. —/{reiccr.  Manly  Hardy:  They  are  id  at  times  to  eat  canker-worms,  but 
clii.io  watching  here  lias  failed  to  Bee  one  take  uny  kind  of  insect.  (August  'M,  18K>. 
Piv.sent  about  four  years.) 

.V(/(//i  fArennore.  George  H.  Berry  :  During  early  spriug  and  summer  it  eats  a  few 
insects,  though  rarely.  It  takes  the  caiiker-worin,  carabid  larvie,  Covcincllidw  (lady- 
liiiji;x),  and  rarely  the  vaponu"  moth  {Ortjuin).     (August  '2'.\,  Hriii.) 

.lime  :J,  ISH'),  I  found  a  nest  of  the  English  Sparrow  with  three  young  about  half 
grown.  In  tho  nest  were  remains  of  the  luna  and  vtcropm  moths,  and  tiiniiiH  and 
iiiiHiipa  butterllles;  also  a  single  dead  larva  of  the  vaporer  niotli.  .Time  12,  IdHti,  tho 
Eii;j;!ish  Sparrows  (in  uest  just  below  my  window)  liabclietl  and  the  old  birds  were 
fcniiug  thoin  with  small  green  worms.  June  14,  from  2  to  5  p.  m.,  the  S|>airows 
brought  some  sixty  greou  worms  and  a  couple  of  caterpillars  of  Orijyia  IfHcoxliqina 
besides  llies,  moths,  etc.  July  10,  18d7,  there  being  a  nest  of  Spari'ows  almost  ready 
to  My,  in  a  box,  I  secured  nearly  twenty  larvie  of  Orgijla  and  i>iaced  tlieiii  on  a  limb 
jiHt  below  the  nest.  For  nearly  an  hour  the  old  birds  paid  no  attention  to  them,  but 
lliiiilly  one  of  them  ate  one  and  carried  three  to  the  young  ;  the  remaindtr  were  un- 
m  ilested.     (July  12,  1887.     Present  about  fouryear.s, ) 

I'ortUiml.  Nathan  Clift'ord  IJrowu  :  Among  15  Sparrows  (11  adults  and  1  young) 
(lis-sected  during  the  fimr  months  ending  July  18,  1884,  o  'v  two  contained  any  ani- 
iiiiil  food  whatever.  One  of  lue.so  contained  the  remains  of  a  small  sjtider,  the  other 
iv  single  leg  of  a  small  spider,  tho  remainder  of  tho  food  in  both  eases  consisting  of 
cracked  corn  and  oats.  Tho  food  of  the  \',\  remaining  birds  wsis  made  up  almost  en- 
tirely of  oatR  gleaned  from  horse  droppings,  two  of  tho  birds,  one  young,  having  eaten 
ill  addition  a  little  green  vegetable  matter,  and  all  containing  some  gravel,  bits  of 
coal,  or  brick. 

S'lvcarnppa.  Arthur  IT.  Norton:  It  has  been  observed  to  feed  on  rod  auts  and 
Hpiilers  to  a  small  extent,     f  October  18,  IHst!.) 

Mauyl.\nd. — Ilaltimon:  Otto  Lugger  :  Early  in  the  spring  w'.ion  it  has  young  it 
takes  insects.  It  is  very  fond  of  winged  Termi7«i  (have  seen  them  eating  them 
williin  the  past  week);  it  catches  tiles  of  tho  family  Mitscilw,  but  takes  beneficial 
Kpi'cies  as  well  as  indifferent  ones.  It  destroyed  (in  1885)  vast  numbers  of  the  harm- 
less seventeen-year  Cicada.    (May  10, 1887.) 


'  "fill 


Pir 


292 


THr    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


-} 


Va?6ACHU8HTT8. — Amhcmt.  Hubert  I-.  Clark:  It  i.s  worse  than  useless,  taking  as 
it  does  littlu  or  no  insect  food.     (October  2,  1885.) 

A  few  were  seen  oating  canker-worms  this  year  (188G.  Present  abont  fourteen 
years.) 

Cambriilge.  William  Brewster :  They  are  emphatically  seed  eaters.  I  think  they 
eat  very  lew  insects.  I  do  not  think  it  possible  that  they  eat  the  larvie  of  the  va- 
liorer  moth  (Orgyia)  to  any  extent,  judginj;  by  the  fact  thao  tno  Sparrow  boxes  iu 
Boston  are  olYen  nearly  covered  with  the  cocoons  of  this  insect,  and  trees  crowded 
■with  the  Sparrows  arc  stripped  bare  of  leaves.  *  '  •  i  have  never  made  iiiiy 
adequate  disseotioiis.  Injurious  insects,  especially  the  vaporor  moth  (only  in  Hoston) 
and  canker-worm,  Inive  increased  rather  tlii'  lessened  since  the  introduction  of  the 
Sparrow.     (.Jaiiuiiry  ;!0,  18rtl.) 

CamJnUlgc.  Dr.  II.  A.  Hagen :  He  eats  insects  in  brooding  time  and  before  this 
time;  in  my  yard  chielly  canker-worms,  but  before  their  appeiirance,  eggs  and  all 
«niall  insects  on  the  trees,  for  which  ho  searches  the  twigs  iu  the  manner  of  the  wood- 
pecker. Canker-worms  are  also  carried  to  the  young;  I  have  often  seen  the  male  come 
with  five  of  tliem  in  his  mouth  when  there  were  five  young  to  be  provided  for.  The 
Sparrow  never  eats  the  larvie  of  0>Y/i/i(t  leucosligma.  It  is  a  great  but  common  error 
here,  to  i^xpeet  him  to  eat  hairy  caterpillars;  only  a  few  birds  (e.«/.  the  cuckoo;  eat 
them.  In  Cambriilge  the.  caidier-worm  has  certainly  been  materially  lessened  in  mini- 
bersby  the  Sparrow.  Since  this  bird  became  well  established  here  we  have  never 
liad  such  numbers  as  were  common  seven  or  eight  yciirs  before.  (April  13, 1884.  Pres- 
ent about  eleven  years.) 

Kant  TeDiphtoii.  Charles  E.  Ingalls:  It  takes  insects  hnt  rarely,  and  then  while 
caring  for  its  young.  I  have  seen  it  npon  only  two  occasions  flying  to  its  yoiuig  in 
the  nest  with  a  white  grub  which  I  am  nnable  lo  name.  (Angnst  2;?,  1886.  Present 
about  six  years.) 

Holjjoke.  Thomas  Chalmers:  Sparrows  do  not  take  long  flights  to  procure  fooil  loi 
their  young;  if  insects  are  abundant  in  the  neighborhood,  insects  will  be  found  tofoini 
the  staple  food  for  the  yonng.  When  raising  their  early  broods  there  is  no  grain  er 
seed  to  be  had,  while  soft  foods,  such  as  ini;ectH,  larvie,  moths,  and  grubs  are  most 
abundant.     (Mar(!lifi,  1884.    Present  about  fifteen  years.) 

Lijnu.  John  H.  Tolnum:  I  think  it  sciircely  troubles  insects.  Tbcy  have  increasiil 
rapidly  since  the  coming  of  the  Sparrow,  and  my  fruit  of  all  kinds  is  much  more  in- 
fested than  it  nsed  to  be.     (February  l.*).  1H84.     Present  about  eleven  years.) 

Michigan. — Had  Are,  Hell  Irwin:  I  have  known  it  to  gorge  itself  with  angle- 
worms, and  later  on  with  insects  destructive  to  fruits  and  vegetables,  among  them 
the  cabbage- worm.     (September  ll"),  188(5.     Pres(!ut  about  four  years.) 

BurJUujion.  Poslnurster:  It  feeds  upon  flies  and  grisshopiiers.  (October  21,  Iri.SO. 
Present  about  three  years.) 

Grass  Lake.  Frank  O.  Hellier:  It  has  been  o'"  marked  beneflt  by  eating  currant- 
worms,  cabbage-worms,  etc.    (.September  7, 188  ..) 

Hanthiy.i.  John  IJes.stner:  It  has  been  of  markinl  benefit  in  the  destruction  of  a 
groat  many  insects,  especially  the  cabbnge  worm  and  grasshoiipms  of  the  smaller 
kinds.  I  am  satisfied  that  it  feeds  its  youii''  <  iiliiely  npnu  insects.  I  have  watelied 
it  day  after  day  and  have  placed  gi'nin  food  within  easy  reach,  but  it  would  not 
touch  it  to  feed  its  young. 

In  the  summer  I  planted  .some  cauliflowers  in  my  garden  and  found  they  were  not 
att.acked  by  the  cabbage-worms,  and  upon  investigation  I  found  that  the  Sparrows 
were  feeding  their  young  u|)on  cabbage- worms  picked  from  the  cauliflowers.  Alter 
the  yonng  leave  the  nest  I  have  seen  them  feed  upon  grain  and  insects  together, 
and  when  full  grown  I  believe  they  subsist  entirely  npon  grain.  (October  7,  IHHC- 
Present  about  ten  years  ) 

Hudson.    A.  II.  Boies :  As  an  insect-destroyer,  I  consider  it  a  failure.    (1885.) 

I  once  saw  a  Sparrow  catch  a  single  grasshopper,  but  that  is  the  only  instance  of 


jerSl.  18,-^li, 


EVIDENCE. — RELATION    TO   INSECTS. 


293 


its  eating  insects  that  I  have  observed.     (Aiignst  19,  1880.    Present  about  eleven 

years. )      • 

Laming.  Jason  E.  Nichols :  I  Lave  known  it  to  feed  on  insects  only  once,  and 
that  was  on  the  Larniless  Hies  that  swarm  over  the  riv«?r.  [Probably  Ei}liemirw.'\ 
(August  26,  18SG.     Present  several  years.) 

North  Adams.  O.  C.  Smith  :  From  what  I  have  seen,  I  believe  it  to  hv  of  no  valne 
as  an  insect  exterminator;  I  have  yet  to  observe  a  single  instance  in  which  it  has 
been  benohcial.     (Octobor  8,  188(5.     Present  five  years.) 

SdUne  {v.ormtry).  Norman  A.  Wood:  It  feeds  ni)on  insects  only  in  ease  of  starva- 
tion. Wo  have  no  bird  that  oats  so  few  insects.  I  liave  never  seen  i'-.cat  worm  or 
larva.     (September  G,  1886.     Present  about  six  years.) 

Traverse  Citji.  H.  D.  Campbell :  It  feeds  npon  spiders  around  dwellings  and  in 
other  places.     (October,  1886.     Present  about  eight  years. ) 

MiHSissii'ri. — Colinnhus.  D.  C.  Hodo:  It  is  the  most  omnivorous  of  l)irds,  and  when 
there  are  no  vegetables  or  grain  it  e.its  all  liinds  of  insects  and  tlu'ir  larvse.  (St-p- 
ttiiiber '.il,  1886.     Present  about  two  years.) 

Nkw  HAMi'.sniiiB. — FraiikUti  Falln.  George  Stol  worthy :  It  is  one  of  onr  bu.siest  in- 
sect-catchers during  the  breeiling  scasini.  I  have  seen  it  feeding  on  grasshoppers 
after  the  breeding  season  was  over.  Itdestroys  potato-bugs,  grasshoppers,  and  many 
kinds  of  small  beetles  and  Hies.     (August  2-i,  188(i.     Prestnt  six  or  seven  years.) 

Nkw  .iKiiSKY. — CiiUhvell.  Marcus  S.  Crane:  I  examined  the  crojis  of  seven  Spar- 
rows shot  at  dirt'erent  times  between  August  11  anil  September  12.  During  this  time 
onr  grain  was  stacked,  and  the  elm-leaf  beetle  was  abundant  on  the  elms.  In  all 
cases  the  Siiarrows' crops  contained  gr.ain,  and  the  microscope,  failed  to  reveal  any 
feinaius  of  insects.     (September  iiO,  1884.     Present  fourteen  years.) 

Chatham.  George  M.  Swaim  :  It  eats  insects  only  when  driven  to  it  by  lack  of  other 
food.  When  they  first  came  to  this  country  I  saw  them  eat  soft-liodied,  winged  in- 
sects, but  have  not  teen  them  do  so  now  for  a  number  of  years.  (August  'M,  1886. 
Present  about  eighteen  years.) 

Eaxt  Orange.  II.  H.  Bailey:  It  is  a  seed-eater,  and  never  touches  insects.  I  have 
never  seen  a  Sparrow  touch  a  cocoon  or  worm  of  tl'.<!  vaporeruioth  (Orgi/ia),  although 
trees  inhabited  by  Sparrows  are  often  infested  by  these  worms.  I  dissected  sixty 
a<lnlt  S[iarrows  in  the  luiight  of  the  insect  season,  and  never  found  a  trace  of  an  in- 
sect;  nor  have  I  ever  seen  one  touch  an  iusectof  any  kind.  (February  7,  1884.  Pres- 
ent ten  years  or  more. ) 

Uranij  Lloyd  McKirn  Garrison  :  It  is  a  seed-eater.  I  have  dissected  nuiny  Spar- 
rows, and  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  but  have  never  found  a  trace  «)f  an  insect  in 
tlieiii,  although  I  think  the  young  eat  insects,  mainly  caterpillars.  The  canker-worm 
has  bet'u  unusually  piovalent  Isere  of  late,  but  1  never  saw  a. Sparrow  eat  oue.  (Feb- 
ruary 11,  1881,     Present  mai.y    -ears.) 

li'idiiewooil.  Henry  Hales:  In  cities  I  have  seen  it  eatcli  moths  of  the  measnre- 
WDiHi  iu  sitriug.  I  have  also  soen  them,  when  sitting  on  a  fence,  lly  off  oiio  after 
another  and  catch  Hies  on  the  wing  like  u  true  llycatcher.  (January  18,  1887.  Pres- 
ent about  liCteeii  years.) 

Trillion.  Prof.  Austin  C.  Apgar :  It  is  nuiinly  a  seed-eater,  but  if  forced  to  eat  in- 
sects will  devonr  any  kind.  My  knowledge  is  derived  from  observation  only.  Inju- 
rious insects  have  apparently  neither  iucniased  nor  decreastul  sincethe  coming  of  the 
Sparrow.     (February  2.'),  1884.     Present  aliont  fourteen  years.) 

Nkw  Yohk. — IlaldiriimriUe.  Rev.  W.  M.  IJeanchamp  r  Twice  this  year  I  have  seen 
it  catch  iusect.s.     (October  15,  1885.) 

It  rarely  cats  insects.  1  have  occasionally  seen  it;  with  insects,  and  have  supposed 
it  carrieil  these  to  its  young.    (September  13,  18rii).     I'rcseut  niau.\  years.) 

IloonriUe.  Edwaril  Snow:  It  has  been  of  no  Itenelit  ex<M>i(t  occasioualiy  to  catch 
a  few  irrasshoppers.     (August  IS,  188  I.     Present  ten  or  twelves  years.) 

liiookly.     W.  J.  Kenyon:  At  times  I  have  seen  the  Sparrows  all  collect  in  one 


111* 

1 

if 

If: 

■"■       \ 

4= 

*:•; 


l?J   1  ■ 
1    't  ■ 


i^ 


294 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW  IN   AMERICA. 


spot  on  tlie  grass  and  go  through  what  appearn  to  be  a  wf\r  dar  f).  A  Sparrow  will 
dart  up  about  four  feet,  roinaiu  lluttorlug  there  au  iustaut,  aud  settle  iigaiiipo  quickly 
that  there  are  always  two  or  three  birds  iu  the  air.  I  found  out  later  that  they 
were  catching  small  insects  soniethiug  like  winged  auts.  (September  4,  18dG.  Pros- 
eut  thirty  years  or  more.) 

[The  winged  insects  referred  to  were  doubtless  the  so  called  white  ants  or  TermiteH']. 

Brooklyn,  J.  A.  Perry:  The  army-worm,  which  has  proved  to  be  so  destructive  to 
the  gvassaud  grain  crops  iu  various  parts  of  the  coni>try,  suddenly  appeared  a  few 
days  since  near  the  southern  boundary  of  the  Greeuwood  cemetery,  a  road  called 
Martense's  Lane  only  intervening. 

Dreading  the  ravages  which  they  would  commit  if  they  got  into  Greenwood, 
orders  were  given  that,  in  the  event  of  their  attempting  to  cross  the  road,  the  entire 
laboring  force  of  the  cemetery  should  be  called  out  to  resist  them.  Their  movo- 
ments  were  closely  watched,  and  the  mode  of  attack  devised.  Spades  and  shovels 
were  ordered  to  be  used  and  the  great-steam  roller  of  12  tons  weight  was  to  be  held 
in  readiness  to  crush  them. 

But  an  army  diminutive  in  individual  power,  but  mighty  in  numerical  force,  soon 
appeared  as  volunteers  in  the  field,  au  renddered  all  other  precautions  unnecessary. 
The  English  Sparrow,  which  had  been  eucoui'aged  to  make  its  home  in  Greenwood 
some  years  since,  in  order  to  prevent  the  ravages  of  the  inch-worm,  which  tbnn 
infested  the  cities  of  New  York  and  Brooklyn  and  which  it  was  feared  might  rt  aeli 
Greenwood,  soon  discovered  these  army-worms,  aud  collecting  iu  some  mysterious 
way  from  all  parts  of  the  cemetery,  iu  a  flock  numbering  several  thousands,  sped 
thtiir  way  to  the  field,  swept  around  its  outskirts  apparently  to  observe  the  extent  of 
the  work  before  them,  landed  in  the  middle  of  it,  and  spreading  themselves  on  the 
right  and  on  the  loft,  proceeded  to  devour  voraciously  all  the  worms  which  they  met. 
The  field  being  large,  some  8  or  10  acres  iu  extent,  the  attacking  hosts  were  busily 
occuitied  nearly  three  days,  but  they  did  not  leave  except  at  night,  until  their  work 
was  ended  in  the  complete  extermination  of  the  dreaded  foe.  »  *  *  It  is  due  to 
this  poor  defamed  bird,  in  the  opinion  of  the  writer,  that  those  facts  should  be  made 
known,  that  the  opprobium  which  rests  upon  it  should  be  removed,  and  at  the  same 
time  credit  should  be  given  to  it  for  preventing,  in  one  instance  at  least,  the  ravaj^es 
of  the  much-dreaded  army-worm.   (For  the  Journal  of  Commerce.)  (January  24,  IS.^0.) 

Brooklyn.  Hon.  Nicolas  Pike:  In  a  very  short  time  [after  their  introduction  in 
18;")'^]  these  voracious  little  birds  completely  eradicated  llie  "hanging-worm''  or 
measuring  worm,  Ennomos  {Eugonia)  suhmgnaria,  which  was  threatening  our  fairest 
shade  trees,  and  making  the  sidewalks  almost  impassable.  Now  it  is  difficult  to  lind 
one  in  the  city.  They  have  also  materially  lessened  the  numbers  of  one  of  the  tlear- 
winged  flies  so  destructive  to  the  grape-vine. 

The  adult  Siiarrow  oats  all  the  a)'<u7iHoiV7ea,  millers,  and  other  small  moth.s  and 
their  larva>,  the  soft  larvto  of  .almost  all  insects,  aud  small  worms.  I  have  never  .seen 
it  take  either  the  moth  or  larva  of  (irgyia,  nor  have  1  ever  found  it  in  the  stoiiiacli. 
It  dots  eat  ichneumon  flies.  The  food  de)>euds  almost  antirely  on  season  and  temper- 
ature. In  winter  it  is  found  iu  street  drojjpings,  crumbs,  or  anything  obtainable.  In 
summer  it  lives  mostly  on  animal  food,  which  I  believe  it  prefers,  iinless  persistently 
fed  with  fvrain,  bread,  etc.  The  young  are  fed  mostly  on  spiders  aud  soft  larvai  of 
insects.  In  the  nest  I  believe  tliey  are  entirely  animal  feeders,  but  out  of  it  tiiey 
take  vegetable  aud  animal  food  indiscriminately.  (Tebruary  8, 1884.  Present  about 
thirty-two  years.) 

Buffalo.  Prof.  Charles  Linden  :  A  liveryman  tells  mo  that  since  the  advent  of  the 
Sparrow  be  lias  noticed  a  gratifying  diminution  in  the  numbt^r  of  bot-flies  amon;;  liia 
horses.  The  Sparrow  loves  caterpillars,  ;md  insects  of  all  sorts.  Our  park  superin- 
tendent, a  good,  clear-headed  observer,  testifies  in  its  favor,  aud  ascribes  the  lino 
condition  of  the  trees  in  Btirt'alo  Park  largely  to  this  insect-destroying  capacity  of 
the  Sparrow.     I  have  often  seen  tlio  Sparrow  catching  the  white  cabbago-buttiilly, 


EVIDENCE. — RELATION   TO   INSECTS. 


295 


:in(l  while  cliasing  a  rare  Cinciiulvla  [tijjcr-beetle]  in  one  of  our  streets,  foaud  a 
uwif*''!'  competitor  in  a  Sparrow,  which  cau^lit  the  insect  on  the  wing.    (1885.) 

Hiiffulo.  Dr.  W.  IT,  Bergtokl:  I  have  n-pentodly  seen  it  catch  insects  in  the  same 
wiiy  the  varions  Uycatchers  obtain  tlieir  food.  It  also  feeds  its  young  .almost  exclu- 
sively on  larvie,  at  least  while  they  are  quite  young.  (August  '.Jl,  1886.  Present 
twelve  or  tifteen  years.) 

Conataiida.  Wallace  D.  Rhiiics :  It  feeds  on  insects  wheu  it  can  not  got  grain  food. 
I  have  seen  it  destroy  quite  a  nnmber  of  grasshoppers,  bnt  no  other  insects.  (August 
W,  1H8(>.    Present  four  or  five  years.) 

riiiahing.  D.  C.  Beard:  He  refuses  to  eat  the  hairy  caterpillars.  The  canker- 
worm  has  diminished  iibout  here,  but  its  place  is  more  th.in  filled  by  the  hairy  larvie, 
(Present  about  ten  years.) 

(lansevoort.  Joseph  W.  Shurter :  Possibly  when  it  can  get  nothing  else  it  may  eat 
insects,  but  I  have  examined  the  crops  of  jierhaps  twenty  Sparrows  at  different  sea- 
sons and  invariably  found  nothing  but  grain  or  seeds  therein.  (February  4,  188S. 
Present  about  eight  years.) 

Lockport,  Lewis  II.  Hill:  I  have  watched  them  this  year  on  the  plum  tree,  and 
have  seen  them  open  the  leaf  that  had  been  "oUed  and  eat  the  worm  that  it  con- 
tained.    (September;?,  1886.) 

Xew  y'ork.  Dr.  F.  Hollick:  The  Sparrow's  consumption  of  insect  eggs  in  winter 
is  a  service  which,  I  think,  is  overlooked.     (September  "2,  1884.) 

Xrw  York.  Hon.  Robert  B.  Roosevelt:  We  must  not  forget  the  good  the  Sparrow 
iiiis  done.  When  first  imported  our  city  trees  were  annually  deniubul  of  every  leaf, 
while  the  measuring  or  inch  worms  hung  in  festoons  in  our  slroets,  suspended  from 
the  boughs  by  their  webs.  They  had  invaded  the  smalhsr  parks  and  threatened  soon 
to  destroy  all  hope  of  verdure  ami  to  kill  the  struggling  trees.  •  »  *  Tliousands 
could  bo  counted  at  one  time  in  Union  Square  swinging  in  the  l)reeze  and  consti- 
tuting a  net-work  of  repulsivenes.s.  To-day,  thanks  to  the  English  Sparrow,  and 
to  liim  alone,  the  measuring-worm  hardly  exists  and  never  causes  perceptible  dnm- 
ajrc.  That  one  good  action  entitles  the  author  of  it  to  protection.  I  can  not  tell  you 
scientifically  what  insects  the  Sparrow  eats.  I  can  only  give  you  the  outcome  of  my 
individual  experience,  and  am  well  aware  that  most  birds  destroy  the  day  millers, 
when  it  is  the  night-llyers  which  are  niost  injuricms.  But  the  Siiarrow  certainly  does 
more  good  than  any  other  kind — yes,  than  any  dozen  kinds  we  have.  (August  8, 
1886.) 

Xcw  York.  A.  Church  :  Their  favorite  food,  especially  that  of  the  young,  consists 
mostly  of  ants,  worms,  flies,  and  millers,  altogether  soft  food,  not  grain  or  seeds.  I 
also  uotice  that  tiio  currant  l)ushes  in  one  place  are  in  a  thriving  condition,  owing  to 
tiio  Sparrow's  eating  the  worms  which  had  formerly  destroyed  the  leaves  and  fruit. 
The  Sparrow  is  very  fond  of  all  such  worms,  but  does  not  likt^  cateritillars  wjiich  have 
hair  on  them,  and  these  no  bird  that  I  know  of  will  cat.  On  the  whole  I  consider 
th(^  Sparrow  a  benefit  to  the  country.     (March  'J7,  1884.) 

Old  Wentbiirji  ("ouutry).  John  1).  Ilicks:  It  feeds  upon  insects  in  the  summer, 
paiticnlarly  whtui  it  has  young,  but  neither  more  nor  less  than  the  .song  sparrow  and 
allied  birds.  When  the  army-worm  was  abundant,  the  Sparrow  was  one  of  its  juost 
vigilant  and  persistent  destroyers.  (September  G,  1886.  Present  about  twenty 
years. ) 

I'hait'iT.  Benjamin  F.  Hess:  During  the  hay-making  season  I  have  seen  the  males 
caiiture  a  great  mnny  sftiall  insects  for  the  young.  It  most  commonly  destroys  grass- 
lioiqiors,  but  only  to  a  small  extent.     (August '25,  1886.     Present  about  two  years.) 

I'oiKjhknpsic,  Dr.  Alfred  Hasbrouck  :  Occasionally  it  catches  a  spider,  lly,  or  somo 
other  insect  The  nature,  of  the  food  has  been  deterniineil  l)y  observation  and  by  dis- 
sftctioi!  I  have  examined  many,  and  have  never  found  an  insect.  I  do  not  think  the 
II'  "t  on  iu.sect  life  is  appreciable.     (September t),  1884.     Present  about  twenty  years.) 

liochesler,    II.  M.  Jennings:  It  does  not  feed  upon  insects  under  any  circumstances. 


K 


296 


THE   ENGLISH   8PAKR0W   IN   AMERICA. 


Rl     " 


M 


r 


I  have  oxiiiiHUod  many,  and  found  not  tlio least  indication  of  theirhaving  taken  insect 
food.    (February  12,  1'<>'7.     Present  ten  or  eleven  years.) 

Utica.  Thomas  Birt:  it  will  devour  grasshoppers  and  some  kinds  of  grubs  when 
it  can  gi  t  nothing  else.  Some  three  years  ago,  in  the  latter  part  of  a  summer  which 
had  been  very  hot  and  dry,  I  noticed  the  Sjtarrows  bnsy  in  the  meadows.  Curiosity 
compelled  me  to  watch  them  closely,  when,  to  their  credit  be  it  said,  I  saw  humlreds 
of  them  bringing  an  e(]ual  number  of  grasshoppers,  tearing  them  to  pieces  and  hnlt- 
ing  them  down.  Hunger  must  have  compelled  them  to  do  this,  for  I  am  very  sure 
nothing  else  would.     (September  1(J,  1887.) 

Wt  lyorl.  George  C.  Osborne:  When  it  can  not  get  i^rain  it  i.iay  oat  iubccts,  lint 
111  ive  never  found  an  insect  in  itscro]*.     (November  &,  l-^fcG.     Present  abiuitten  yearn.) 

Ohio. — Akron  (suburbs).  Prof.  E.  W.  Claypolo :  In  nesting  time  it  feed-s  its  youni; 
iil)on  insects;  and  li-  picks  plant-lice  from  the  trees  sometimes.  (December  31,  18cJC. 
Present  about  eleven  years.) 

Avoiulale,  Charles  Ihiry  :  April  28,  1882,  I  began  an  investigation  of  the  food  and 
habits  of  these  birds,  being  desirous  of  obtaining  correct  data  in  regard  to  them,  and 
particularly  to  test  their  desirability  in  a  general  way.  In  this  paper  I  give  a  brief 
summary  of  the  food  I  found  in  them.  Where  the  contents  of  the  stomach  was  not 
recognizable  to  the  unassisted  eye,  it  was  examined  under  a  power  of  about  thirty 
diameters.  The  birds  secured  were  both  a'^'ilt  and  young,  though  all  fully  fledged 
birds  and  able  to  Hy.  No  nestlings  were  o  >  ainable  as  Idid  not  allow  them  to  nest  on 
.the  place,  which  consisted  of  live  acres  of  ground  fllled  with  fruit  and  other  trees. 
By  baiting  a  spot  with  oats  for  several  days  without  molesting  the  birds,  I  was  able 
to  kill  many  at  a  discharge  of  a  No.  12  gun  loaded  with  an  ounce  of  No.  10  shot. 
One  day  forty-th  lee  were  killed  in  several  shots,  and  of  these  several  selected  at 
random  (niiiles,  f  ntales,  and  young)  were  tiiken  to  be  a  fair  sample  of  the  entire  lot. 
Others  were  sho'  singly  from  fruit  and  shade  trees,  and  still  others  were  killed  while 
hopping  in  the  y  rass. 

At  intervals  as  time  permitted  from  April  28,1882,  until  January,  1888, 1  examined 
about  one  hundred  and  ten  birds  and  noted  the  contents  of  stomachs.  Every  moiitli 
in  the  year  was  represented.  The  food  of  these  birds  was  seeds  of  various  kinds, 
grain,  oats,  brokeii  grains  of  corn,  buds  of  trees,  fruit,  and  bits  of  bread  and  table 
scraps.  I  enumerate  below  the  instances  where  insects  were  found  in  any  stomach, 
with  the  dates. 

April 28, 1882.  Male  ;  contained  seeds,  whole  and  broken,  with  snuill  round  sand  and 
part  of  shell  or  outer  skin  of  minute  liemipterous  insect. 

March  2,  1883.  Two  birds  had  fragments  of  small  beetles,  Apltodius  (one  beetle  in 
each  case),  in  addition  to  the  seeds  and  grain  with  which  their  stomachs  were  filled. 

April  20, 1883.  Male  an  female  shot  from  house  top.  Male  contained,  in  addition  to 
seeds  and  buds,  one  head  and  part  of  body  of  small  { Staph yliii  id)  beetle. 

Juno  2,  1883.  One  bird  had  remains  of  two  small  beetles  with  the  broken  grains  of 
corn  and  oats  that  its  stomach  was  filled  with. 

Juno  30,  1881.  One  bird  contained  the  reuuiius  of  two  small  heet]os (ChrysomeUdu). 

July  f),  188(5.  In  addition  to  the  soft  pulp  of  green  oats  one  bird  had  the  fragments 
of  u  large  black  ant  in  its  stomach. 

The  above  were  all  the  insects  I  was  able  to  find  in  any  of  them.  I  am  astonished 
at  my  want  of  success  in  finding  insects  in  these  birds,  us  several  persons  have  re- 
ported to  me  instances  where  they  had  observed  Sjiarrows  catching  in.sects.  My 
observation  has  been  mostly  confined  to  the  home  place,  yel  it  is  a  very  favornlilo 
place  for  larvai  and  insects  of  all  kinds,  and  before  the  Sparrows  came  our  native 
birds  were  abundant  and  found  plenty  of  food  and  shelter  in  the  trees  and  bushes 
with  which  the  ])lace  was  covered.     (Februarys,  1888.) 

Cincinnali.  William  Hubbell  Fisher:  He  is  a  seed  eater,  and  I  have  never  seen 
him  take  an  insect.  Ho  will  not  eat  the  worms  that  destroy  our  trees,  though  they 
are  most  abundant.  My  data  are  derived  from  direct  observation.  He  has  had  no 
appreciable  effect  on  insect  life  here.     (September  9,  1884.) 


U'  i 


EVIDENCE. RELATION    TO    INSECTS. 


297 


U(1  sand  and 


Cincinnati,  Dr.  F.  W.  Lan^don:  I  havo  oltsiTved  it  to  bo  (inito  expert  in  catcbiiig 
moths  (Noctuitlw)  on  tlic  wiiij^,  about  our  parks;  and  tlio  sevcntoi'ii-year  eicada  fur- 
nisliud  an  abundant  repast  during  the  season  just  >;oti(!.     (November,  ISri').) 

Cleveland.  Dr.  E.  Sterling:  As  for  insoets,  I  have  only  seen  it  take  tlie  I'Jphcmenv 
[May  tlies]  and  other  liamihiss  inseets.  I  have  seen  twenty  or  more  Sparrows  on  a 
fence  alive  with  elm-tree  worms,  and  utterly  disregarding  those  pests.  (February 
'25,  1884.     Present  about  fourteen  years.) 

Culumhiis  (suburb,  Ohio  State  University).  William  B.  Alwood:  I  have  not  ob- 
served closely  in  regard  to  its  relation  to  insects;  but  I  have  n«iver  found  an  insect 
nr  any  part  of  one  in  the  stonnichs  of  Sparrows  killed  and  dissectcMl  during  the  harvest 
season.  I  have  never  known  it  to  attack  insect  larvic,  though  many  times  very  abun- 
dant. Larval  of  Ilyphantria  ciniea  (web-worm)  were  especially  abundant  iluring  the 
iniinth  of  June,  jutt  past,  but  none  were  eaten  by  the  Sparrows,  so  far  as  we  could 
obsiirve.    (July  16,  1887.     Present  ten  years  or  more.) 

llamiUon,  George  Harbron  :  It  feeds  upon  the  measuring  worm  and  cabbage 
mot li  to  a  limited  extent.     (September  i:J,  1881!.     Present  about  eighteen  years.) 

Jeffcraon.  A.  C.  White  :  I  have  only  observed  that  it  follows  robins  and  bluebirds, 
and  takes  from  them  the  worms  and  insects  which  they  find.  (September  3,  1880. 
Present  about  seven  years.) 

Marietla.  Du<lh\v  S.  Ney :  They  do  not  seem  to  destroy  caterpillars,  grubs,  or  in- 
sect larva).  I  am  informed  by  tho.se  who  have  dissected  them  that  they  liml  no  in- 
sects in  thenj.     (November2'>,  188().     Present  about  sixteen  years.) 

Sewton  Falls.  E.W.Turner:  I  have  watched  them  closely,  and  have  never  seen 
one  cat  an  insect  yet.     (November  1(1,  lH.«iG.     Present  live  years.) 

Sorth  Itend  (suburbs).  K.  H.  Warder :  In  188,5  it  ate  the  soventeen-year  cicada,  and 
in  July,  188(),  I  found  them  eating  grasshoppers  in  meadows.  (November*^?,  188(). 
Present  about  eleven  years.) 

lUpki/.  M.  M.  Murphy  :  I  find  the  Sparrow  of  great  benefit  in  my  gardt^n,  eating 
the  woniis  oil'  the  cabbages,  and  the  caterpillars,  etc.,  from  my  persimmon  trees. 
(Ndvember  12,  188G.    Present  about  ton  years.) 

Snhm.  Mrs.  L.  S.  Solberg:  It  feeds  its  young  u[»on  insects,  and  destroys  their 
larva).     (October  1:?,  1886.     Present  seven  or  eight  years.) 

Sharon  Centre.  F.  G.  Cottingham  :  It  will  eat  worms,  bugs,  and  beetles  when  it  can 
not  get  grain.  I  have  seen  it  eat  locusts,  cut-worms,  and  white  grubs,  but  to  a  very 
limited  extent.  The  benefit  has  been  very  slight.  (August  5J1,  1886.  Present  about 
two  years. ) 

li'adsworth.  Dr.  J.  F.  Detweiler :  I  once  saw  a  Sparrow  catch  and  eat  a  gra.sshoppor, 
bnt  this  is  the  only  instance  I  have  noted  of  their  eating  insects.  During  the  summer 
Idi.ssectod  a  great  irauy  to  see  what  they  had  eaten.  I  found  small  grain  and  seeds 
in  all,  bnt  in  no  single  ca,se*did  I  find  an  insect,  nor  were  any  signs  of  any  seen  with 
the  microscope.     (December  10,  1887.     Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

Il'akcman.  W.B.Hall:  Last  winter  I  cut  an  old  apple  tree  badly  infested  wHh 
the  scale  insect.  In  trimming  the  tree  I  had  the  brush  piled  neatly.  I  soon  found 
the  brush  pile  a  resort  for  the  English  Sparrows,  and  by  dose  observation  found 
them  pickin^j  tho  scales  oft*.  They  completely  destroyed  the  scale  insects  from  the 
ijbove-raentitued  tree  so  that  I  could  not  find  a  single  sjiocimen.  I  looked  thoroughly, 
as  I  wanted  to  obtain  some  for  micro.scopic  investigation.  This  is  tho  only  time  I 
have  seen  tho  Sparrow  eating  insects.  (December  24,  1886.  Present  about  five 
ycai's.) 

W'ushinylon  C.  If.  II.  D.  Pursell :  During  the  last  two  years  I  have  been  conduct- 
ing a  series  of  cxperimiMits  as  to  the  best  method  of  disposing  of  the  English  Spar- 
row, and  during  that  time  I  have  been  a  close  observer  of  its  habits.  I  am  emphat- 
ically of  opinionthat  as  an  insect  destroyer  ho  is  a  failure.     (January  '<J;?,  1888.) 

i'i:ssiiYLVA^i\.—Chaml>eriihnrgh  (country).  Davison  Groenawalt:  I  never  saw  it 
catch  anything  but  a  stray  grasshopper  or  t\yo.  (September  5,  1886.  Present  about 
fonrtoen  years.) 


i. 


298 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Laiicaater.  Dr.  S.  S.  Rathvon.  Its  boiielib  to  the  furrnor  aud  horticulturist  has 
been  nieroly  nominal.  Two  or  three  Sparrows  have  been  occasionally  observed  in 
coullict  about  the  po-ssessiou  of  a  cicada,  a  locust,  or  a  large  larva.  Doubtless  it  (Veds 
its  youug  on  soft  insects,  but  1  have  not  uoticed  a  Sparrow  destroying  an  insect  in  ten 
years.     I  once  saw  two  of  them  contending  about  the  possession  of  an  earthworm. 

Although,  living  in  a  crowded  city,  I  may  not  be  able  to  say  much  specifically  as  to 
what  insecth  the  English  Sparrow  destroys,  I  cau  bear  unqualified  testimony  an  lo 
what  it  will  not  or  did  not  destroy.  Three  or  four  years  ago  all  the  elm  trees  in 
this  city  were  seriously  infested  by  the  elm-leaf  beetle  (Gnlcruca  xaiithomelaiia)^ 
several  large  trees  being  within  100  yards  of  my  business  station  There  were  millidns 
of  tlie  insects — larva,  pupa,  aud  imago— on  the  leaves,  the  brauclies,  the  trunks,  ami 
on  the  pavements  under  the  trees,  and  I  visited  them  often.  Midway  between  my 
location  and  these  trees  was  the  dead  wall  of  a  large  three-story  house  entirely  cov- 
ered by  a  vigorous  "  trumpet  vine,"  amid  the  foliage  of  which  hundreds  of  Sparrows 
roosted,  nested,  and  reared  their  broods,  and  many  of  the  birds  were  flying  forth  and 
returning,  from  "early  morn  to  dewy  eve,"  but  I  never  saw  one  of  them  visit  the  in- 
fested trees  or  appropriate  a  single  insect  in  any  of  its  forms.  At  the  same  time  I 
saw  scores  of  them  in  the  streets,  picking  up  whatever  they  could  find,  and  especially 
disintegrating  and  exploring  the  fircrs  of  horses,  almost  immediately  after  dropiiinj;, 
Twenty  j  ards  from  where  I  am  now  daily  occupied  (on  another  premise)  stands  a, 
large  cherry  tree.  Early  in  the  season  I  noticed  a  small  mass  of  web,  about  the  size 
of  a  common  tea-cup,  upon  a  single  branch,  and  I  admonished  the  proprietor  to  re- 
move it,  as  it  was  spun  by  a  species  of  "  web-worm."  Ho  paid  no  attention  to  it,  and 
now  fully  one-half  the  tree  is  covered  and  the  leaves  skeletonized  ;  and  this  too,  not- 
withstanding not  20  yards  distant  is  the  gable  of  a  three-story  building  covered  with 
another  trumpet  vine,  harboring  a  colony  of  an  hundred  Sparrows  or  more.  They  <ly 
straight  to  and  from  their  rookery,  but  seldom  alight  or  continue  long  on  the  cherry 
tree. 

Again,  on  my  promises  is  growing  a  wild  cucurbitaceous  plant,  on  which  I  dis- 
covered a  small  colony  of  "  lady-birds"  {EpUachtia  horealis),  aud  as  the  plant  is  value- 
less I  permitted  them  to  increase  merely  to  ascertain  their  destructive  possibilities. 
Although  the  vine  (I'k'hhiocijstva  lohaiun)  is  a  most  vigorous  grower,  the  insects  have 
nearly  eaten  it  up.  This  vine  was  also  infested  by  thousands  of  Lecanium  hernkplidrl- 
c«m  Ca  species  of  CocciiUv),  but  the  Sparrows  did  uot  disturb  them.  About  ten  feet 
from  the  plant  is  a  large  IViataha  vh'niviisis,  harboring  from  ten  to  twenty  or  more 
English  Sparrows,  but  they  never  touched  one  of  the  insects  to  my  knowledge,  al- 
though there  has  been  no  period  since  the  l.'ith  of  July  la.st  that  abundance  of 
the  larviP,  pupie,  and  mature  insects  were  not  present.  Now,  all  these  insects  are  of 
such  a  texture  as  to  be  edible  to  even  young  birds,  but  the  Si)arrow8  have  "  severely 
let  them  alone."  * 

Allow  me,  in  conclusion,  to  say  tliat  I  have  not  now,  nor  hare  I  ever  had,  any  faitli 
in  the  English  Sparrow  as  essentially  a  destroyer  of  insects,  simply  because  it  is  a 
_^nc/i..**  At  the  same  time  I  would  not  wantonly  traduce  the  character  of  the  bird. 
(October  8,  ISSfi.     Present  sixteen  years  or  more.) 

Mansfield  Valley  (suburb  of  Pittsburgh).  Dr.  R.  L.  Walker:  I  notice  the  Sp.ir. 
rows  every  morning  jjicking  up  the  moths  and  other  insects  which  get  their  \vinf,'8 
singed  by  the  natural  gas  torch  in  my  garden.  This  is  the  only  insect-eating  I  liavo 
ever  known  them  to  do.  When  the  currant-worm  boeamo  ;<uch  a  pest  I  put  up  a  niuu- 
ber  of  boxes  for  the  Sp.irrows,  thinking  they  would  clean  tint  the  worms  ;  but  tlio 
experiment  wasafailnn>,  for  althougli  the  boxes  were  occupied,  I  never  saw  a  Sparrow 
touch  even  .n.  single  worm.  I  tore  down  the  boxes  and  dug  up  the  currant  buslies, 
and  by  that  means  got  rid  of  the  worms.  I  wish  I  could  get  rid  of  the  Sparrows  as 
easily.     (July,  1887.     Present  about  five  years. ) 

New  Lerinijlon.  Dr.  H.  D.  Moore:  I  have  examined  a  great  many  stomachs,  and 
in  only  a  very  fevr  have  I  found  any  wogns  or  insects.    They  eat  such  of  the  larva'  of 


EVIDENCE. — RELATION   TO   INSECTS. 


299 


the  coinnioii  houHO  fly  as  thoy  liiid  in  horso  ami  cow  manure.  I  liiivo  never  observed 
them  Hoarcliing  for  insects.     (SepteniUtn-  i:J,  l.tiSB.    I'reseut  about  eleven  years.) 

I'liii'idcliihia.  A.  L.  Klwyn:  Flics,  niosqiiltnes,  ete.,  it  eats  in  jjreat  numbers.  I 
havo  noticed  the  Sparrows  on  my  pear  trees  with  j^reat  care.  In  the  blossomin<?  sea- 
Kon  tliov  may  often  be  dcen  phii  ging  their  bills  deep  (li>wn  into  the  Howers.  I  believe 
ihi'v  ilo  this  to  get  at  some  instc  or  worm,  and  am  .satisfied  that  the  trees  were  pre- 
siTvcil  and  bore  largely  through  these  little,  birds.    (Oi^tober  11    lH8.'i.) 

I'dllstowii.  John  II.  Steele :  I  have  veiy  seldom  seen  it  eat  insticts.  In  a  very  few 
iiist.inees  I  have  known  it  to  take  grubs  of  motlis  and  butterflies,  when  it  could  find 
III)  fruit.     (August  19,  IHHG.     Present  about  sixteen  years.) 

Suiilli  Ilelhlehcm.  Robert  W.  IJarrell:  I  have  seen  it  destroy  the  seventeen-year 
liKii.st  to  quite  a  large  extent,  but  never  saw  it  feed  on  any  other  insect.    (September 

n;,  i>«;.) 

fVrst  Che^slcr.  Dr.  IJ.  H.  Warren:  He  is  emphatically  a  seed-eater.  In  the  case  of 
out!  Jinndred  dissections,  vegetable  material  was  greatly  in  excess  of  insects  as  a  mat- 
lir  (if  diet.  Out  of  fifty  di.sscctions  made  during  March,  April,  May,  and  June,  forty- 
seven  showed  cereal  and  vegetable  food,  while  one  stomach  contained  a  single  coloop- 
tctoiis  insect.     (January,  1887.) 

HiiDOK  IsL.vxi). — nHVx  flrovi:  Fred  T.  Jencks:  I  have  seen  it  feeding  upon  canker- 
norms,  though  very  seldom.     (November  (!,  18S(>.) 

Nnvport.  Charles  II.  Lawton  anil  John  J.  PecKham:  It  feeds  upon  in.sects,  spi- 
ihrs, and  tree  lice  to  .some  extent.     (November  4,  188(i.     Present  about  eleven  years.) 

I'l ace  Dale.  R.  G.  Ilaz/ard,  .sceoiid:  The  bird  is  omnivorous,  but  feeds  its  young 
cliielly  on  insect  larvic;     (May  2(),  1884.     Present  about  twenty-six  years.) 

Wcslcrlij  (suburb).  H.  F.  Maxon  :  After  oats  are  harvested  it  feeds  some  on  young 
giiisslioppers.     (March,  1887.     Present  about  thirteen  years.) 

SiiUTii  Carolixa. — Charlcaion.  Dr.  G.  E.  Maniganlt :  It  eats  both  seeds  and  iu- 
set'f.s  (Hies  and  grasshopjiers),  but  feeds  its  young  chiefly  on  the  grain  from  horso 
ilroppiugs.     (August  24,  1881.) 

Jamex  fulaiKl.  W.  I.  Ilinson  •  We  expected  great  benefits  from  its  attacks  on  the 
colfon  worm,  but  it  does  not  seem  to  disturb  it.  It  does  not  feed  upon  insects,  I'X- 
lept  on  the  eaterpillar.'J  on  trees  around  buildings.  (November '2,  18815.  Present  four 
yefirs.) 

Tkxnkssek. — Lawrciicebiirgh.  W.T.Nixon:  I  have  observed  the  old  birds  feeding 
tlioir  young  on  white  grubs  which  proved  to  be  maggots  from  a  dead  animal.  (Feb- 
riiiiiy  21,  1887.     Present  about  two  years.) 

1  lAii. —  Provo  City.  Jas.  G.  Keuuey  :  It  was  expected  that  it  would  be  destruc- 
tive to  the  codling  moth,  but  it  is  not.    (November  ir     380.    Present  about  six  years.) 

Vkumont. — LtinenhiKih.  Dr.  Hiram  A.  Cutting:  \  .  feeds  upon  both  seeds  and  in- 
sects, eating  tlie  cabiiage-worm  and  the  larvae  of  various  flies.  It  feeds  its  young 
mi  cabbage-worms  and  other  insect  larva;,  and  on  seeds.  It  has  taken  all  the  cab- 
lii\i,'('-wormsfrom  my  cabbage  fleld.  The  botsin  horses  have  become  almost  unknown, 
and  it  is  the  prevailing  opinion  that  the  Sparrow  eats  the  larva-  as  they  come  from 
Hic  horses.     (August  19,  1884.     Present  four  years.) 

Sn'nit  Johnabiirji.  Rev.  Henry  Fairbanks :  It  is  chiefly  a  seed-eator.  I  have  watched 
it  a  great  deal  without  seeing  it  take  insects.  (February  Z',  1884.  Present  eight  or 
ten  years.) 

Wed  raxclct.  Dr.  Frank  II.  IJraymer:  It  is  a  seed-eater,  and  I  think  it  eats  very 
few  insects,  worms,  etc.  It  eats  a  few  small  green  worms  and  small  gra.sslioppers, 
Jinil  carries  them  to  its  young.     (February  15,  1884.     Present  nine  or  ten  years.) 

\'iK(iiNiA. — Xcw  Mavlxcl.  Gef.rge  M.  Neese :  Last  summer  the  Sparrows  went  in 
iar;;e  Hocks  to  llie  fields  and  destroyed  a  great  many  of  the  grassho))i)ers  that  were 
here  in  millions  dev.istafing  every  green  thing  that  lay  in  their  path.  (December  UO, 
lyS").    Present  about  eleven  years.) 


I  :; 

1 

■ 

iV ' 

'  >> 

1. 

'i^ 

\i 

'■'  (-i 

.v 

300 


THE    ENGLISH   HPARKOW   IN    AMERICA. 


\l   ^ 


lit 


liUhmontl.  Col.  Randolph  HarriHoii:  My  belief  is  tliiit  thoy  do  uot  coiigiiino  in- 
eectb  to  any  great  extent,  tliongii  tlii<f  may  destroy  larvii-.  I  have  seen  eatorijiilara 
ill  oliii  trees  in  vnst  numbers,  ami  the  Sjjarrows,  -is  I  believe,  did  not  touch  tlicin.  I 
saw  one  with  a  live  butierlly  in  his  month — the  only  iustnuce  of  its  iusect-eatiiif;  I 
have  known.     (August '20,  iHHCi.) 

West  Viiuiima. — liitckhannon.  Dr.  J.  U.Mathers:  It.  has  been  of  marked  bendit  In 
destroying  the  eggsof  the  lentcaterpilh  .  ami  lating  the  green  civbbnge-worm.  (Au- 
gust I!),  188f).     Present  about  live  years.) 

Ifichorif.  J.  H.  Shank:  I  have  recently  learned  that  they  are  very  destrnitive  tn 
the  cabbage-worm,  the  larva  of  I'ltrU  rapo:     (November  'ii,  188(5.) 

Leon.  G.  VV.  Knapp:  The  Sparrow  does  not  eat  caterpillars,  for  there  have  Ipci'ii 
some  <*u  my  grape-vines  and  pear  trees  not  '20  yards  from  Sparrows'  nests.  (Sep. 
tember21,i887.) 

Wi8cx)Nsix. — Mihraulee.  Walter  15.  Hull:  It  feeds  upon  insects  when  no  griiiu  is 
to  bo  had.  I  have  s(^on  it  teed  on  grassboijpers,  but  not  often,  and  can  not  sny  what 
insects  it  eats.  It  seldom  eats  an inuil  fooil.  (August '2ii,  188G.  Present  about  six 
years.) 

Milwaukee.  Charles  Keeler:  It  generally  feeds  upon  catiM-pilhirs  wlieu  they  aru 
plenty.  It  destroys  canker-worms  somewhat,  but  before  the  Sparrow  was  introduced 
nil  complaints  were  made  about  canker-worms.  Spiders  are  also  eaten.  (August  21, 
1880.     Present  about  tifteen  years. ) 

Sioiiphton.  Z.  L.  Welman  :  It  lias  been  of  n-arked  benefit  in  the  destructioii  nf 
gra.ssho[ipers  and  the  like,  and  has  been  s(!en  feeding  upon  a  species  (»f  katydid  wla'ii 
this  insect  was  abundant  in  the  shade  trees.  (December,  1886.  Present  about  ten 
years.) 

CANADA.  •  Oii-iAUio.—JielleriUc.  Prof.  .James  T.  liell :  It  benelits  the  fanner  and 
liorticultnrist  a  little  by  eating  insects.  1  have  noticed  it  feeding  its  young  witli 
small  green  caterpillars  on  the  apple  trees  behind  my  house.  It  cats  the  insects  it 
liuds  on  thestreets.  Ibave  noticed  itfeediiigon  II<trpaUi>i  vafiunsawX  cit\wv  C<irithUh\ 
catcliing  iclieuumon  flies  and  lace  wings  on  the  wing,  and  attempting  to  catch  butter- 
flies.    August  17,  1880.) 

Ill  Justice  to  the  little  rascal  I  must  state  that  Mr.  Richard  Elvius,  a  ratlier  ex- 
tensive market  gardener  of  this  city,  informs  mo  that  some  four  years  a^o  his  cabbages 
were  badly  infested  with  the  caterpillai's  of  the  white  cabbage  butteiily,  and  lie  was 
afraid  that  lie  should  lose  the  larger  i)art  of  his  crop.  One  day,  however,  a  coiuiiaiiy 
of  Sparrows  swoo])ed  down  upon  the  plants  and  cleared  the  insects  completely  oil' 
them,  so  that  ho  cut  a  remunerative  crop  in  due  season.     (September  '2. 1880.) 

lieUvviUe.  William  N.  Ponton  :  As  regards  insects,  I  assert  most  postively  that 
when  the  Sparrow  can  get  grain  it  will  not  touch  anything  else.  (September  '27, 
1884.) 

IlamiUon.  Thomas  Mcllwraith  :  I  have  seen  them  take  moths,  caterpillars,  and 
spiders,  and  they  also  feed  their  young  on  them.  (March  10,  1884.  Present  about  ten 
years.) 

Lihtowel.  William  L.  Kells  :  Wo  have  seen  it  catching  crickets,  grasshoppers,  and 
Mfiy  bugs,  and  carrying  green  caterpillars  to  its  yonng.  (,111110  2:5, 1884,  and  August 
'2:5, 1880. ) 

Olfawa.  H.  B.  Small:  I  have  seen  it  carrying  the  codling  moth  to  its  young  and 
it  also  takes  them  worms  and  grubs.  (May  '),  1884.  Present  about  fourteen  years.) 
Ottawa.  W.  L.  Scott :  I  dissisctod  a  young  Sparrow  in  August  and  found  him  siiuply 
gorged  with  grasslutpp4'rs.  Large  flocks  of  these  birds,  principally  young  ones,  leave 
the  town  for  the  country  in  the  early  autumn,  and  I  have  no  doubt  they  feed  largely 
on  grasshoppers.  The  decrease  of  this  insect,  which  used  to  be  a  terrible  pest  011  the 
Government  Square  and  other  lawns  about  the  city,  but  which  during  the  last  few 
years  has  almost  entirely  disappeared,  has  been  attributed,  and  probably  with  some 
truth,  to  the  iucreaaiug  abundance  of  the  8])urrows.     I  have  seeu  the  Sparrows  chase 


EVIDENCE. — PUBLISHED    TESTIMONV. 


301 


C0118I1I1IC  in- 
11  ruteriiillars 
iicU  tliciii,  I 
isect-HiiUii);  I 

ktid  benolif  in 
•worm.    (An- 

Ipfttriictivo  to 

sro  liavd  liwn 

ni!8t8.       (Sflp. 

Ml  no  f^ntiii  is 
not  say  what 
int  about  six 

lien  tiiey  are 

as  introilucrd 

((\.n;;iist  'i\, 

IcHtnictioii  (if 
katydid  wiien 
But  about  ten 

Lio  farmer  and 
H  yomiK  witli 
bo  insci'tH  it 
bcr  Cuvdhiihr, 
Caleb  liiitti;r- 

a  rather  ex- 
bis  eiihliafjes 
and  he  was 
a  coiii|)any 
Dniidciteiy  oil' 
18H(i.) 

)stivel.v  tliat 
[tteuilier  27, 

rpillars,  and 
it  about  ten 

loppcrs,  and 
and  AiiKiist 

yonii;;'  and 
lien  years.) 

bini  Niiiiiily 

ones,  leave 
feed  lar^'tdy 

pest  on  the 
lie  last  few 

with  noma 
rrows  chase 


the  cabbaj;o  bnttcrlly  in  a  most  determined  nuvnucr,  though  I  am  not  sure  I  have  ever 
Keen  them  catch  any  of  thoni.    (January  2(1,  ISM.) 

Strathroy.  L.  H.  8mith:  I  have  watched  old  biid.s  for  hours  carrying  grassihopperH 
to  their  yoiiug  ones.  Tiieso  arc  the  only  insects  I  can  nu.nc,  bull  have  h'tu  them 
hnatiifjj  for  insects  on  my  lawn,  but  do  uot  know  what  kinds.  (Oetobisr  l,  IS86. 
Presiiit about  twelve  years.) 

Turoiilo.  Dr.  William  Hroilie:  With  us  the  Sparrows,  in  the  fall  season  any  way, 
f«ed  hirgt.'ly  o;i  graasbopper.s.  Of  forty  three  8[»ecimens,  shot,  oniside  city  limits,  be- 
tween August  yO  and  September  l;{,  IHHCi,  the  gi/zards  of  twenty-.seven  rontained 
grasshoppers,  f'nloptviiiia  J'ciiiitr-riihrnm,  and  (l^ilijioiltt  caroUini,  which  is  surely  a  very 
good  record  for  I  ho  Sparrow.     (Noveiiiber  l.'i,  ISH".) 

[See  als)  Dr.  Hrodie's  reports  on  the  food  of  the  Sparrow,  pages  :ill-:{M,  'M7-^2'J, 
of  this  Bulletin.] 

Nova  SctiriA. — lunitiille  I  was  told  by  Mr.  Elihii  Woodworth,  now  of  Sackvillo, 
New  Brunswick,  formerly  of  Kontville,  Nova  Scotia,  that  when  the  Sparrow  first  ap- 
pealed in  Kentville,  in  IS'^l,  canker-worms  were  abundant  and  everywhere  increas- 
ing', and  tb;'  Sparrows  never  rested  until  they  bad  utterly  oxterminatod  them.  (T. 
A.  II.  Mason,  fcackville.  New  Brunswick.     August  2i,  ld8(i.) 

Tirn  Itifcrn.  B.  '<  Barnhill:  It  feeds  on  insects  from  the  leaves  of  trees,  and  do- 
(itroys  the  little  jcn  worm  such  as  is  seen  on  currant  and  gooseberry  bushes.  (Au- 
gust-,'0, 18«(;. ) 


SECTION  SEOOND-PUBLISHED  TESTIMONY. 


OUTLINE  OF  .'HE  HISTORY  OF  THE  SPAEROW  QUESTION, 

The  in'oparation  of  a  li.sc  of  books  and  lesser  jmblicatioiis  relating  to 
tin;  Si)arro\v  does  not  fall  witliiu  tlr.e  province  of  tlie  pre.sent  IJidletin, 
but  it  njay  be  well  brielly  to  ontlitie  tUe  history  of  the  "Sparrow  ques- 
tion" in  other  countries  as  well  .is  in  America. 

The  history  of  the  S[)i!!L'o\v  bej;iiis  with  the  history  of  man,  and  there 
is  every  reason  to  believe  that  this  bird  was  well  known  to  people  of 
whom  we  have  no  written  history;  certainly  fretjuent  mention  of  it  is 
made  in  the  histories  of  the  earliest  civilizations  of  Europe.  The  Spar- 
row is  mentioned  repeatedly  by  Aristotle,  andby  almost  every  European 
writer  on  natural  history  who  succeeded  hint. 

At  51  meeting  of  the  Boston  Society  of  Natural  History,  held  April 
17, 18G7,  Dr.  Charles  Pickering  called  attention  to  the  recent  introduc- 
tion into  the  United  States  of  the  Ilousa  Sparrow  of  Europe,  stating 
tliat  as  it  threatened  great  evil  preventive  measures  shoidd  be  si>eedily 
adopted.    The  oQicial  report  of  this  meeting  oontaiu.s.  the  following: 

Proofs  of  its  destructive  habits  were  cited  from  standard  authors,  showing  that  the 
liiiil  had  been  the  acknowledged  enemy  of  mankind  for  more  than  live  thousand  years. 
Wlicn  writing  was  invented  the  Sparrow  was  selected  fm-  the  hieroglyphic  charac- 
ter signifying  enemy. 
Siiiinini,  in  the  Dictionaire  d'Histoiro  Naturelle,  published  in  1817,  says: 
"Sparrows  are  impudent  parasites,  living  only  iu  so;;iety  with  man,  and  dividing 
with  him  his  grain,  his  fruit,  and  his  homo;  thoy  attack  the  first  fruit  that  ripens,  the 


r. 


302 


THE    ENOhlSlI    SPAUllOW    IN    AMERICA. 


gmiiiits  it  ai>proaclioH  nuitiii-ity,  and  itvoii  tliat  which  huH  beoii  Hturoil  in  (rniiiaricH. 
Hinnt!  \vrit«!rs  hiiv<*  wrongly  HiipnoHtMl  timt  tlic  iii>«H!ts<lc8tniy<Ml  Uy  tiioiii  ooiiiiiniisiiti'd 
P)r  thoif  liiviijfiiHon  >;iiiin.  Ei;{hty-t.W(»  uniinsiif  wlicjit  Wdiodoiinlcd  in  lliocniw  ot'u 
Hi»an"w  «hi)t  liy  tlic  writer,  anil  lioiigit^r  «h(  la  Hi.rgorii',  to  whom  wo  owe  i-xccliont 
nionioirK  on  rural  ccouoniy,  I'Mlinialos  that  tiiu  .Sparrows  of  Franuo  c.onsnniu  aiiiniallv 
10,0011,000  ItUNhi'lNof  wheat." 

VahMont.(h)  Honiaro,  in  liin  ilictionary,  pnlilishcd  in  17i)l,  xay.s  tlnit  "  in  Itiiunlf- 
bunrg,  l*nis.>siTl,  in  onhtr  to  diminish  Ihit  rava;;i;s  connnilted  hy  .SparroWN,  a  pricit  \n 
out  mi  Ihuir  in-ad.s,  and  tlio  pcasanlx  ant  ccHnpcilud  hy  law  to  l)rin<r  in  a  (certain  iiinn- 
bor  ytiarly.  In  cacdi  \  iilai^n  tln-rn  jiro  Sparrow  hiiiitcr.s,  wiio  8idl  tlni  liirds  to  tiic  pi'us- 
ant8  to  enable  thuni  to  pay  their  iribnte."  (I'r/K!.  Host,  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  \I,  lsi7,  pp. 
ir.r,  15«.) 

For  more  tliaii  lour  (it'iituries  tlio  character  of  tlie  House  Sparrow  lias 
been  discussed  in  I'^raiuie,  (ii'riuauy,  and  (Iieat  llritaiii,  and  from  tiiin* 
to  time,  especially  during'  the  last  hundred  years,  olHcual  iuvosti;4atioiis 
of  y;reater  or  less  maf;uitude  have  been  iiudertakeu  l>y  different  states 
or  provinces,  in  the  ho[»e  of  settliu}?  the  question.  Amou}^  such  etVort.s 
in  Knroj)e  may  beuuMitioiu'd  the  commission  appointed  by  the  Senate  ol' 
France,  which,  umler  the  direction  of  INI.  Fh)rent  Prevost,  finislu'd  itH 
work  in  18()l;  the  Commission  on  Wild  Dirds  I'rotection,  ai)pointe(l  hy 
the  liritisli  Parliament  in  187.'J;  more  recently  (188.j),  the  work  of 
Mr.  J.  II.  Gurnoy,  jr.,  and  Col.  Champion  Kussell,  entitled  The  House 
Sparrow;  and  the  ninth  annual  report  (1885)  on  Injurious  Insects  and 
Common  Farm  Pests,  by  Miss  Eleanor  A.  Ormerod,  consultinjTf  entomol- 
ogist to  the  lloyal  Agricultural  Society  of  England.  Extracts  from 
some  of  these  works  will  be  fouiul  in  the  following  pages. 

The  lesser  publications  on  the  Sparrow  question  in  Europe  are  too 
numerous  to  mention,  but,  unfortunately,  as  Prof.  Alfred  Newton  re- 
marks in  the  last  edition  of  the  Encyclopedia  Britannica(art.  Spanoic), 

No  delinito  resnlt  that  .a  fair  jndL'o  can  accept  has  yet  been  readied.  »  «  »  Untii 
friendH  and  foes  of  tlio  Sparrow  write  as  violent  partisans,  and  the  truth  will  not  liu 
known  nnlil  a  werii'sof  expiMiinents,  condiicttMl  by  scieiitific.illy-traineil  investi;!;atiir.s, 
lia.s  been  instituted,  which,  to  the  shame  of  uiunerun.s  agricultural  and  horticultural 
societies,  has  not  yet  been  done. 

Ill  other  i)arts  of  the  Old  World  unich  damage  has  been  done  by  spar- 
rows, but  fre<piently  other  species  than  the  English  Sparrow  have  been 
concerned.  Thus  in  Algeria  immense  injury  to  grain  crops  has  been 
done  ^^y  sparrows,  but  the  tipecies  doing  the  most  harm,  if  not  all  of  it, 
is  undoubtedly  the  Spanish  sparrow  {Passer  hispaniolensis),  a  near  rela- 
tive of  the  House  Si)arrow,  but  a  bird  which  avoids  human  habitations 
and  nests  in  large  communities  in  groves,  thickets,  sedges,  and  beds  of 
tall  reeds  »iul  grass.  The  ravages  of  this  species,  a  detailed  account  of 
which  appeared  in  the  French  Bulletin  de  la  Soci<5te  d'Acclimatatiou 
(Vol.  Ill,  1S7G,  pp.  4G0-403,  and  Vol.  IV,  1877,  p.  62),  htive  been  attrib- 
uted by  American  writers  to  the  House  Sparrow,  but  there  is  no  evidence 
that  the  latter  bird  had  any  part  in  the  mischief,  although  it  is  known 
to  exist  in  some  of  the  cities  and  towns  of  Algeria. 

In  Australia  and  New  Zealand,  however,  the  English  Sparrow,  orig- 


EVimCNCE. — PUIJLISIIKD    TESTIMONY. 


303 


I  ill  Ki'iuiarit'N. 

II  oitiiiiutiisiitvd 

II  thocruworit 

I  owe  I'Xcclltiiit 

Hiiiiio  aiuiiially 
it  "ill  Hiiimlf. 

I»\VM,    It  Illicit    is 

II  (MTtilill   lllllll- 

rds  to  till'  iiiMs- 
t.,  XI,  l"<(i7,  \i[). 

Sjnirrow  lias 

III  IVoiii  tiiiui 
ivosti^i'iitioiis 
leroiit  statt's 

f  Hlicll  I'tlbl'tS 

iio  ScMiiitcdr 

,  iiitislKMl  iiN 
ippoiiitt'd  liy 
tlio  work  of 
tlThe  lloiisi- 
Insects  and 
tingeHtoinol- 
xtracts  from 

()l)e  arc  too 

Xiiwtoii  re- 
:.  iSptinoir)^ 

•     *     H.itli 

111  will  not  In^ 

iiivcHtij^atDi'.s, 

iiorticiiltiiriil 

one  by  spur- 

bave  been 
)s  lias  been 
not  all  of  it, 

I  near  rela- 
habitations 
and  beds  of 

account  of 
cliinatatiou 
)een  attrib- 
10  evidence 

t  is  known 

,rro^.  orig- 


inally introducod  from  ICtirope,  has  boen  of  lato  ii  source  of  constant 
anxiety  and  apprehension.  Kor  the  last  decade  or  n'oro  the  newspapers 
liave  been  Ulled  with  C()ini)hiints  of  injury  and  petiti'  is  for  restrictive 
lej;islation,  but  no  important  works  on  the  subject  have  been  published. 
One  of  the  latest  contributions  to  the  history  of  the  bird  in  Atistralia 
is  the  Draft  Pro<;ress  Kepoit  of  the  JSoard  of  Investigation,  appointed 
by  the  governor  of  Smith  Australia  in  18S1,  which  has* been  quoted 
nearly  entire  in  the  following  section  of  this  llidietin.     (See  page  ;UH.) 

In  America  the  condition  of  iilfairs  has  been  similar,  e\cei>t  that  no 
ollicial  commissions  have  been  iippointetl  toinvestigiite  thtj  subject,  and 
most  of  the  published  material  on  tiie  Sparrow  belongs  to  what  may  bo 
called  fugitive  literature.  Oidy  two  works  devoted  entirely  to  the  Spar- 
row have  been  published  in  the  United  States, oiu'Jn  l87iS,byT.G. Gentry, 
entitled  The  Houhc  Simrrow  at  lloiiie  and  Abroad;  the  other  in  1879  by 
Dr.  Klliot  Cones,  entitled  On  I  he  >! 'resent  iShitus  of  l*<tsser  (ioiiicstivKs  in 
Aiiivrieaf  icith  Imperial  lir/'creiue  to  the  Western  States  and  Territories. 
Hoth  thesii  works  contain  lists  of  papers  relating  to  the  subject,  the 
bulletin  by  Dr.  Cones  consisting  almost  entirely  of  such  ;i  list,  covering 
the  period  from  18G7  to  1S79,  and  giving  the  titles  of  one  hundred  and 
ninety  ])apers,  mainly  from  newspapers  and  other  periodicals. 

Dr.  Piiikering's  warning  against  the  Spiirrow,  uttered  in  1SC7,  has 
been  alluded  to  already;  but,  iilthough  the  first,  this  was  not  the  only 
expression  of  apprehension.  In  a  jtaper  published  in  the  American 
Naturalist  for  August,  1872,  ]Mr.  11.  J.  IJriice  describes  the  habits  of  the 
Indian  House  S])arrow  {Passir  indieus),  tind  after  stating  that  Dr.  Jer- 
don  i)ronounces  this  bird  one  of  the  greatest  pests  of  India,  alludes  to 
the  introduction  into  the  United  States  of  the  nearly  allied  European 
House  Sparrow  {P.  domesticus)  in  the  following  words: 

I  confess  tliiit  I  look  with  soiiio  jipiirehoiisioii  upon  tlicsLi  elVorls,  wliieli  I  Ijulievn  to  bo 
ill-ii(lvisi!(l  iiiul  inexpedient.  Tiio  European  lloiiso  Sparrow  does  not  ditl'eressentially 
ill  its  habits  from  its  Indian  ally,  and,  so  far  as  I  cau  Inarn,  it  is  very  generally  re- 
garded as  a  unisaneo  wherever  it  abounds.  In  some  parts  of  England  a  bounty  is 
pliu  ed  upon  its  head,  and  considerable  siinis  of  money  are  paid  for  its  destructiou. 

*  «  «  M  »  #  * 

If  the  Sparrow  is  to  he  iiitrodiieed  into  Anuirica  to  devour  tbo  larva*  of  in.socts,  it 
sbould  be  remembered  that  it  is  for  the  most  part  a  feeder  on  j^rain,  seeds,  and  buds, 
fiiiil  that  it  only  makes  a  business  i>f  devonriiiji;  j;ruhs  diiiiiij;  its  hi'eediiij;  season.  * 
•  *  I  trust  that  those  who  have  to  do  in  this  matter  will  a<'t  advisedly,  lest  they 
should  introduce  that  which  will  ovontually  become  as  f;reat  a  nuisanco  in  its  way  aa 
the  curculio  and  the  canker-worm.     (American  Naturalist,  VI,  lS7'i,  pp.  4(<8-l70.) 

In  1874  Dr.  T.  jVI.  Brewer,  of  Boston,  Mass,,  took  up  arms  in  defense 
of  the  Sparrow  by  replying  to  tin  article  by  Dr.  Couos  in  the  American 
Naturalist,  reflecting  on  the  bird,  and  during  the  four  or  live  years  fol- 
lowing a  lively  controversy  was  carried  on  in  this  joarual  and  the  news- 
papers, by  these  two  naturalists,  re-enforced  from  time  to  time  by  various 
others. 

In  1878  the  Nuttall  Ornithological  Club,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  de- 


804 


Tin:    ENCiLIHII    HPAWUOW    IN    AMKRICA. 


voted  Olio  of  itH  ineotiiins  to  tlic  coiiHiiloration  of  the  Spsvrrow  qiicMtion, 
nml  the  coiutliisioiis,  wliich  wore  widely  ]iiibli»lied  in  the  lie WMpii iters, 
led  to  Htill  fiii'ther  diseiissioti. 

Meanwhile  the  tarnieiM  of  tlu^  eoiintry  were  beitoinin;;  iiitereHted  in 
the  iiiiitter;  nmneroiis  artieles  of  ii  u  -e  or  less  value  apiieare«l  in  the  wr 
rienltiiral  press,  aiul  occasional  e.''''y.>-  and  iiistallinents  of  evitlencc  (if 
more  than  nsnal  value  were  [Miseoted  before  Kuientillu  Hocieties  aiul 
piil>lislie<l  in  the..  |)roceediii};H. 

Finally,  in  Hepteinber,  188;{,  a  committee  was  appointed  by  the  Amci 
lean  Ornith(doj;istH'  Union  lo  investigate  the  cliarj,'es  apiinst  the  Spar 
row.  A  circular  was  iireiiared  and  distributed,  and  niiK^h  valnalilc 
inforiiiation  was  collected.  A  report  based  on  this  information  was 
Hnbmitted  to  the  council  of  the  American  Ornithologists'  Union  at  ii 
meeting  held  in  Washington,  1).  (3.,  April  21,  18.S5,  and  was  afterwiinl 
l)ub!islied  in  Forest  anil  Streatn  (XXtV,  August  G,  ISSii,  pp.  L't,  LJ5),  and 
is  now  reprinte<l  in  this  IJnlletin  (page  315). 

yubseipicntly,  all  the  evidence  collected  by  the  committee  of  tho  Or- 
nithologists' Union  was  turned  over  to  the  Department  of  Agrienltiiri', 
as  already  slated,  and  has  been  used  in  the  preparation  of  the  present 
Bulletin. 

TESTIMONY  RELATING  MAINLY  TO  THE  SPARROW  IN  AMERICA. 

I Anioiiciu  NnturaliHt,  Viil.  X  V,  pp.  302, 393.) 

THE   ENOLISII   SrAUIlOW   IN   ILLINOIS. 

*  *  *  Thotborouglioxaminatiuiiof  the  food  ami  food  habits  uf  tho  EDgliali  Spur 
row,  which  is  certain  to  result  from  tho  ititeiiHO  and  lUiivtHHal  interest  the  little 
Btranger  has  iiwakenod,  will  give  ns  a  mass  of  valuable  facts  for  comparison  with 
those  acciiiniiiated  in  Kiiroj'O,  where  tho  debute  concerning  tbc!  good  and  evil  of  its 
life  has  been  vigorous  and  l()ng-continued.  Wo  shall  thus  lie  able  to  trace  miicii 
more  fully  and  exactly  than  has  ever  yet  been  done  the  ellectsof  witlely  changed  con- 
ditions ujioi)  tho  alimentary  regimen  of  a  bird. 

Now  that  the  stage  of  more  or  less  ignorant  and  passionate  discussions  and  personal 
vitnperatiim  seenis  nearly  to  have  passed,  contributions  of  fact  will  probably  not  lio 
unwelcome.  I  add  a  few  notes  on  the  food  of  twenty-live  birds  shot  in  ami  around 
Aurora,  111.,  in  Sopt(unber  of  two  successive  years,  1879  and  1H80. 

Tho  elements  of  the  food  at  this  time  were  (luito  few  and  simple,  consisting  alniutt 
wholly  of  fragmenta  of  grain  picked  up  on  tho  streets  and  of  tho  seeds  of  a  few  of  tlio 
commom.'st  grasses.  At  a  time  when  30  per  cent,  of  the  food  ol  (he  robin,  20  per  cent. 
of  that  of  tho  catlilrd,  and  00  per  cent,  of  that  of  the  bluebird  consisted  of  insects,  no 
insects  were  found  in  the  stomachs  of  these  birds,  except  traccsof  three  gnissboppcis, 
making  perhaps  (i  por  cent,  of  thofood.  Fragments  of  corn,  wheat,  and  oats  alnountt'il 
to  about  40  per  cent.,  and  the  seeds  of  grasses  to  .as  much  more,  Tho  common  pigeon 
grass  {Sdaria  viridis)  was  much  the  most  abundant  Npu(-ies;  but  S.  glaitca  and  Pani- 
cum  Haiitiuiiieiim  occurred  quite  frequently,  and  three  or  four  species  of  I'aiikiim  iind 
Jiniyruslis,  which  I  did  not  deturnnne,  were  also  present  in  small  ([iiantity.  One  bii'il 
had  eaten  many  liem|»  seeds,  live  had  taken  a  very  few  seeds  of  "  smartweed  "  (/'<(','/■ 
goniim),  and  two  had  eaten  little  else  thau  the  seeds  of  the  common  garden  suullower 
(S.  A.  Forbes,  Normal,  111.) 


irrow  <nu'Nti(iii, 

10   IIOWMIMIIKTU, 

;  iiitoreHtod  in 

iurcMl  ill  tlic  ;i;' 

of  evidence  of 

J  societies  and 

il  by  the  Aincr 
iiiiist  the  Spar- 
iiiiKdi  Viiliiablc 
toriiiatioii  Was 
st.s'  nnion  at  a 
was  aCterwanl 
)1).  24, 1'ij),  and 

ttee  of  the  Or 
)f  Afiiieultiiii', 
of  the  i)r(?.s(Mit 


BBIOA. 


ho  Eiifjlish  Spur 

tcrest  tlio  liltli! 

coiiipurisuii  with 

iiiid  evil  of  its 

to  traco  iiiiicli 

ly  uliiiii^ed  coll- 

i>ii8  ami  personal 
proltably  nor  lie 
t  ill  aiKt  aroiiixl 

>n8lsttii;;  almost 
>i  ofaliiw  oftlu' 
bin,  20  per  cent. 
iiil  of  iusectH,  no 
e  ^jnisaboiipcrs, 

oats  ainouiitfd 
comuiou  pigeon 
auca  and  Ann'- 
){  Paniciiin  ami 

tity.  One  liinl 
rtwced"  (/'«'//• 

deu  suuUowcr 


KVinr.NCK. — FROM    AMKKICAN    PIIBI.ICATIONS.  305 

[AiiicHcnii  NatiiralUt.  Vol   XVI,  p.  I(M)»,  Di-<'i<mbpr,  IHX2. | 
IIAIilTN   OK   Till':   KNOMSII   MfAltllOW. 

The  lollowing  interoHtiii);  iiotu  hits  heon  received  fruiii  Dr.  A.  K.  FiHlier,  of  Hiiif; 
.Sink',  N.  Y.: 

"  Knowing  yuiir  ^reat  fondiioHM  for  Patter  dommlicuii,  I  Head  you  a  brief  aecount  of  t)iiu 
III  (lie  varioim  wayH  in  which  ho  inipowH  upon  liiH  HiiporiurH.  The  Ibllowin;;  wan  m- 
laled  to  me  by  ii  t'lieiid,  who  waH  an  «ye-witne8»: 

•' '  Yon  well  know  tliat  when  robiiiMnre  feeding  their  yonnj;  they  will  often  collect  a 
number  of  worniM,  forming;  a  lar^u  liillful,  before  making;  a  trip  to  the  neat.  Well, 
llie  Sparrow  noticed  thin,  too,  and  when  the  robin  would  alight  to  pick  npNOiiiethin); 
inure,  he  would  diiHli  dosvn  bcHide  the  robin  and  Hnatch  whatever  ini;;ht  be  in  bin 
niiiiitb,  then  lly  a  few  feet  utl'.  The  robin  would  hop  after  him,  when  he  would  make 
aiiDther  Hhort  (light  until  the  robin  would  give  np  and  ^i^y  and  hnnl  for  HoiuothiiiK 
mole.' 

"My  friend  saw  the  Sparrow  do  this  ftvo  or  nix  tiuios  one  afternoon."  (Elliott 
(oues,  VVashinyton,  I).  C) 

[Scifiico,  Vol.  VII,  p.  80,  Jamiaiy  22,  1880.] 
rHK  KNCiUSIl  sr.KHRow. 

A  European  ornithological  journal  recently  containcMl  the  followin;;  testimony  in 
rcijard  to  the  Sparrow  {Vijnjita  domcatka),  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Schleh,  professor  of 
aj;ri(iilture  a  the  college  of  agricnltnre,  Ilerford,  Germany.  Dr.  Schleh  has  paid  a 
(jrcat  deal  of  attention  to  this  matter,  and  believes  the  Sparrow  a  jiest  on  the  Conti- 
nent, volnminoi'.s  evidence  of  which  he  is  said  to  have  bronglit  forward  in  his  small 
treatise  entitled  "  Dcr  XiUzv  und  Schadvn  dcs  Sperlings  (/'.  domiatkiin'^  Im  llaushaltc  der 
Xatitr." 

l$y  examining  the  crops  of  a  great  unuiber  of  nestling  Sparrows  sent  to  bim  from 
(litlerent  parts  of  the  country,  he  fonud  that  young  Sparrows,  whil  j  in  the  nest  and 
tor  a  week  after  having  left  it,  subsist  entirely  on  insects,  grubs,  itc.  Two  weeks 
after  leaving  the  nest  their  food  still  consists  of  43  per  cent,  of  unin.al  food;  a  week 
later  of  31  per  cent.,  and  after  that  age  of  only  11)  per  cent,  of  anin.al  ingredients, 
hut  as  soon  as  they  become  independent  of  their  parents  they  prefer  set'ds,  and  snb- 
si.-it  almost  entirely  on  grain,  fruit,  auillhe  badsof  trees.  Dr.  Schleh,  howfver,  men- 
tions some  interesting  iustauces  regarding  some  specimens  which  seemed  to  have  a 
jieciliar  taste  for  the  seeds  of  weeds  which  often  become  a  great  plague  to  the  agri- 
culturist. In  one  crop  ho  found  the  considerable  number  of  three  hundred  and 
twenty-one  whole  seeds  of  StcUaria  media  (Vill.),  in  another  forty-three  seeds  of  Alri- 
pivx  j)a/M/HW  (L.),  in  a  third  sixty-six  seeds  of  .S't/rti-ia  vcrticilhita.  Some  individuals 
also  have  a  special  liking  for  certain  insects.  Thus  he  found  in  oue  crop  ninety 
specimens  of  Haltiea  affinia  (Gyll.),  four  other  Sparrows  had  eaten  almost  nothing 
else  but  a  certain  kind  of  beetle,  AniH02)Ua  friictkola  (F.).    (Ernest  lugersoU.) 

[Forest  niid  Stream,  Vol.  VIII,  p.  1G5.) 

As  an  encouragement  to  importers  of  birds,  I  claim  to  have  imported  Sparrows  into 
America  at  Portland,  Me.,  in  1854,  and  I  had  to  import  them  three  times  at  Quebec  be- 
fore they  took  i-oot.  The  two  lirst  importations  were  secret.  To  the  latter  1  gave  the 
utmost  x>whliclty,  and  the  last  course  was  the  successful  one.  •  •  *  I  imagine  no 
live  Yankee  would  wi.sh  to  be  now  without  the  life  and  animation  of  the  House  Spar- 
row in  his  great  cities.  They  are  like  gas  in  a  town— a  sign  of  progress.  I  admit  the 
bird  is  a  little  blackguard — fond  of  low  society  ami  full  of  fight,  stealing,  and  love- 
niiiking — but  he  is  death  on  insects,  fond  of  (sitizen  life,  and  in  every  way  suitable  to 
lie  an  inhabitant  of  the  New  World,  ♦  *  »  (W.  Khodes,  Quebec,  Canada,  April 7, 
IS77.) 

8404— Bull.  I tiU 


m 


306 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


ti 


[Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  X,  p.  106.    April,  1878. J 

III  regard  to  tho  Sparrow's  destroying  iusects  and  larva),  I  aiu  mirprincd  that,  iiny 
one  cluimiug  to  bo  a  uludent  of  ornithology  Hhould  deny  that  the  English  Honse  Spar- 
row i'cedu  on  iusocts  and  caterpillarH.  Especially  in  tho  breeding  season  insects  aru 
its  principal  food,  am',  when  it  has  young  almost  any  caterpillar  is  greedily  songht  after, 
except  those  thickly  covered  with  hiiir.  Spiders  they  are  very  fond  of,  and,  dmiii;; 
tho  last  few  warm  days,  every  uook  and  corner  has  been  ex[»lored  in  search  of  tliem 
around  my  two-story  work  shop.  In  a  large  Ailaiilliuii  tree  in  my  yard  I  have  a  nnnibcr 
of  boxes,  each  having  a  tenant.  I  therefore  have  a  large  number  constantly  under 
my  observation.  Many  species  of  Lcindoplera  formerly  plentiful  in  Brooklyn  have 
very  nearly  disappeared,  among  these  the  one  which  feeds  on  the  Ailanthua,  and  wliicii 
nearly  destroyed  tho  foliage  of  that  fine  shade  tree,  has  been  nearly  exterminated 
by  the  Sparrow.  I  believe  tho  Sparrow  to  be  a  very  useful  little  bird,  and  I  should 
be  very  sorry  to  see  him  destroyed.  1  am  now  speaking  only  of  tho  city.  If  it  should 
become  very  abundant  in  the  country  it  may  do  some  damage  to  the  grain  crops,  but 
that  is  the  only  harm  it  will  do.  In  regard  to  its  driving  away  native  birds  from  tlm 
city,  wo  never  had  any  remain  in  it,  excepting  a  few  chippiug  sparrows,  martins, 
and  swallows,  and  these  are  all  as  plentiful  now  as  ever.  A  chippy  built  its  uestlaat 
summer  iu  my  tree,  within  two  feet  of  a  Sparrow  house.    (John  Akhurst.) 

[t'orost  aud  Stream,  Vol.  XII:  puRO  424,] 

*  *  *  I  am  no  friend  of  the  noisy,  dirty  pests  they  [the  Sparrows]  have  become 
in  our  city,  but  give  my  evidence  iu  order  to  show  that,  probably  from  local  habit, 
they  do  eat  inserts  hero.  We  have  a  grasshopper,  quite  conmion  during  the  summer, 
frequenting  open  places  iu  fields,  roads,  and  streets,  fully  two  inches  in  length,  of  a 
dirty  brown  color,  and  when  at  rest  unattractive-looking,  but  having  the  under  wings 
a  rich  black,  bordered  with  a  wide  margin  of  bright  yellow,  very  conspicuous  when 
flying.  *  •  *  This  hopper  has  a  habit  of  every  once  in  awhile  rising  on  wing  three 
or  four  feet  from  the  ground  aud  then  remaining  nearly  at  one  place  (precisely  like  a 
hawk  when  hovering  on  tho  lookout  for  dinner)  for  moment  or  more,  making  a 
peculiar  cracking  noise  at  the  same  time,  and  then  aliglitiug  again  near  the  place  it 
started  from,  where  generally  there  is  a  female  to  be  found,  if  searched  for.  They  aru 
common  in  the  heart  of  the  city  as  well  as  country,  aud  I  have  time  aud  again,  when 
watching  this  "  hovering,"  seen  a  Sparrow  dart  fr  'u  a  neighboring  tree  or  house, 
grab  the  hopper,  sometimes  missing  it  at  first,  buv  following  it  in  its  flight,  and 
finally  catching  it. 

We  are  very  much  troubled  in  our  house  with  the  small  "croton  bug,"  and  also  the 
large  black  roach.  Their  increase  is  enormous  iu  our  climate,  aud  it  requires  con- 
stant war  to  keep  them  down.  My  kitchen  opens  on  tho  back  yard,  without  stc^p. 
Under  my  hydrant  there  is  a  bucket  of  water  always  standing  with  running  water 
for  the  dogs.  This  bucket  is  the  central  bathing  aud  watering  place  for  tho  Sparrows 
from,  judging  from  their  numbers,  a  very  large  circle  around.  Once  a  month  or  more 
I  am  in  the  habit  of  thoroughly  blowiug  a  full  quantity  of  the  commercial  insect 
powder  iu  all  cracks  and  crevices  of  kitchen,  b.asement,  outhouses,  etc.,  to  catch  the 
young  brood  of  roaches  and  rout  out  the  now  settlers.  The  croton  bugs  easily  give 
up,  but  the  large  black  roach,  with  his  heavy  mail,  dies  hard,  and,  though  in  tho  end 
surely  dies,  will  run  for  an  hour  after  being  well  dosed  before  doing  so.  A  great 
many  of  these  roaches  run  out  the  kitchen  door  into  the  yard,  aud  the  Sparrows  see- 
ing them  at  once  go  for  theuj.  There  is  always  one  or  more  around  the  bucket,  aud 
tho  first  roach  is  the  signal  for  them  to  get  together,  and  they  clean  out  the  last  one, 
even  going  into  the  kitchen  after  them.  They  grab  one,  fly  to  a  neighboring  shed 
or  wall,  beat  it  to  death,  and  either  fly  oft"  with  it  or  eat  it  op  the  spot.  This  is  a 
regular  occurrence  whenever  i  rout  out  the  roaches.  •  •  »  (Russell  Robinson, 
Ricbmoud,  \a.,  May  27,  1879.) 


EVIDENCE. — FROM    AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


307 


[Forest  audStream,  Vol.  XXViri,  p.  513,  July?,  1887.1  . 

Two  iDstaiicea  have  lately  come  to  my  uotico  illustratiug  the  vicious  character  of 
the  imported  S;)arro\v,  aud,  as  I  thiuk  reports  of  such  cases  teud  tohardeu  the  hearts 
of  the  people  against  the  hird,  I  couaider  it  desirahle  that  they  should  go  on  the 
record. 

My  attention  was  called  one  morning  to  the  excited  actions  and  notes  of  a  pair  of 
wliite-breasted  swallows,  which  were  rearing  a  brood  in  a  box  near  my  door.  Look- 
ing at  tlie  box  I  saw  umale  English  Sparrow  at  the  entrance  alternately  thrusting  his 
Iliad  inside  aud  facing  around  to  ward  otf  the  assaults  of  the  swallows.  Suspecting 
Miischief,  I  shot  the  Sparrow,  and  my  suspicions  were  contirmed.  His  bill,  covered 
witii  blood  and  down,  provad  that  he  was  deliberately  murdering  the  young  swallows. 

The  other  case  is  similar.  Dr.  Adams,  of  this  place,  reports  as  follows:  One 
iiiorning  he  observed  English  Sparrows  apparently  occupying  a  box  in  which  ho 
knew  swallows  were  nesting.  Investigating,  he  found  in  the  nest  the  body  of  the 
mollier  swallow,  with  the  fresh  wounds  on  the  head  from  the  Sparrow's  bill. 

Now,  this  is  simply  atrocious.  I  would  like  to  have  some  friend  ol"  this  bird — aud 
1  understand  there  are  yet  a  very  few  such— set  forth  a  single  item  in  his  favor  to  oft- 
set  the  huge  pile  of  indictments  against  this  tiltliy,  noisy,  quarrelsome,  and  bloud- 
tiiirsty  foreigner.  Something  must  be  done.  How  long  are  eve  to  stand  with  our 
hands  behind  us,  saying,  "Too  bad!  too  bad!"  Probably  until  it  is  too  late,  if,  indeed, 
it  is  not  so  already.  It  should  be  "war  to  the  kuife!"  (F.  C.  Browne.  Framing- 
Laiu,  Mass.,  June  25.) 

[Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXIX,  p.  86.] 

In  a  paper  read  before  the  California  Academy  of  Sciences  August  1, 1387,  Mr.  Wal- 
ter E.  Bryant  says  of  the  Sparrow : 

"  Since  the  introduction  of  this  pest  into  our  cities,  many  birds,  hitherto  common, 
have  left  for  the  suburbs,  notably  the  cliff  swallows,  whose  nests  were  aitpropriated 
by  the  Sparrows.  In  these  cases  the  limited  space  compelled  the  latter  to  dispense 
with  the  usucil  amount  of  rubbish  ami  carry  iu  only  a  lining  of  feathers.'' 

[Fiorest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXIX,  p.  105.1 

Ned  W.  Goodwin,  of  Sharpsville,  Pa.,  says: 

"  I  have  this  season  seen,  in  a  fir  tree  near  a  residence  about  two  miles  out  of  town, 
six  nests  of  the  English  Sparrow.  The  branches  of  the  tree,  radiatinp;  from  the 
trunk  in  series  quite  closely  disposed  one  above  another,  droop  downward,  and,  thickly 
fringed  with  long  sprays  of  foliage  as  they  arc,  at!ord  the  nests  ample  shelter  from 
tlie  weather.  Each  of  the  nests  in  question  was  situated  upon  the  drooping  portion 
of  ii  branch  and  upon  the  convex  upper  surface  of  the  leafage  of  the  branch.  The 
bird  had  made  first  a  foundation  mat  of  straw,  on  which  it  built  up  a  structure  nearly 
spherical  iu  form  and  about  one  foot  iu  its  greatest  diameter,  of  straws  (luite  neatly 
woven  together.  Inside  this  ball  is  the  nest  proper,  which  is  thiclily  lined  with  the 
downy  feathers  of  barn-yard  fowls.  The  entrance  to  the  nest  is  an  ascending  cyiin- 
(Irieal  tunnel,  lying  along  and  directly  above  the  supporting  branch.  Onoof  thenoKts 
m  on  a  branch  the  extremity  of  which  is  not  more  than  seven  feet  above  the  ground. 
Drawing  this  branch  downward  I  clo.sely  examined  the  nest.  It  contained  six  ('g;j;H. 
One  nest  was  situated  about  25  feet  above  the  ground,  tha  others  lower  down.  The 
tree  aiTords  good  shelter  at  a  height  considerably  greater  than  25  feet." 


[Forest  and  Stream,  Vol.  XXIX,  p.  lot,  September  22,  1887.] 
SI'AHROW'S   DRIVEN   OUT   HY   WOUM8. 

Until  two  or  three  days  since  a  brood  of  English  Sparrows  have  had  their  roosting 
phice  iu  a  Virginia  creeper  just  oulsido  tbo  window  of  a  room  where  I  am  writing. 


\ 


308 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


This  year  tlio  web  caterpillars  have  been  nimsnally  abiiudant  in  the  ncighborlioDd 
of  Sing  Sing.  They  are  found  crawling  everywhere  in  the  village.  After  they  iiad 
stripped  a  mulberry  tree  that  grows  at  the  end  of  the  piazza,  they  seized  upon  tliis 
Virginia  creeper.  A  number  of  them  are  now  denuding  it,  and  at  length  have  di.s- 
closed  the  covered  angle  of  the  chimney  where  the  Sparrows  had  their  cosy  roosts. 
Such  behavior  on  the  part  of  the  caterpillars  has  been  too  much  for  the  Sparrows. 
They  have  had  to  give  way  and  move  off.  This  time  the  Sparrows  have  been  drivcu 
out  by  the  worms. — A.  II.  G.  [Rev.  A.  H.  Gesner],  Slug  Sing,  N.  Y. 

[Forest  ami  Stroani,  Vol.  XXX,  pp.  204-205,  April  5,  188S.] 
;  NOTKS  ON  THE  ENGLISH   SPAKROW,  PASSEK  DOMUSTICL'S. 

Hy  Ernest  E.  Thompson,  0/ Toro/i/o,  C'aHrtda, 

The  marvelous  rapidity  with  which  the  English  Sparrow  hasmnltipliedandisnnil- 
tiplying  on  this  continent,  its  evident  capability  of  spreading  .still  farther,  and  tliu 
probability  of  its  eventually  occupying  the  whole  of  agricultural  America  to  the  ex- 
clusion of  many  beneficial  species  of  native  birds,  combined  with  the  reiterated  and 
increasing  clamor  of  complaints  against,  the  species,  have  at  length  induced  sevcnil 
of  the  State  Departments  of  Ag''iculturo  in  America,  first,  to  accept  the  fact  that  this 
bird  is  a  tremendous  power  in  the  agricultural  economy  of  the  country ;  second,  to 
follow  with  the  question,  is  it  a  power  for  good  or  for  evilf 

It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  there  are  still  many  persons  who  deny  that  the  Sparrow 
can  ever  make  its  influence  felt  in  this  country  in  any  economic  direction.  For  tho 
benefit  of  these  I  will  briefly  refer  to  tho  depredations  of  the  species  in  England,  wliere 
not  only  the  cities  but  also  the  villages  and  barn-yards  are  populous  with  Sparrows; 
and  in  the  south  of  England  tho  farmers  are  compelled  to  expend  considerable  sums 
annually  to  keep  down  the  hordes  of  these  marauders,  for  tho  experience  of  centinios 
has  tanght  the  farmer  that  tho  Sparrow  is  an  unmitigated  nuisance.  I  myself  have 
seen  acres  and  acres  of  grain  fields  in  southern  England  that  have  been  so  thorouj;lily 
devastated  by  Sparrows  that  they  were  not  worth  the  cutting.  All  investigations 
that  have  •  .i-  been  conducted  in  England  have,  so  far  as  I  can  learn,  resulted  in  ii 
verdict  u.  >'■  unequivocally  damnatory  of  tho  Sparrow  ;  and  yet,  in  tho  face  of  this, 
private  pv.sous  and  corporations,  swayed  nt)t  by  facts,  but  by  the  same  foolish  sen- 
timent which  prompted  the  introduction  of  the  Scottish  thistle  to  Van  Dieniaii's 
Land,  have  introduced  and  encouraged  this  pest  in  this  the  greatest  of  agricultural 
countries.  What  wonder  that  the  English  farmer  stared  in  blank  amazement  when 
first  he  heard  of  it,  or  that  he  failed  to  account  for  the  action  except  on  tho  assump- 
tion that  America  had  been  visited  by  a  wave  of  temi)orary  insanity. 

It  has  been  often  argued  that,  so  far  as  we  Canadians  are  concerned,  the  Sparrow- 
can  never  give  us  much  trouble,  as  tho  climatic  and  other  conditions  are  suflicienc  to 
prevent  its  increasing  to  the  same  extent  as  in  England.  Hut  unfortunately  the  facts 
are  sufflcient  to  entirely  dispel  this  illusion.  The  first  time  that  I  saw  the  Sparrow 
in  Toronto  was,  I  think,  in  1874,  when  a  single  pair  was  observed.  Since  thenit  has 
gone  on  increasing  until  now  the  natural  sources  of  maintenance  are  taxed  to  tho  nt- 
most,  and  each  successive  brood  as  it  attains  maturity  is  compelled  to  migrate  to  somo 
distant  locality  where  the  struggle  for  life  is  less  severe.  This  process  of  multiplica- 
tion and  migration  has  gone  on  yearly,  each  of  our  largo  cities  being  centers  of  supply, 
until  now  every  town  and  nearly  every  village  in  Ontario  is  thoroughly  stocked  with 
Sparrows,  and  when  this  occupation  is  complete  they  will  unquestionably  spread  over 
the  intervening  farm  lands. 

The  severity  of  the  winter  was  confidently  pointed  oat  as  an  eHieient  check,  hut 
there  is  every  evidence  to  prove  that  the  Si)arrow  can  live  as  far  northward  as  wheat 
can  be  grown  with  succijsh.  At  IJracebridge  and  (iravenhiirst  tho  specii's  has  loiii; 
been  estal)lishcd,  and  at  North  Hay,  Lake  Nipissing,  which  I  visited  in  January,  1887, 
1  found  tho  English  Sparrow  in  'XV  force  and  posst'ssion. 


EVIDENCE. — inOM   AMERICAN    PlIHLICATIONS. 


309 


iliedaudiHinnl- 
iirthor,  and  the 
[>i'i(;a  to  the  ex- 
roitcnitod  ami 
iiduced  several 
lu  fact  that  thin 
cry;  sccoiul,  tu 

;at  tbo  Sparrow 
utiou.    For  tlifl 
England,  wliero 
ivith  Sparrows; 
isidorable  sums 
ice  of  centuries 
I  myself  have 
u  80  thoroui;hly 
uvostigatious 
resnlted  in  a 
10  face  of  this, 
1110  foolish  sen- 
Van  Dieuiau's 
f  agricultural 
izonient  when 
u  tbo  assump- 

tbe  Sparrow 
re  suflicicnt  to 
ately  the  facts 

the  Sparrow 
nco  tbeuit  bus 
axed  to  tbo  nt- 
ligrato  tosonii! 
of  lunltipliea- 
itcrsof  supply, 
y  stocked  with 
)ly  spread  over 

lit  cbeck,  but 
ward  as  wheat 
'cios  baa  Ions 
Jiiniiary,  l*"*') 


III  response  to  a  request  for  iiiforination  Mr.  John  Hourk  sends  tbo  following  iutci- 
csting  note: 

"  From  all  I  can  learn  tbe  English  Sparrow  eanio  bore  (Nortb  IJay)dniiiig  tbo  win- 
ter of  I88G-'86.  I  tbiuk  tbe  iirst  of  tbeni  came  in  grain  card  from  tbo  east.  Tbe  lirst 
1  noticed  were  in  a  car  at  tbe  station,  and  only  two  of  tbeni.  Tbey  must  liavo  bred 
here,  as  tbey  are  increasing  or  liave  increased  during  tbo  past  summer.  There  Las 
ken  a  flock  of  about  one  bundred  around  our  yard  all  winter,  and,  as  you  know,  it 
has  been  extremely  cold.  I  missed  tbeni  for  about  two  weeks  in  tbe  latter  part  of 
I'ehruary,  but  tbey  returned  tbo  iirst  part  of  Marcb.  Tbey  lived  on  bay-seeds  and 
liiekings  from  manure  piles  during  tbo  winter.  I  bave  not  noticed  what  tbey  live  on 
iu  the  summer,  nor  whore  tbey  nest.  They  are  at  Mattawa,  and  very  numerous  at 
Poiiibroke.  Tbey  have  been  at  tbe  later  place,  I  tbiuk,  for  five  years.  I  bave  never 
known  them  to  die  from  cold.    They  seem  to  bo  as  hardy  as  tbe  snow-bird." 

This,  together  with  tbo  facts  that  tbo  Sparrow  is  each  year  occupying  more  exclu- 
sively tbo  regions  between  the  centers  and  tbe  advance  posts,  and  that  it  is  dispos- 
sessing our  native  birds,  should  leave  no  doubt  in  any  candid  mind  that  ultimately 
agricultural  Canada  will  bo  as  completely  overrun  by  the  English  Sparrow  as  is 
agricultural  England  at  the  present  time;  for  if  the  other  birds  of  England,  which 
have  been  subjected  to  tbe  same  long  severe  process  of  specialization  are  unable  to 
hold  their  own  against  the  invader,  much  less  can  our  native  species,  which  have  been 
but  recently  brought  into  contact  with  civilization  and  its  attendant  hardships. 

Since  none  but  actual  personal  observations  are  desired  in  this  connection,  I  pass 
over  a  multitude  of  hearsay  cases,  and  state  what  I  Lave  seen  of  the  Sparrow's  en- 
croachments. 

The  only  native  species  which  I  myself  have  seen  dispossessed  by  the  invader  are  the 
pewee  (^Sayornis 2)h^'hi'),  chipping  sparrow  (Spizella  sociaVw),  white-broasted  swallow 
(Tuchijcineta  6tt'o/or),  bouse  wren  (Troi/lodyles  avdon),  roh'ni  (Mcrula  miijratoiia),  ami 
bluebird  {Sialia  sialis).  The  aggression  has  never,  so  far  as  I  bave  seen,  taken  the  form 
of  actual  onslaught,  except  in  tbo  case  of  a  pair  of  white-breasted  swallows,  which 
were  forcibly  dispossessed  of  their  completed  nest  in  a  pole-house.  More  usually  tbo 
native  bird  is  merely  "crowded  out"  through  its  inabiliry  to  compote  with  tbe  more 
highly  specialized  Sparrow  in  tbo  struggle  for  existence.  On  tbo  other  hand,  although 
several  native  species  of  predatory  birds  (as  falcons,  hawks,  shrikes,  etc. ),  arc  reported 
as  luoying  ou  the  Sparrow,  1  have  never  seen  any  but  tbo  pigeon  falcon  ( Fako  volumba- 
n'i(.s)  and  tbe  sparrow-hawk  (/''.  aparverius)  actually  engaged  in  the  work  of  destruc- 
tion, and  as  tho.se  birds  seldom  outer  or  live  about  tbo  large  towns,  their  inlluenco  as 
a  clicck  is  at  present  but  trifling. 

From  a  fuller  working  out  of  tbo  lines  of  argun:ent  sketched,  if  not  from  the  faels 
herein  stated,  I  think  that  it  will  bo  admitted  that  tbe  species  under  consideration  will 
very  soon  make  itself  felt  as  an  economie  power  in  tbe  country  if  it  has  not  alitsady 
(lone  so.  It  then  lies  with  us  to  decide,  Is  it  a  power  for  good  or  for  ill  f  Is  it  boon 
or  bane  ? 

Passing  over  the  unanimous  and  strongly  adver.se  verdict  of  tbo  agricultural  inter- 
est in  Britain  and  in  other  European  countries,  and  the  overwhelming  body  of  con- 
(leiiiuatory  evidence  of  our  own  market  gardeners  and  fruit  growers,  as  well  as  nat- 
uralists, I  will  add  my  own  observations. 

First.  We  have  abundant  and  conclusive  evidence  that  our  own  birds,  as  a  whole, 
are  eininently  beneficial  to  agriculture,  and  we  have  furtberproof  that  these  birds  are 
retreating  before  the  Sparrow,  which  of  itself  should  be  sutlicient  to  condemn  the  in- 
vader, unless  it  can  bo  shown  that  it  is  even  more  benelicial  than  tbe  native  birds. 

Second.  But  on  tbe  contrary,  as  above  stated,  in  England,  where  tbe  species  has 
alriNidy  attained  the  position  it  is  rapidly  approaching  in  Ontario,  tbe  havoc  it  makes 
in  the  grain  fields  is  something  past  belief,  and  in  the  aggregate  constitutes  a  lieavy 
tax  on  tbo  already  hard-pressed  farmers  of  that  country. 

From  my  own  observation  the  Sitarrow  is  pro-omineiitly  a  grain  eater,  though,  as 


31.0 


THE  ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


will  be  8oon  from  the  iippondod  tabular  atatomont,  it  varies  its  diet  in  the  spriiif^-tinie 
with  buiLs,  in  the  early  summer  with  insects,— some  of  them  noxious — and  in  the  late 
summer  with  fruit  and  grasshoppers.  The  taste  for  grasshoppers,  however,  seoriiH  to 
be  almost,  if  not  wholly,  confined  to  the  young  fledgelings.  When  in  the  nest  they  are 
fed,  Ibeliove,  entirely  on  insect  food,  so  that  after  having  flown  they  continue  to  sub- 
sist on  the  same  for  a  time,  ultimately  becoming  as  granivorous  as  their  parents. 

The  following  list  of  gizzard  contents  is,  on  the  whole,  the  most  favorable  to  the 
species  of  any  I  have  seen ;  this  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  all  the  birds 
were  shot  in  the  suburbs  of  Toronto,  in  localities  at  considerable  distances  from  any 
grain  fields,  so  that  a  miscellaneous  ai.d  consequently  a  creditable  diet  was  inevitable. 
For  tho  identification  of  the  gizzard  contents  throughout  and  for  other  assistance  I 
am  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Dr.  William  Brodie,  of  Toronto. 

I  affix  also  an  estimate  made  by  the  above  gentleman  of  the  economic  value  of  the 
gizzard  dissections.  It  is  understood  that  ten  points  are  allowed  for  each,  and  when 
the  dissection  presented  neither  good  nor  bad  features  it  was  entered  as  five  on  eacli 
side.  Whenever  the  grain  found  had  evidently  been  taken  from  mannre  it  was  en- 
tered as  a  good  feature,  for  no  harm  was  done,  and  viewed  as  a  scavenger  the  bird  was 
beneficial.  Tho  fact,  however,  that  the  question  of  appetite  alone  is  on  trial  may 
make  m.iny,  like  myself,  dissent  from  such  a  valuation.  In  many  other  particulars 
my  opinions  differ  from  those  of  my  friend,  but  I  make  no  alterations,  as  he  alone  is 
responsible  for  the  two  columns  of  "poiata,' 


EVIDENCE. — FROM   AMERICAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


311 


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THE   ENGLTSTI    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA, 


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EVIDENCE. — PROM   AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


315 


(Forest  nnd  Strcum,  Vol.  XXV,  No.  2,  pp.  24. 25.    AuRUst  6,  1885.] 

THE  ENOU8II  SPARROW. — VERDICT  OF  THE  AMERICAK  ORNITHOLOGISTS'  UNION. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  CouDcil  of  the  Atnerioan  Ornithologists'  Union,  held  in 
Washington,  April  21,  1885,  the  oonimittee  appointed  in  September,  IHHIt,  to  in(iiiiro 
into  the  question  of  the  eligibility  or  ineligibility  of  the  European  Honse  Sparrow  in 
America,  rendered  its  final  report,  which  was  accepted  and  adopted  as  the  sonso  of  the 
Union  on  the  subject,  and  the  committee  was  discharged  with  the  nnanimous  thanks 
of  the  Union.  The  report,  which  was  accompanied  by  a  largo  qnantity  of  valuable 
data,  is  here  given  : 

Mr.  President  and  members  of  the  Union : 

Your  committee,  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  eligibility  of  the  European  House 
Sparrow  (Passer  domestious)  as  a  naturalized  resident  in  this  couriUy,  ha.>4  the  honor 
herewith  to  submit  its  report.  After  due  consideration,  your  committee  adopted  the 
lollowing  form  of  circular  letter,  which  was  framed  to  elicit  information  from  all 
quarters  and  from  all  interested  persons: 

"  Tho  American  Ornithologists'  Union,  an  organization  resembling  the  Britisli  as- 
sociation of  similar  name,  and  including  in  its  active  membership  tho  most  prominent 
ornithologists  of  the  United  States  and  Canada,  purposes,  among  other  objects  al- 
ready engaging  its  attention,  to  determine  as  nearly  as  possible  the  true  status  in 
America  of  the  European  House  Sparrow  (Passer  domesticun  commonly  known  as  tho 
English  Sparrow,  in  so  far  as  the  relations  of  this  bird  to  mankind  are  concerned. 
The  Union  hopes  to  secure,  through  tho  solicited  testimony  of  others,  as  well  as  tho 
personal  observations  of  its  members,  tho  facts  necessary  to  settle  the  question  of  tho 
eligibility  or  ineligibility  of  this  Sparrow  as  a  naturalized  resident  of  this  country. 
The  question  of  the  European  House  Sparrow  in  America  is  regarded  as  one  of  great 
economic  consequence,  to  be  determined  primarily  by  ascertaining  whether  this  bird 
be,  upon  the  whole,  directly  or  indirectly  injurious  or  beneficial  to  agriculture  and 
horticulture.  Its  economic  relations  depend  directly  and  mainly  upon  the  nature  of 
its  food;  indirectly  upon  tho  effect,  if  any,  which  its  presence  may  have  on  useful 
native  birds  and  beneficial  insects.  The  accompanying  formula  of  questions  is  re- 
spectfully submitted  to  the  attention  of  those  who  may  be  able  and  willing  to  record 
statements  of  positive  facts  and  value  derived  from  their  own  experience.  Concise 
and  unquestionable  answers  returned  to  the  undersigned  on  inclosed  blank,  or  other- 
wise, or  communicated  to  any  member  of  the  committee,  will  be  appreciated  and 
prove  of  high  value  among  the  data  upon  which  it  is  hoped  that  this  vexed  ciuestion 
may  be  set  at  rest.  The  evidence  thus  obtained  will  be  carefully  considered  by  tho 
committee  in  preparing  its  report  to  the  Council  of  tho  Union,  and  a  digest  of  tho 
same,  with  recommendations,  if  any,  will  be  submitted  by  tho  Council  to  the  matiro 
judgment  of  the  Union  at  its  next  annual  meeting.  Tho  following-named  active 
members  of  tho  Union  were,  at  the  first  congress,  appointed  a  committee  to  investi- 
gate and  report  upon  this  subject :  Dr.  J.  B.  Holder,  of  Now  York,  chairman ;  Mr. 
I'^ngene  P.  Bicknnll,  of  New  York;  Mr.  H.  A.  Purdio,  of  Boston,  Mass. ;  Mr.  Nathan 
Clifford  Browui  of  Portland,  Me. ;  Mr.  Montague  Chamberlain,  of  St.  John,  New 
Brunswick ;  the  committee  having  the  power  of  increasing  its  membership  at  its  dis- 
cretion. 

Dr.  J.  B.  Holder,  Chairman, 

"American  Museum  of  Natural  History, 

Central  Park,  New  York  City,  February  '2,  1884.  -      . 


"Data  concerning  the  European  House  Sparroic,  from 


"1.  Is  the  European  House  Sparrow  (Passer  domesUcus)  known  in  your  neighbor- 
hood, and,  if  so,  about  when  did  it  appear  t  ii.  Is  your  neighborhood  city,  suburbs, 
or  country?    3.  Is  this  Sparrow  abundant?    4.  Is  it  increasing  in  numbers?    5.  How 


tm  w;m 


E 


1 


.310 


THK    KN0M8II    SPARliOW    IN   AMKRIOA. 


U  t- 


iiiuny  hruodtt  aiitl  .yi)iiii}r  y*^<ii'I.V  t'()  a  pair  ?  ti.  Is  this  Simrrow  i>i'i>ttM'tt'il  liyliiw?  7. 
Ih  it  iirtiliciall.v  f'od  miil  IiuiiHod  f  8.  Dhuh  il  inolcsl,  drivo  iiwiiy,  or  (limiiiisli  tint 
miiuboiH  of  native!  birds  f  U.  If  ho,  wiiat  Hiiocics  ?  10.  Docs  tliin  Hi>;iiio\v  injiiiv 
Hliado,  fruit,  or  oruuiuuiital  trooa  f  11.  Docs  it  attack  or  iiijinc  ^^arditii  IViiits  and 
vogotables  t  12.  Does  it  iujiiro  j^rain  crops  T  1!J.  Is  it  an  inst^ct-fMittT  or  a  Hccd-catcr t 
14.  What  iuHOcts,  if  any,  arc  chietiy  oaton  by  tliis  Sparrow  1  ir».  Wiiat  is  the  princi- 
pal  food  it  carries  to  its  yonng  f  IG.  What  iusdcts,  if  any,  arn  carried  by  it  to  its 
young!  17.  Does  the  food  of  th«  ohl  bird  vary  with  tlio  s(jasons,  and  if  ho,  In  what 
way  ?  18.  Docs  the  food  of  its  young  vary,  and  if  so,  liow  ?  ll>.  If  any  insects  uiv 
eaton,  arc  thiiy  beneficial  or  injurious  species?  'JO.  Does  tiui  Sparrow  eat  the  larvm 
of  the  vaporer  moth  (f>ri/i/irt  leitvoHtigma)^  21.  Does  it  oat  ichneumon  llics?  22.  Do 
yon  determine  the  nature  of  this  bird's  food  and  that  furnished  by  it  to  its  yonn<;  by 
inference,  direct  observation,  or  dissection  1  2.3.  Have  any  injurious  insects  btuMi 
oxtcrminated  or  materially  lessened  in  numbers  by  this  Si)arrow  f  24.  Have  any  in- 
jurious insects  increased  in  numbers,  or  appeared  where  unknown  before,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  destruction  of  other  insects  by  this  Sparrow?  25.  Have  these  S[iar- 
rows  in  your  neighborhood  been  destroyed  systematically  or  otherwise,  and  if  so,  by 
what  means?  26.  What  bounty,  if  any,  has  been  ollered  for  their  destruction?  27. 
What  is  the  general  sentiment  <>r  'nihince  of  public  opinion  respecting  the  European 
llouso  Sparrow  in  your  locality  ?  2a.  On  the  whole,  in  your  judgment,  is  this  Siiar- 
row  au  eligible  or  ineligible  species  in  this  country  ?" 

In  order  to  secure  a  thorough  presentation  of  the  subject  to  those  most  likely  to 
respond  satisfactorily,  cacb  member  of  the  committee  assunuul  the  duties  of  corre- 
spondence in  his  own  section  of  the  country,  as  well  as  in  certain  .lUotted  sections  of 
the  entire  United  States  and  Canada.  Copies  of  the  letter  were  sent  to  the  agricult- 
ural papers,  to  the  various  journals  having  columns  devoted  to  zoological  and  rural 
matters,  and  to  the  press  at  large.  The  greater  part,  however,  was  directed  to  indi- 
viduals believed  to  possess  facts  pertinent  to  the  subject.  About  one  thousand  copies 
wore  thus  sent  out. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  answers  received  are  of  ono  import,  written  by  persons 
having  no  definite  data  to  communicate,  but  who,  having  experienced  annoyance 
from  the  bird's  uncleauliness  and  unmusical  notes,  desire  to  see  it  exterminat(Ml. 
Under  this  head  belong  the  uumorons  petitions  which  have  reached  us  from  several 
quarters,  notably  from  Philadelphia.  The  subject  is  regarded  sufliciently  important 
by  the  inhabitants  of  that  city  to  warrant  the  issue  of  printed  forms,  which,  with 
long  lists  of  subscribers,  have  been  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  your  committee. 
The  paucity  of  replies  to  many  of  our  questions  renders  it  impossible  to  report  upon 
them  decisively.     Others,  however,  are  fortunately  very  fully  answered. 

Returns  to  the  first  question  give  some  data  of  interest  in  relation  to  the  time  of 
the  Sparrow's  first  introduction  into  this  country.  The  earliest  date  of  importation 
known  to  us  is  1858,*  v/hen  Mr.  Thomas  A.  Deblois  liberated  a  few  individuals  at  Port- 
land, Me.  These  disappeared  shortly  afterward,  and  were  not  successfully  replaccil 
until  1875.  In  1858  Sparrows  were  liberated  at  Peacedale,  K.  I.,  by  Mr.  .Joseph  Peace 
Hazard.  They  were  first  introduced  into  Central  Park,  New  York  City,  according  to 
Mr.  Conklin,  the  superintendent  of  the  menagerie,  in  the  year  1HG4.  In  18(50  Mr. 
Eugene  Shietttiu  turned  loose  twelve  birds  in  Madison  Square,  New  York  City.  In 
18t)8  the  species  was  first  introduced  into  Boston  Common.  In  iHlil)  a  number  were 
given  the  liberty  of  the  parks  of  Philadelphia.  Somewhat  later  a  successful  attempt 
was  made  to  establish  a  colony  near  Great  Salt  Lake,  Utah,  and  about  the  same  time 
the  birds  became  resident  at  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

In  a  period  of  about  ten  yo.ars  the  Sparrows  reached  nearly  all  the  large  towns  and 
cities  of  New  Englaud  and  the  Middle  States  and  many  of  those  of  the  Western  States 
without  artificial  assistance.     It  also  made  its  a'X)pearauce  in  suburban  towns  and 

•[This  was  an  error.  Two  importations  at  least  were  known  to  have  been  made 
at  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  before  185:$.     See  page  17  of  this  Bulletin.— W.  B.  B.] 


KVIDENCK. — FUOM    AMKKICAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


317 


vwn  country  villaKUH.  From  tlui  Southern  StiitcH  anil  the  Wcstorii  StiitoH  buyond  tho 
MiMsiHsipiii  Uivor  wo  Inivo  rccnived  but  fow  rotiirnH,  and  most  of  thcHO  Htato  that  tho 
Sparrow  has  not  luicn  ohm  rvod.  In  Canada  it  luis  become  generally  distribnted  over 
the  southern  HcetionN  of  Qiiebpc!  and  Ontario  (it  Im  abundant  in  the  city  of  Quebec), 
and  in  IHHI  several  llnekH  invaihnl  New  IJmnswick. 

Few  ob.serverH  iiavo  dcliiiitciy  detevniined  (he  number  of  broods  hafchcd  yiMuly  by 
this  liird  and  tlui  number  of  younj;  to  tlui  brood.  We  have,  however,  returns  from 
Mweral  orniiholo;;ist.s.  The  maximum  given  by  Mr.  II.  11.  Mailoy,  of  Orange,  N.  .1.— 
nix  broods  in  om>  season,  with  from  four  to  live  yonnj>  to  a  brood  -piobably  imlieates 
the  extent  of  the  bird's  fertility  in  this  climate.  The  usual  number  of  broods  in  the 
latitude  of  New  York  ami  southwaid  appears  to  be  four.  In  mom  northern  districts 
tliroo  broods  yearly  would  probably  be  near  the  average. 

There  is  an  overwlu'lming  mass  of  testimony  to  the,  ell'eet  that  the  Sparrow  nndtists 
and  drives  away  curtain  of  our  most  valued  species  of  mltiv^^  birds.  Many  statements 
liavt)  been  received  giving  accounts  of  conliicts  provoked  by  the  Sparrow  iu  wlii<di  it 
was  cruelly  victorious.  It  is  anirmt'd  that  from  some  localities  native  species  have 
been  completely  banished  by  the  attacks  or  by  tho  more  presence  of  tho  foreigner. 
Wo  have  also  evidence  of  an  opposite  character  declaring  the  Sparrow's  peaceable 
disposition  and  its  association  upon  amicable  terms  with  other  si)ecies  of  birds. 

Most  of  our  corrcsponilents  state  that  they  have  never  known  the  Sparrow  to  com- 
mit depredations  upon  crops,  but  well-authenticated  instances  are  furnished  showing 
lis  ability  and  disposition  to  accomplish  great  destruction  to  grain.  Mr.  Stewart,  of 
llackensack,  N.  J.,  relates  the  destruction  of  a  wide  margin  of  wheat  in  tho  iii^ld. 
Hon.  G.  A.  Bicknell,  of  Now  Albany,  Ind.,  says:  "When  tho  grain  ripens,  the  Spar- 
rows leave  the  city  and  attack  the  wheat  fields  in  the  suburbs.  I  have  seen  hundreds 
of  them  at  once  in  my  liclds,  and  they  get  about  half  the  cn)p."  Mr.  T,  Ci,  Gentry, 
in  his  exhaustive  work  on  tho  Sparrow,  gives  similar  instances.  That  the  bird  feeds 
upon  fruits  is  amply  attested. 

Our  thirteenth  <|uestion  calls  for  information  as  to  tho  Sparrow's  preference  for 
food.  Is  it  an  insect-cater  or  a  seed-eater  /  Every  reply  to  this  (juestion  which  is 
itased  upon  dissection  agrees  in  attributing  to  the  bird  a  diet  almost  wholly  vegetable. 
Tho  statement  of  some  observers  that  it  devours  canker-worms  and  a  variety  of  in- 
sects is  unacconii)anied  by  reports  of  examinations  of  tho  stomaidi. 

The  question  as  to  the  food  of  nestling  Sparrows  elicited  pretty  uniform  testimony, 
animal  matter  in  some  forn»  being  said  to  constitute  the  bulk.  Dissections  by  a  com- 
petent person,  however,  .show  "barely  a  trace  of  insect  or  animal  food,  but  in  lieu 
line  gravel  and  vegetable  fiber." 

Responses  to  questions  seventeen  to  twenty-one  inclusive  a'-o  too  meager  to  be  of 
value. 

It  is  claimed  by  several  of  our  correspondents  that  the  measuring-worm,  so  abun- 
dant at  tho  time  of  the  Sparrow's  introduction  into  this  country,  was  well-nigh  exttu- 
minated  by  the  bird,  so  that  for  a  considerable  period  it  was  unobserved.  Since  it  is 
a  well  known  fact  that  tho  worm  occurs  iu  very  variable  numbers  in  dill'erent  seasons, 
credit  for  its  comparative  extermination  in  this  case  can  hardly  bo  given  to  the  Spar- 
row upon  tho  doubtful  evidence  before  us. 

The  experiment  has  recently  been  tried  in  Philadelphia  and  elsewhere  of  substitut- 
ing Sparrows  for  pigeons  in  trap-shooting,  but,  of  course,  without  seriously  dimini.sh- 
iug  their  numbers.  In  other  localities  tho  birds  have  been  poisoned  or  otherwise 
gotten  rid  of  to  some  extent  by  indignant  citizens  in  defiance  of  law.s. 

Tho  balance  of  public  opinion  is  strongly  adverse  to  the  Sparrows.  Our  returns, 
however,  .show  protective  laws  (usually  tho  same  statute  which  provides  for  the 
security  of  other  small  birds)  in  Maine,  New  Hampshire,  Vermont,  Khode  Island, 
Now  York,  Now  Jersey,  Ohio,  Michigan,  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  Canada.  Tho 
Massachusetts  law  has  lately  been  repealed,  and  specially  exempts  tho  English  Spar- 
row from  protection. 


• 

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m 


318 


THE    ENGLISH   SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


V    ~ 


Ho  niiicli  for  tho  ovidoiicit.  Wh  havn  luarned  tho  capacity  and  dispoHition  of  tliix 
Mill  to  iiijiiru  ^rain  iiiul  f'riiitH,  nnd  that  when  gathered  in  largo  nuuibors  it  tliroitteim 
vi-ry  HerioiiHly  tho  inturoHtM  of  tho  farmer  and  horticultiiriHt.  Although  toHtiiuony  <il' 
II  (MU-tiiin  kind  indiciUim  tliat  itn  young  aro  fed  with  iuHectu,  actual  diiMection  bhowN 
thai  v<)^(;tal)I()  Hiiltritiinccii  uru  mainly  ouiployed.  The  adult  birds  food  almost  o\- 
cIiiMlvfly  upon  Hocdrt  and  f^rains.  Thoy  drive  away  from  thoir  accuNtomod  hiiniits, 
t'itlier  <lirt!ctIyor  indirectly,  many  of  our  native  inHoctivorons  species.  It  may  Imi 
iiil(l(!(l  that  tlioy  have  prov(«d  in  recent  years  so  dostructivo  of  crops  iu  other  coiiti- 
tiios  us  to  render  it  nocoHsary  to  enact  laws  looking  to  their  extermination.  In  view 
of  thus*)  facts,  your  committeo  believes  that  the  European  Sparrow  (Passer  domestintx) 
is  un  incligil)io  spitciesin  this  country,  and  that  it  was  a  mistaken  policy  to  introdiiuu 
till'  l)ii<l.     And  wo  would  respectfully  recommend: 

( I )  That  slmltcring  or  otherwise  fostering  the  Sparrow  by  tho  public  bo  discouraKtMl, 
and  that  its  introduction  artiticiully  into  uow  localities  and  its  sale  for  suchpurpoNcs 
1)0  fdiliiddt'M  by  law, 

{'2)  That  all  existing  laws  protecting  tho  Sparrow  be  repealed,  and  that  bounties 
bo  otiered  for  its  destruction. 

Signed,  J.  B.  Holdkh, 

Chairman, 
EUGENK  P.  BiCKNBLL, 
H.   A,    PlIKDIE, 

Nathan  Clikkokd  Buown. 
montagijk  cliamukulain, 

[The  Mi(!higan  law  protecting  these  birds  has  boon  repealed — Ed,  F,  &  S.] 

[Xow  York  Tribune,  1885. 1 

Wo  have  hero  at  the  New  York  State  Experiment  Station  [Geneva,  N.  Y.]  many 
varietifis  of  cereals  on  ditForent  parts  of  tho  grounds,  planted  for  study  and  compar- 
ison. In  1884,  upon  tho  wheat  heads  attaining  tho  milk  stage,  the  European  Spar- 
rows began  feeding  on  tho  undeveloped  grain,  Thoy  would  alight  on  the  wheat  or 
oat  stalks,  bead  them  to  the  ground,  and  ruin  tho  heads  or  panicles,  Thoy  almost 
spoiled  a  choice  plat  of  experimental  wheat.  This  year  tho  same  thing  has  been  re- 
peated in  a  more  pronounced  manner;  we  have  had  to  cover  some  special  wheat 
plants  with  niosciiiito  netting  in  order  to  preserve  tho  seed.  Those  plants  uncovered 
were  iu  a  largo  degree  ruined. 

Wo  had  twenty-six  wheat  I'lauts  near  a  wooded  ravine.  As  soon  as  the  heads  be- 
gan to  fill,  the  Sparrows  and  blackbirds  began  their  pernicious  work,  eating  snch 
quantities  of  grain  that  tho  result  of  tho  experiment  will  bo  of  no  value.  It  was  iin- 
liossiblo  to  suppress  them,  as  they  worked  long  ere  the  sun  appeared.  Our  large 
wheat  tield  was  patronized  by  liberal  flocks  of  blackbirds  and  Sparrows.  I  have, 
been  auioug  tho  wheat  fieldsof  this  vicinity  and  seen  Sparrows  either  upon  the  fence 
close  by  or  in  the  wheat.  I  have  conversed  with  many  iiersons  visiting  the  station, 
and  wherever  die  Sparrow  is  well  known,  aud  grain  fields  are  common,  I  am  told  tho 
Sparrow  does  eat  the  grain. 

Last  year  I  dissected  many  Sparrows ;  found  a  few  insects  in  some,  and  those 
as  a  rule  tho  remains  of  ants,  but  hardly  a  stomach  was  there  that  did  not  contain 
wheat  or  oats.  Four  days  ago  I  examiucd  nineteen  stomachs,  and  in  all  but  one 
was  found  wheat.  In  two  stomachs  were  apparently  ehitinous  parts  of  ants. 
Sjiarrows  also  patronize  in  a  liberal  manner  some  kinds  of  garden  seeds,  especially 
lettuce.  One  largo  seed-grower  prououiices  these  birds  great  destroyers  of  seeds.  I 
have  noted  also  in  the  agricultural  press  that  Sparrows  destroy  the  tender  buds  of 
some  ornamental  shrubs  and  trees.  At  the  station  wo  have  soon  them  eating  pear 
buds,  or  picking  them  open.    (ChorlesS.  Plumb.) 


EVIDENCK. — FROM    AMKKICAN    I'lrHLlCATlONS. 


31!) 


ion  of  tliJH 
btliroateim 
Htiiiiotiy  of 
tioii  bliows 
nliiKist  o\- 
od  tiauiits, 
It  luiiy  liu 
thor  conn- 
I.  Ill  view 
domesticux) 
9  iutrodiico 

l8coiirup>(l, 
jU  purpoHcs 

[it  bountii'H 


ELL. 

HUOWN. 
KKLAIN. 


8.] 


Y.")  many 
(l  coiiipar- 
pcau  Spar- 
wlieat  or 
ey  aluioHt 
as  been  ic- 
ial  wheat 
uncovered 

heads  be- 
lting sncU 
t  was  ini- 
Our  largc 
I  hav.'. 
the  fence 
he  station, 
in  told  the 

and  those 
ot  contain 
,11  but  one 

of  ants, 
especially 

seeds.  I 
er  buds  of 
itlng  pear 


ICinviuuMtl  Unily  i.'uiiiniurcini  (iuzuttr,  July  'i,  1H87.J 

•  *  •  We  have  one  l>it  tif  daniuging  evidence  againiit  the  good  cliarueter  of  the 
Sparrow,  wliitli  we  have  notseen  nientioned  in  print  anywhere  else,  in  all  the  array  of 
eviden('»«  against  hini.  L.ist  year  we  cut  a  MMiall  tield  of  heavy  wheat  in  which  a  frw 
liiinilred  Sparrows  had  camped.  Not  only  around  the  border,  but  all  through  the 
middle  of  the  licld,  where  the  whiiat  was  heaviest,  it  was  l>rokcM  down  and  tangled, 
M)  that  fully  oiu)  fourth  of  the  crop  was  lo.st.  As  soon  us  the  wheat  kernel  had 
fiirniiMl  tho  vandalism  began. 

lliMtt  is  the  damaging  point.  A  close  inspection  nsvealed  the  astounding  fact  that 
liic  ground  was  literally  covered  with  mashed  kernels  of  wheat  to  the  4'xtent  of  sev- 
cial  bushels  (o  the  acre.  While  the  kernel  is  yet  soft  they  will  not  swallow  it  whole. 
With  their  short,  powerful  beaks  they  easily  press  out  the  milky  substance,  let  the 
rest  drop,  and  go  to  the  next.  Let  this  point  be  noted  for  what  it  is  worth.  I  truxt 
the  iiros(icuting  attorney  will  dwell  ni>on  it,  and  that  the  Judge  will  mention  it  in 
Ills  charge  to  the  juiy  before  they  retire  to  delibi'ratc  uiion  a  verdict  soon  to  be  ren- 
dered for  or  against  the  English  Sparrow.  (A.  \).  Binkerd,  M.  D., Cochran,  Ind., 
June  12.) 

[Albany  (N.  Y.)  ExprosB,  Friday,  Ootobur  7,  18«7.] 

*  "  "  iSpariows  are  also  noted  once  more  on  the  stands  of  the  giiiiio  dealers,  and 
retail,  for  chicken  pies,  at  'M  cmiIh  per  dozen.  Joseph  Clark,  the  well-known  Htate- 
slieet  fruiterer,  yesterday  took  in  3, 000  of  the  little  birds,  paying  §1  per  hundred  for 
tliein  to  the  youthful  hunters,  who  have  onco  more  rcsnineil  the  slaughter  of  the  in- 
iiDceuts  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city,  more  especially  up  in  the  west  end. 

[>fcw  York  Tlmog,  July  20, 1887.1 

Sparrows  are  being  properly  aiipreciated.  llundrods  of  them  are  now  caught  l)y 
enterprising  people  for  sale  to  certain  restaurauts  whore  reed  birds  are  in  demaiul. 
A  (jierman  woman  on  i'liird  avenue  has  three  traps  set  every  day,  and  she  catches 
probably  seventy-live  a  week.  They  are  cooked  and  served  to  her  boarders  the  same 
as  reed  birds  and  are  declared  quite  as  great  a  delicacy.  This  German  woman  bastes 
them,  leaving  the  little  wooden  skewer  in  the  bird  when  .served.  They  are  cooked 
with  a  bit  of  bacon.  She  tempts  them  with  oats,  and  after  the  catch  they  are  fed 
!i  while  with  boiled  oaten  meal.  She  sprinkles  oaten  meal  in  the  back  yard  also,  and 
lli(!reby  fattens  the  free  birds.  The  females  are  the  choice  meat.  'l\w  males  can  be 
told  by  the  circle  of  white  feathers  at  the  neck.  The  females  are  as  plain  us  Quaker- 
esses. So  soon  as  it  becomes  kuowii  that  the  Sparrow  is  a  table  bird  their  iinmber 
will  rapidly  grow  less.  People  don't  like  to  experiment,  but  when  it  is  discovered 
tliat  the  S[>arrow  has  brnMi  declared  good  by  those  upon  whom  tlmy  have  bcion  tried, 
no  boarding-honse  meal  will  bo  deemed  in  good  form  unless  a  dish  of  fat  Sparrows 
adorns  it.     Sparrow  pie  is  a  delicacy  lit  to  set  before  a  king. 

[Cineiuiiiiti  Weekly  Coimin  leial,  April  19,  1882.] 

H.  E.  H.,  of  Plymouth,  Mich.,  in  the  Coinitrii  (lentlemtiti,  narrates  his  test  of  the 
Sparrow  as  an  insect  eater.  He  was  in  pursuit  of  the  codling  moth,  which  had  been 
carried  into  the  cellar  with  the  winter  supply  of  apples.  He  knew  the  habits  of  the 
codling  :noth  and  expected  them  to  come  out  of  his  apple  barrels  and  seek  hiding 
places.  Accordingly  he  laiil  two  boards  together,  convenient  for  the  broods  to  conceal 
hetwoeu  and  spin  the  cocoons.  As  expected,  the  boards  wore  stuck  f  .gether  with 
tl'.a  cocoons,  and  in  the  spring  he  carried  them  out  and  spread  the  boards  and  cocoons 
in  sight  of  the  pestiferous  Sparrows  and  hens,  hoping  to  see  the  much  praised  insect- 
ivorous bird  destroy  the  cocoons  with  alacrity.     We  let  him  tell  his  own  story : 

I  was  greatly  mortified  to  see  the  Sparrows  run  over  the  cocooua  iu  search  of  wheat 
screenings  thrown  out  to  call  them  down. 


^I'a!!!. 


ii  a" 


320 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


11;  ^t 

I:  i: 


My  Horrow  wan  soon  turned  to  joy  to  bohold  u  pair  of  bluebirds  come  down,  as  it 
were  out  of  lieavt'ii,  and  alight  on  the  nearest  bird-house,  doubtless  occniiied  by  theiu 
last  season,  but  which  had  been  appropriated  by  the  Si)arro\v8  this  winter.  No 
sooner  had  they  alighted  than  their  bright  eyesdiscovered  the  cocoons  on  the  boanls 
and  they  darted  down  to  secure  the  prize. 

Disgusted  with  the  Sparrows  I  took  a  step-ladder  and  coinnienced  to  clean  out  tlio 
Sparro'-'s  nest  itTthe  bluebirds' house.  I  found  in  the  strings  that  composed  tlieir 
nest  twocnrculioH,  three  snnpping-bugs,  one  bee-miller,  one  old  female  codling  iiiolli, 
and  two  recently  hatched  moths.  Examining  the  strings,  I  found  webbings  of  woiiim 
and  burnt  edges  of  cloth,  and  ascertained  that  they  had  pulled  the  strings  out  of  an 
old  smudge  loft  near  a  bce-hivo  under  an  apple  tree.  This  led  nie  to  examine  tlui 
boards  placed  for  the  bee-stands  (the  V-ee-hives  had  boon  carried  to  the  cellar  in 
the  fall).     On  the  boards  exposed  to  the  Sparrows  all  winter  were  numerous  cocoims. 

[Cultivator  nnd  Country  Gciitlenian  (Albany,  N.  Y.),  July  29, 1880.] 

*  *  *  The  universal  testimony  of  scientists  and  others,  as  against  these  birdN, 
ought  to  satisfy  the  skeptics  that  this  is  a  bird  detrimental  to  the  farmers'  iutenst. 
For  three  seasons  they  have  assaulted  our  experimental  plats  to  their  nuiterial  dam- 
age. This  year  we  found  it  n<»"..-  ..ry  to  employ  a  boy  to  work  from  4  a.  m.  till  nearly 
dark,  keeping  the  Sparrows  at  a  distance.  I  have  found  them  to  be  destroyers  of 
grain,  injurious  to  fruit,  and  early  in  spring  very  damaging  to  fruit  buds.  Outsido 
near  the  window  by  which  I  write  is  a  plum  tree,  where  often  in  the  spring,  as  biuls 
were  starting,  I  saw  the  Sparrows  pick  out  the  entire  bud  center.  But,  in  addition 
to  my  own  testimony,  comes  much  damaging  evidence  from  farmers  in  the  vicinity, 
whoso  wheat-iiolds  are  sutfering.  Something  must  be  done.  Every  year  the  evil  be- 
comes worse  and  worse,  and  even  to-day  great  damage  is  done  by  the  English  Spur- 
rows.    (C.  S.  Plumb,  Geneva, N.  Y.) 

[Rural  WorUUSt.  Loiii8,  Mo.),  1880]      '  \ 

The  introduction  of  the  Sparrow  into  America,  says  the  well-known  English  natu- 
ralist. Rev.  J.  6.  Wood,  "  has  been  distinctly  disastrous,  as  I  have  personally  soiii, 
and  if  the  bird  were  exterminated  it  would  be  better  for  the  country.  Still  more  di.s- 
astrous  has  been  its  introduction  into  Australia  and  New  Zealaud,  especially  in  the 
latter  country,  where  it  has  abandoned  insect-eating  .altogether,  and  become  a  dc;- 
vourer  of  fruits  and  grain,  eating  grapes  and  figs  by  the  ton."  And  we  are  quite  sat- 
isfied that  the  sooner  a  policy  of  destruction  is  inaugurated  the  better  for  all  con- 
corucd  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 

[Prairie  Farmer  (Chicago,  111.),  December  25,  188C.] 

At  the  recent  annual  meeting  of  the  Indiana  State  Horticultural  Society,  some 
one  mentioned  the  English  SpaiT0'v,and  a  discussion  was  precipitated.  Mr.  Warch  r, 
of  North  Bend,  Ohio,  had  found  them  both  fruit  and  grain  eaters.  They  had  liLtn 
very  destructive  to  his  grapes.  They  seldom  eat  insects,  but  will  feed  them  to  tlio 
young  birds  in  the  nest.  Professor  Troop,  of  Purdue  University,  said  that  a  mcmlicr 
of  the  senior  class  of  that  institution  had  killed  one  or  more  Sparrows  daily  during  a 
cousider.able  portion  of  the  past  summer,  and  examined  tlie  contents  of  their  stoi.i- 
achs.  In  only  one  bird  had  ho  foiuul  the  renniius  of  an  insect.  J.  C.  Katlitf,  "t 
Wayne  County,  had  seen  Hocks  of  several  hundred  alight  on  his  whcat-lield,  live 
miles  from  any  town  or  city,  and  eat  and  waste  the  grain  from  large  areas.  They 
beat  the  ripened  grain  from  the  stalk  with  their  wings.  They  wore  still  more  do- 
structivo  to  grain  in  shock.  Mr.  Folger  said  that  thoy  had  entirely  driven  away  '200 
nuirtins  that  formerly  sheltered  in  his  barn.  Mr.  Ohmer  formerly  had  plenty  of  soml'- 
birds  on  his  place.  Now  there  was  only  the  Sparrosv  and  robin.  The  time  had  vonw 
when  something  must  bo  done.    Mr.  Webster  had  recently  made  au  cxtoudod  visit 


EVIDENCE. FROM    AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


321 


I  ilowM,  as  it 
)ieil  by  theiu 
winter.  No 
u  tbo  buiinLs 

sleaii  out  till) 
iiposed  tliiiir 
odliiij^  iiiolli, 

llgS  of  WOllllH 

igs  out  (if  ail 
exaniiiK^  tlio 
till!  cellar  in 
rous  cocodiiH. 


t  tlieso  birdH, 
iiers'  interest, 
imteriiil  dam- 
ui.  till  nearly 
destroyers  of 
lids.  Ontsidi! 
iriug,  as  Inuls 
t,  in  addition 
tlio  vicinity, 
ar  the  evil  bo- 
Englisb  Spar- 


English  natu- 
rsonally  kpcii, 
Still  more  di.s- 
ecially  in  the 
become  a  de- 
iro  (initesat- 
for  all  con- 


Society,  sonic 
Mr.  Warder, 

liey  had  been 
them  to  the 
lit  a  nicmlier 
ally  during  a 

nf  their  stor.i- 
C.  Ratliir,  of 

icat-field,  live 
areas.  They 
itill  more  de- 
von  away  'JOO 
loiity  of  Nonir- 
mo  had  ('(iiiie 
itoudod  visit 


through  the  agricultural  sections  of  Europi!,  and  found  that  Sparrows  wcrc»"evory- 
\\ln«ro  reganhid  as  a  nuisance.  In  Germany  ho  saw  boys  carrying  hundreds  of  them, 
sl'img  on  sticks.  They  wore  taken  to  the  village  authorities,  and  the  boys  received 
a  half  cent  for  each  one  killed.  They  were  Jiaying  for  their  destruction  everywhere. 
Tlicy  were  becoming  very  destructive  in  his  locality.  He  had  found  their  ravages  on 
ills  green  peas  particularly  annoying.  After  further  discussion  in  similar  strain,  and 
siuiie  words  in  their  defense  by  rresident  Johnson  and  ono  other  nlfember,  .1.  C.  Ste- 
vens, of  Wayno  County,  introdnced  a  resohition  declaring  them  a  nuisance,  and  urg- 
inj;  extermination,  which  was  passed  with  bnt  one  dissenting  voice. 

[The  SclontiQc  Farmer,  Vol.  IV,  pp.  35,  36.    1879.] 

lu  the  February  number  of  the  Scientific  Farmer  for  1878  I  had  occasion  to  speak  of 
the  si>arro\v  war  whi<;li  was  then  raging,  and  which  had  then  been  in  jirogress  for 
sDiiie  time.  At  present  the  controversy  .still  continues,  and  has  continued  lit  inter- 
vals ever  since.  Much  has  been  written  upon  the  subject  on  both  sides  by  able  men  ; 
yet  the  matter  a.[>iii'ars  to  stand  just  about  where  it  was  when  the  first  gun  was  tired, 
iir,  in  other  words,  when  thu  first  article  appeared,  denouncing  the  Sparrows  as  not 
only  injurious  to  agricultural  interest,  but  also  proclaiming  that  they  were  enemies 
tj  our  native  birds.  The  latter-named  accusation  has  been  made  oftener  than  any 
other,  and  it  has  been  repeatedly  .stated  that  the  rightful  inhabitants  of  the  trees  and 
.HJinibbery  of  our  parks  are  being  rapidly  driven  away  by  the  unprovoked  attacks  of 
tlie  pugnacious  Sparrows.  Although  thi?  ni.iy  bo  afact,  as  accumulated  testimony 
indicates,  yet  I  do  not  consider  the  u  it  is  tUo  essential  point  of  dispute;  for,  praeti- 
eally,  it  can  make  but  little  dirt'eren>''  if  our  native  birds  are  driven  away,  provided 
tlie  Sparrows  take  their  places  and  ('evour  an  equal  quantity  of  insects.  This  impor- 
tant matter  up  to  date  has,  howove.,  been  but  slightly  touched  upon,  for  no  ono  has 
made  an  extended  examination  of  the  contents  of  the  stomachs  of  the  Sparrows,  at 
least  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  As  this  iaabsohitcly  the  only  method  by  which  we  can 
ascertain  satisfactorily  just  what  the  birds  do  cat,  this  investigation  must  be  made 
before  anyone  can  give  a  decided  opinion  upon  the  subject,  that  will  conclusively 
.ii.ilea  matter  which  has  been  so  long  agitated. 

I  do  not  mean  to  be  understood  to  say  that  tlio  ornithologists  who  have  written 
upon  this  subject  do  not  consider  it  necessary  to  examine  the  contents  of  the  stomachs 
of  the  Sparrows,  for  they  all  see  that  it  must  be  done  sooner  or  later;  but  hitherto 
no  one  has  done  it  to  auy  extent.  In  my  article  for  February,  last  year,  I  ventured 
to  suggest  that  the  legislature  of  our  State  ai>point  proper  persons  to  do  this  work  ; 
lint  as  this  has  not  been  done,  and  as  I  have  heard  it  intimated  that  this  examination 
is  impracticable,  1  concluded  to  try  and  see  how  it  would  work.  Assisted  by  some 
young  friends,  I  procured  n  number  of  English  Sparrows  each  day  last  autumn,  and 
made  a  careful  examinut;oi.  of  their  stomachs.  These  birds  were  killed  along  the 
stioets  from  the  Watertwv.  a  wsolmI  to  Winter  street,  Boston,  and  therefore  I  judged 
that  tlioy  wore  fair  roprest-a^atiNO..'  of  the  typical,  and  now  famous,  Siiarrows  of  the 
''Hub."  Through  the  kiuuii.j.is  of  my  friends,  the  birds  were  given  to  mo  fresh,  and 
thus  I  could  tell  exactly  what  they  had  in  their  crops  and  stomachs.  Let  me  hero 
state,  in  order  to  show  that  my  work  has  been  done;  accurat(dy,  that  I  have  long  made 
a  specialty  of  ascertaining  the  contents  of  the  stomachs  of  various  birds,  having  now 
hy  me  notes  of  the  dissections  of  over  five  thousand  specimens.  It  has  been  stated 
lliat  it  is  impossible  to  detect  the  presence  of  any  insects,  especially  of  the  softer 
larvic,  after  they  have  been  swallowed  and  partly  digested ;  this  is  not  a  fact,  how- 
ever, and  auy  ono  who  has  examiued  the  interior  of  even  a  strict.y  insectivorous 
liird,  and  in  summer,  will  bear  me  ont  in  this  statement. 

Tlie  wing  coverts  of  beetles,  and  the  harder  portions  of  all  other  insects,  never  di- 

};tst,  and  thus  are  always  to  be  seen;  while  by  wiishing  the  half-digested  mass  in 

water,  the  skins  of  the  larva*  may  be  found,  oven  after  they  have  been  swallowed  for 

some  time,  and  are  always  plainly  perceptible  when  first  oaten.     In  every  case  ex- 

.SiOi-_B».ill.  1 21 


W  '^ 


I,' 


i^  ^^1 


322 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAKROVV   IN   AMERICA. 


ainiiic(l  where  there  was  the  slightest  ohscurity  as  to  what  had  been  eaten  by  tho 
Sparrows,  I  washed  tho  cou tents  of  the  stomaclis  in  water,  and  in  all  cases  UHi-d  a 
lens  in  deterniiningwhiit  they  were.  In  fact,  I  exercised  all  the  care  possible,  iiiid 
am  perfectly  satisfied  that  nothing  of  importance,  least  of  all  an  insect  or  auytliinir 
pertaining  to  an  insect,  could  have  escaped  my  observation. 

To  show  exactly  what  each  bird  had  eaten,  I  copy  directly  from  my  note-book, 
giving  tho  dissections  as  I  made  them,  with  the  date.  I  also  give  the  age  of  tins 
individual,  and,  as  ox]»Ianatory,  will  remark  that  by  "young"  I  mean  birds  that 
were  hatched  that  year,  and  by  "  nestlings,"  birds  wJiich  were  not  fully  grown ; 
adult  being,  of  conrse,  perfectly  mature  birds.  My  record  commences  with  Septi'iii- 
ber  17  [l»S7rt]. 


1 

IK  ;i; 


' 


JS;    .i- 
lit  ■  uSiJ 

It!  m 


No. 

Date. 

Ago. 

Contents  of  stomach. 

1 

1878. 
Si'pt.  17 

Young  .. 

Seeds  and  small  stones. 

2 

17 

....'.lo.... 

Seeds,  woody  libers,  and  bits  of  grass. 

3 

18 

....do.... 

Small,  dark-(Md(ivpd  seeds. 

4 

18 

...do.... 

OrasH.soeds  aud  Iar(;e,  double,  tougli-skinnod  seeds. 

S 

18 

....do.... 

Kemaius  of  dark-colored  seeds,  woody  libers,  and  suiall  stones. 

6 

19 

...do.... 

Small  stones  iiii'doMijnating,  with  soniedarkcolorcil  seeds  aud  a  few  HrI 
colored  seeds. 

Iter- 

7 

10 

..  do.... 

Oats,  woody  libiTs,  and  small  stonon. 

8 

20 

. . .  do  ... 

1  lark-colored  seeds,  small  stones,  and  woody  fibers. 

D 

iiO 

..  do.... 

Oreeu  seeds,  dark-colored  seeds,  and  small  stones. 

10 

20 

..do.... 

Seoils,  small  stones,  wooily  libers,  and  tlie  remain  of  oats. 

11 

2() 

...do  ..  . 

Dark-cidiired  seeds,  woody  libers,  oats,  and  small  stones. 

12 

20 

..  do    ... 

Woody  libers,  seeds,  aud  small  stouos. 

18 

20 

...do.... 

Uo. 

14 

20 

...do.... 

Seeds,  small  stones,  aud  oats. 

15 

20 

..  do... 

Do. 

in 

20 

....do.... 

Do. 

17 

20 

..do.... 

Small  atones,  seeds,  and  woody  fl'ucrs. 

18 

20 

...do.... 

Do. 

10 

20 

...do.... 

Oats,  seeds,  and  wood.v  fibers. 

20 

20 

...do... 

Seeds,  stones,  woody  lii)ers,  aud  etrg  shells. 

21 

26 

Kf.stling 

Stomach  very  soft;  woody  liber,  leaves,  aud  small  pieoes  of  brick. 

22 

20 

...do..:. 

Seeds,  snuill  stones,  small  ideces  of  brick,  bitsof  i)oreel.an,  aud  the  remains 

of  a  kernel  of  corn. 

23 

2fi 

....do... 

Black  sced.s  in  (juantities,  and  small  stones. 

24 

27 

Yoi'.iiK... 

Seeds,  stom's,  ami  oats.                                                        : 
Itemains  of  corn  aiul  sniiill  stones.                                  / 

L'5 

27 

....do.... 

20 

Oct.      1 

...do  .... 

Set'ds.  st<ine.s,  and  woody  fibers. 

27 

1 

...do.... 

iSla<'.k  seeds  and  small  .stones,  bnt  by  fivr  the  greater  portion  of  the  coni 
of  this  stomach  consists  of  wooily  libers,    wliii!;  1  now  ascertain  t 
macerated  bits  of  hay  from  horse  manure. 

ent.s 
)  1)0 

S'' 

1 

....do 

BIhck  seeds,  small  stones,  but  mainly  liils  of  hay  from  horse  nianiu:e, 

2 

Adult.... 

Black  seeds,  witli  a  consideralilo  quiiutity  of  small  stones. 

S 

2 

Yoiiiiir... 

Seeds,  small  stones,  and  l)its  (d'  hay. 

3 

....do    ... 

Woody  fibers,  sumll  stoue.s,  aud  oats. 

33 

3 

Artnlt.... 

(Jats,  small  stones,  aud  seed.s. 

3;{ 

a 

Young... 

(lorn,  oats,  and  bits  of  liay. 

84 

3 

do 

Oats,  seeds,  and  bits  of  grass. 

85 

3 

Adult.... 

Do. 

80 

.') 

Youu;.'..- 

Hits  of  green  leaves,  stones,  and  seeds. 

87 

3 

...do.... 

Oats,  seeds,  and  small  stones. 

88 

3 

...do.... 

Seeds  and  small  stoiu^s. 

80 

4 

Adult.... 

(Jreeu  seeds,  oats,  black  seeds,  and  bits  of  grass. 

40 

4 

...do.... 

tJorn,  soi'ils,  and  stones.                                                                      '     , 

4t 

4 

...do  .... 

lllack  seeds  and  stones. 

42 

4 

...do    .. 

Bits  of  liav,  pieces  of  crockery,  and  small  atones. 

43 

4 

Youug... 

Oats,  sced.s,  and  stones. 

44 

4 

Adult 

Bitsof  hay,  oats,  aud  small  stones. 

45 

4 

....do.... 

Seeds,  stones,  aud  corn. 

46 

4 

Young... 

Oats,  bits  of  liay,  and  small  stones. 

47 

4 

Adult.... 

Seeds  aud  small  stones. 

48 

4 

....do  .... 

Do. 

40 

4 

...do.... 

Small  seeds  and  small  yellow  stones. 

SO 

4 

....do  .... 

Seeds,  bits  of  hay,  aud  small  stones.                                                      ■  -■ 

51 

4 

Young. . 

Black  seeds  and  small  stones.                                            ..          .•  ,    .. 

63 

10 

...do    ... 

Seeds  ami  small  stones. 

m 

10 

...do  .... 

Seeds,  HUiall. stones,  and  bits  of  hay. 

54 

10 

Adult  .. 

Seeds,  small  stones,  and  oats. 

65 

10 

...do  .... 

Do. 

6e 

10 

. .  do  . . . 

Seeds,  bitsof  hay,  and  oats. 

EVIDIfNCE. — FROM   AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


323 


o  nianuro. 


A8  soon,  on  October  10 1  (Jiscoiitinuecl  my  observations.  The  entire  absence  of  insect 
food  is  noticeable ;  yet  this  did  not  in  the  least  surprise  inc,  for  althongh  I  did  expect 
t</  lind  a  few  insects  when  I  first  coninieuced,  I  ceased  to  expect  theui  after  I  saw  how 
tiiorouffhly  grauivorous  these  birds  were. 

I  have  found  that  as  a  rule  our  sparrows,  finches,  anri  grossboaks  (and  I  now  speak 
(if  these  species  as  they  occur  iu  Massachusetts)  eat  but  few  insects.  Thus  out  of 
two  hundred  and  eighty-four  individuals,  taken  at  all  seasons,  which  I  have  exam- 
ined, enibraciu}^;  seventeen  species,  but  eighty-one  had  taken  insects;  and  if  we  ex- 
clude the  rose-breasted  grossbeak  and  the  savanna  sparrow,  which  are  much  more 
insectivorous  than  any  others,  I  find  that  ouly  about  six  per  cent,  of  those  examined 
had  oaten  insects,  and  these  were  taken  mainly  in  spring,  summer,  and  autumn;  rarely 
in  winter.  Some  species  never  eat  insects  when  they  can  get  seeds,  and  their  ana- 
toiuical  structure  is  eminently  fitted  for  gathering  and  digesting  these  latter-named 
III  tides  of  diet.  Thestructure  of  the  English  Sparrow  is  very  similar  to  that  of  some 
(if  our  strictly  granivorous  birds.  Thus  the  gullet  is  dilatetl  into  a  crop,  a  character 
Hildom  seen  in  insectivorous  birds.  The  proventricnlus  is  small,  but  the  stomach  has 
very  thick  and  muscular  walls,  and  is  lined  with  a  strong,  somewhat  rugose  mera- 
briiiie.  The  duodenum  is  long  and  incloses  a  large  pancreas,  which  secretes  a  fluid 
tiiiit  assists  to  digest  the  oily  matter  from  seeds.  This  kind  of  food  is  rudely  gathered, 
iind  in  many  instances  crushed  by  the  strong  bill.  The  cceca  are  small.  All  this 
hIiows  clearly  that  we  have  to  deil  with  a  granivorous  bird  which  may  possibly  at 
Hdine  seasons  eat  insects,  but  certainly  not  in  the  autumn,  as  I  have  endeavored  to 
h1u)w. 

At  first  thought  it  may  appear  that  I  have  chosen  a  time  which  was  unfavorable  to 
tlie  English  Sparrows,  as  seeds  are  very  abundant  in  the  autumn ;  but  neither  are  in- 
socts  scarce  then,  and  I  chose  this  time  as  being  one  in  which  the  birds  would  exhibit 
their  preference;  and  they  certainly  have  shov-n  no  inclination  to  take  insects.  If, 
iiDwever,  we  turn  to  some  of  our  native  species  of  sparrows  which  oiteu  take  insects 
Oiiid  I  will,  at  the  suggestion  of  my  friend,  Mr.  J.  A.  Allen,  select  the  song  sparrow), 
we  .shall  find  that  they  eat  some  insects  all  through  the  autumn,  although  seeds  of 
course  form  the  greater  portion  of  their  food.  Yet  the  few  insects  taken  show  that 
they  occasionally  prefer  them. 

To  my  mind  it  is  clear  that  the  English  Sparrows  are  pampered  too  much.  They 
have  access  to  all  the  grain  that  they  want,  and  will  then  eat  nothing  else.  To  make 
an  exceedingly  long  story  shorter,  let  us  have  proof  that  they  do  or  do  not  eat  insects, 
and  then  the  matter  will  be  decided  beyond  a  doubt ;  and  again  I  would  venture  to  rec- 
(inimend  most  urgently  that  the  legislature  of  Massachusetts  autlio  '-w  some  one  to 
make  a  scries  of  dissections  of  the  English  Sparrow  throughout  the  entire  year,  for 
in  no  other  way  can  the  nuitter  be  decided.  I  do  not  consider  my  proofs  as  conclusive, 
hut  as  far  as  they  have  gone  they  are  certainly  convincing,  and  I  am  inclined  to  look 
npon  the  Sparrows  as  utterly  unworthy  of  protection  ;  yet  I  am  still  opeu  to  convic- 
tion in  their  favor,  and  if  any  one  will  show  me  one — I  ask  not  ten  nor  even  three, 
hnt  only  one — English  Sparrow  from  Moston  that  has  voluntarily  eaten  an  insectof  any 
sort  or  kind  I  will  at  once  modify  my  opinion  respecting  them.     (C.J.  Mayuard.) 

[Fnniipr's  Home  Journnl,  Loiiisvillo,  Ky.,  Octobers,  1880.] 

Howling  Green,  Ky.,  September  Uo,  188G. — The  English  Sparrow  has  heretofore  been 
very  destructive  upon  grains  and  fruits  in  and  near  the  towns  of  this  part  of  the 
State,  but  seems  to  have  been  this  season  three  or  four  times  as  bad  as  ever,  because, 
|irobably,  of  increase  of  number.  He  is  gradually  making  his  way  into  the  country 
districts.  In  the  city  this  year  all  fruits  suffered  gre.itly,  and  with  some  of  us  the 
S^iapes  not  luotected  with  bags  or  otherwise  were  all  taken,  and  whenever  the  weather 
made  a  hole  in  the  bag  covering  a  variety  of  grape  that,  when  rii)e,  was  black  or  red 
lie  has  torn  ott'  the  bags.  The  rascal  has  strong, jaws  and  great  energy,  and  will  work 
industriously  until  he  liai*  made  shreds  of  a  bag  lliat  he  ouc(>  attacks.     It  st^enis  that 


%.'■ 


324 


TTIE    ENGLISH    SPARUOW    IN    AMKUICA. 


the  quality  of  tlio  bags  tliouiaolvoH  is  not  as  j^ood  as  foniu'rly,  and  on  all  the  later 
colored  grapes  the  long  exposure  of  them  made  more  holes  tlian  usual.  All  unpio. 
tected  Clintons,  Nortons,  Herbenionts,  Calawbas,  indeed  all  colored  grapes,  went  ms 
800U  as  they  began  to  color  well,  and  oven  of  those  that  were  bagged  more  than  IkiH 
were  taken,  the  latter  by  reason  of  the  opening  made  by  the  weather  in  the  bags,  iuid 
coiiseciiiout  knowledge  to  the  Sparrow  of  what  was  inside.  My  own  loss  in  this  \v:iv 
was  not  less  than  five  hundred  bags.  Some  of  our  grape-growers  afiirm  that  liavinj; 
once  found  out  that  the  bags  had  grapes  in  them  the  Sparrow  did  not  couiiue  his  at- 
tacks to  the  injured  ones,  but  destroyed  the  perfect  bags  as  well. 

Passing  on  horseback  in  summer  on  the  outskirts  of  the  city  and  looking  across  a  va- 
cant scjuaro  in  which  oats  had  been  grown  and  were  then  in  the  shock,  in  the  dire(di()ii 
of  the  sun,  I  noticed  a  white  cloud  around  the  head  of  the  shocks  like  nn  aureole.  I 
rode  around  to  the  roar  of  the  square  and  found  that  it  was  the  rellection  on  the  eut 
chaff  thrown  out  by  inuuuierable  Sparrows  perched  on  the  shocks  and  devouring  tlio 
grain.  It  was  clear  to  lue  then  that  the  farmer  would  ultimately  suffer  greatly  unless  a 
remedy  is  found  against  the  increase  of  the  Sparrow.  At  the  meeting  of  the  WariiMi 
County  Hortieutnral  Society  this  matter  has  been  discussed  much  recently,  and  many 
schemes  have  been  suggested  to  accomplish  this.  Generally  such  experiments  as  have 
been  uuido  seem  to  demonstrate  that  souk;  form  of  poison  given  with  food  is  about 
the  most  promising. 

Opposite  my  residence,  and  across  the  street,  is  the  rear  of  a  square  occupied  as  a 
lumber-yard,  aud  next  the  fence  is  a  shed  100  feet  long  and  12  feet  wide.  I  thought 
this  offered  a  good  opportunity  to  try  the  effect  of  i)oisou  on  these  pests,  as  it 
would  bo  secure  from  fowls  and  animals.  Accordingly  I  prepared  a  mixtuie  (if 
meal  and  Hour,  plentifully  sprinkled  with  strychnine,  and  put  it  on  the  roof.  I  saw 
no  dead  birds  and  no  evidence  of  its  effect  until  citizens  a  square  away  began  to 
tivik  about  the  fatality  among  the  Sparrows,  numbers  of  them  being  found  dead. 
Closer  observations  showed  that  after  taking  the  food,  and  when  its  first  twiuKi',) 
Avero  felt,  they  sprang  into  the  air  and  went  with  rapid  Uight  until  they  fell  dead. 
Very  many  were  killed,  as  they  greedily  devoured  all  the  food  given,  I  did  not  repeat 
the  experiment,  as  I  was  away  from  homo  much  thereafter,  but  am  mad  enough  now 
over  the  losses  among  my  grapes  to  organize  a  regular  camjjaign  of  this  sort,  and 
niany  are  like  minded  with  myself.  The  orioles  are  very  bad,  but  they  are  very  beau- 
tiful, and  unlike  the  poor  and  the  Si)arrows,  wo  have  them  not  "always  with  us." 
Close  observation  makes  one  believe  that  the  robins  do  comparatively  little  harm,  as 
they  seldom  if  ever  puncture  the  grapes,  as  they  take  and  swallow  a  whole  berry  at  iv 
time,  aud  I  thiuk  three  Concords  is  the  uuiximum  for  a  meal.  ([Judge]  W.  L.  Dii- 
lauey. ) 

[Bulletin  No.  10,  Division  of  Kntoniology,  U.  S,  Dopiirtment  of  Af;riciiltuvo.] 

OUU   SHADE   TUKES  AND  THEIli   INSECT  DEKOLIATOR.S.      <^.  V.  KILKY. 

(p.  31.)  The  fact  that  the  caterpillar  [of  the  whitomarked  tussock  moth  j  makis 
no  effort  to  conceal  itself  shows  that  it  enjoys  immunity  from  enemies,  and  notably 
from  birds.  In  fact,  the  American  Vellow-billed  Cuckoo,  the  Baltimore  Oriole,  and 
the  Robin  are  the  only  birds  which  have  been  observed  to  feed  upon  the  larva-. 

(p.  62.)  All  four  of  these  insects  [1,  elinleaf  beetle,  Galenica;  2,  bfig-wortii,  77ii/- 
ridopteryx;  3,  tussock  moth,  Orgi/ia ;  4,  web-worm,  Huphanfria']  have  a  certaiu  im- 
munity from  the  attacks  of  birds^No.  1  by  virtue  of  an  otfensive  odor.  No.  2  by  the 
protection  of  its  bag,  Nos.  3  and  4  by  the  protection  atfordcd  by  the  hairs  of  the  cater- 
pillars, which  are  also  mixed  into  their  cocoons.  A  few  native  birds  we  have  seen 
occasionally  feed  upon  Nom.  3  and  4;  but  the  English  Si)arrow,  to  which,  being  emphati- 
cally a  city  bird,  wis  should  look  for  help,  has  never  been  known  to  attack  anv  ol 
them.  In  fact,  w<i  tioticed  and  announced  many  years  ago  that  in  soiueof  the  n.rlli- 
eru  cities  (as  Boston  and  I'hiladelphia)  the  increase  of  thoOig;.  i;i  was  nulinn^.tl)  a 


■f*lil 


EVIDENCE. — FROM   AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


325 


ii>iill  of  tiie  iiiiTi'a.sc of  tlio  Enj^lis'i  Sparrow,  \vlii(!li  feeds  in  llic  Ijiccding  scaHon 
mioii  smooth  woiiiiM,  less  liiiniiful  io  our  trees,  and  thus  ^ives  l)etter  opportunity  for 
llo  rejected  Orgyia  to  increase,  a  resnlt  still  further  promoted  by  the  habit  of  driv- 
ing away  the  native  birds,  which  the  English  Sparrow  is  known  to  have.  Tho  sanio 
reasoning  will  hold  trno  in  respect  of  the  Web-worm ;  and,  putting  all  sentiment 
nside,  wo  may  safely  aver  that  this  bird  is  an  impediment  rather  than  an  aid  in  pre- 
Herviug  our  trees  from  their  worst  insect  defoliators.  Tin  re  is  every  reason  to  believe 
tliat  the  Hag-worm  is  carried,  when  young,  from  tree  to  tree  upon  the  claws  and  legs 
(if  the  bird,  and  its  dissemination  is  thus  aided  aiul  its  destruction  rendered  more 
(liflicult;  while  the  yellow  suspended  cocoons  of  the  Mctcorun  hyphanMo'  {tho  most 
iiii])ortant  of  the  parasites  of  the  Web-worni)  are  sought  by  tho  Sparrow,  probably 
l)('ing  mistaken  for  grains  of  wheat. 

Whili!  our  feathered  friend.s,  owing  to  the  Sparrow's  pugnacity,  are  now  things  of 
the  past,  iind  can  only  be  seen  in  tho  spring  when  they  pass  through  the  cities  in 
tlieir  migrations  to  more  peaceable  nesting  i)lace8,  yet  something  might  bo  done  to 
I  neonrage  their  stay.  Nesting  places  might  bo  provided  for  them  not  alone  by  bird 
lioxes,  which,  good  in  themselves,  are  at  once  occupied  by  the  Englisli  Sparrow;  they 
must  bo  afforded  safer  and  natural  quarters. 


HY. 

loth  I  maki's 
nid  notably 
Oriole,  and 
arva'. 
woriii,  77i.i/- 
certaiu  iiii- 
'^o.  2  by  llu) 
f  the  cater- 
e  have  seeu 
iigemphati- 
tack  anv  ol 
f  the  n-rth- 
iiidirectly  iv 


IKsnay  read  September  4, 1879,  l)eforo  tho  AVost  Cliostrr  (P.i.)  Mioroscoiiical  Society,  by  tbc  Bccrotary, 

Dr.  B.  11.  Warren.] 

These  birds  since  their  introduction  in  our  county  (Chester)  have  elicited  consider- 
able interest  and  comment.  In  answer  to  the  counnoji  interrogatory  :  Are  the  Spar- 
rows injurious  or  benelicial  to  the  agriculturist?  the  following  facts  are  submitted, 
as  observed  by  tho  writer  since  the  trausition  of  the  little  foreigners. 

The  autopsies  of  seventy-five  Sparrows,  made  in  1878,  revealed  In  seventy-three 
grain  and  vegetable  material  solely.  Each  of  the  other  two  had  in  its  stomach,  which 
v,as  distended  with  wheat,  a  coleopterous  insect  (beetle).  By  this  aeries  of  examina- 
tions it  will  be  seen  that  only  two  seventy-fifths  of  the  birds  dissected  had  any  insect 
food,  and  thiit  in  a  minimum  proportion. 

The  vegetable  material  referred  to  was  buds  iiiul  blossoms  of  tho  grape-vine,  tho 
plum,  pear,  peach,  and  haw  trees ;  also  some  little  grass  atul  a  few  of  the  earlier  annual 
plants. 

For  wheat  they  have  a  gre.at  predilection,  aa  receptacles  of  sixty  odd  contained  only 
t lip t  cereal.  Oats,  corn,  rye,  clover,  timothy,  and  other  seeds  variously  enter  into  their 
liiil  of  faro.  As  sonic  have  claimed  that  said  Sparrow  is  granivorous  only  in  winter, 
when  in  order  to  sustain  existence  he  is  obliged  to  live  on  a  grain  diet,  I  have,  during 
tlio  months  of  March,  April,  May,  and  June  of  the  present  year,  examined  fifty  speci- 
iiiens,  of  which  number  forty-seven  showed  cereal  and  vegetable  food,  and  one  con- 
tained a  «iH(//c  coleopterous  insect  in  coujuiictiou  with  an  abundance  of  wheat  The 
fond  receptacles  of  the  two  remaining  birds  were  void  of  auy  nutritious  matter.  .  .  . 
Ill  reference  to  their  distribution,  I  think  it  can  safely  be  said  they  are  in  by  far  tho 
greater  part  of  the  towns  and  villages  of  our  county.  In  West  Chester,  and  a  radius 
of  five  or  eight  miles,  they  are  found  in  numbers.  Sparrows  in  tho  late  summer,  fall, 
and  winter  congregate  in  largo  parties. 

Prior  to  tho  gathering  in  of  the  crops,  these  birds  do  a  v.ist  deal  of  damage  to  tho 
grains.  Tho  sweet  or  sugar  corn,  so  valued  on  account  of  its  esculent  propertii-s,  like- 
wise aatisfies  these  gormandizing  oninivores.  They  Avill  visit  a  corn-field,  alight  on  tho 
oars,  tear  o])en  the  top  of  the  husk,  and  luxuriate  on  the  lialf-formed  milky  grain.  Tho 
roiuaining  portions  of  the  ears  are  left  partially  nude  and  necessarily  subject  to  the 
ravages  of  insects  and  atmospheric  changes,  which  frequently  result  in  their  coinpleto 
di'Htruction. 

Although  considerable  damage  is  done  to  corn  in  tho  way  above  described,  yet  the 
ilcstruetion  done  wheat  crops  is  far  in  excess.  Of  course  tho  quantity  of  grain  (^ateii 
by  each  is  very  wnall,  still  the  amount  sufllciont  to  supply  a  fiock  of  .'JOO  or  1,000 


WTT 


9i     '    } 


326 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERI(  A. 


f^ 


binlHisiiotincoDHidorablo.  But,  gontlemon,  bear  in  mind,  if  yon  pleaMe,  that  thofrr^j^ 
duvMUi'od  Ih  but  a  titbu  of  tliat  wautud.  Fur  inutanco,  a  Hpanow  li^litN  on  a  Nialk, 
or  possibly  will  grasp  twoor  more  stalks  iu  itsclaws;  tbo  perch,  although  (luito strong 
enough  to  sustain  tho  bird's  weight,  will  oscillate  from  the  weight  of  the  foreign  IkhIv, 
Such  an  unsteady  resting  place  compels  the  bird,  in  order  to  sustain  its  position,  In 
abnost  continually  flap  its  wings.  This,  in  connection  with  the  violent  mandiluilur 
action,  occasions  many  pellets  of  grain  for  everyone  eaten  to  bo  showered  on  tho 
ground. 

In  closing  this  article,  I  would  earnestly  solicit,  for  tho  extermination  of  tlioHo 
"white  elephants,"  the  co-operation  of  the  farmer,  because  to  him  it  is  of  jficut 
practical  utility  that  they  bo  destroyed.  To  the  practical  non-closet  naturalist,  tliu 
potent  need  for  their  immediate  eradication  is  positive.  We  ask  all  lovers  of  liirdH— 
and  who  among  us  do  not  admire,  nay  love,  the  native  songsters — to  lend  their  aid, 
and  speedily,  too,  that  some  means  may  be  devised  for  the  blotting  out  of  this  un- 
looked-for bane.  • 

[Essay  read  March  18,  1880,  by  Dr.  B.  n.    Warren,  before  tbo  West  Chester  (Pa.)  Microscoiiic*! 

Society.) 

This  much  talked  of  and  written  about  bird  I  again  call  your  attention  to,  even  at 
the  risk  of  tiring  the  patience  of  some  of  my  hearers.  Among  our  members  there  am 
not  a  few  who  consider  the  Sparrow  a  curse  to  tho  connnuuity  an  I  a  bird  which,  if  it 
ever  did  do  good,  has  "  long  since  outlived  its  usefulness." 

Some  years  ago,  by  a  well-disposed,  estimable,  and  well-known  resident  of  this  place, 
six  or  seven  Sparrows  were  obtained  and  conveyed  to  our  borough,  which  at  that 
time  was  the  abode  of  many  native  song  and  insectivorous  birds.  Their  arrival  wan 
heralded  with  joy  by  our  citizens  (except  a  few  knowing  ones  who  shook  their  heads 
and  oI)served,  "You'll  be  sorry  for  this  in  a  few  years"),  some  of  whom  forthwith 
erected  a  coniuiodius  box  in  the  court-house  yard  for  their  protection  against  inclem- 
ent weathtr,  mischievous  boys,  and  prowling  cats. 

The  little  "  pots"  (as  they  were  then  called)  were  confined  iu  this  convenience  iiud 
regularly  fed  and  watered  by  their  doting  admirers  for  about  ten  days,  when  they 
were  liberated.  At  irregular  intervals  after  this,  for  a  peried  of  nearly  two  montliH, 
they  returned  to  the  box  for  food  and  shelter.  Gradually,  however,  the  visitations 
became  fewer  and  fewer,  until  finally  they  ceased.  These  pioneer  Sparrows  for  sev- 
eral mouths  displayed  marked  timidity  as  well  as  an  eagerness  to  keep  secluded. 
They  roosted  in  tho  evergreen  trees  in  the  court-yard.  One  or  two  years  rolled  on 
without  much  authentic  information  being  obtained  relative  to  them.  By  way  of  ex- 
planation it  may  be  stated  that  tho  word  "authentic"  before  information  is  used,  not 
but  that  it  is  true  many  reports,  both  newspaper  and  verbal,  were  current  in  regard 
to  tho  "  new  birds,"  but  the  writer  is  also  aware  that  our  migrants  and  natives,  other 
than  tho  most  common  and  well-known  species,  such  as  the  wren,  catbird,  robin,  etc., 
from  tho  size  of  a  sparrow-hawk  (F.  82)arvenHD)  to  that  of  a  kinglet  {Ecguluasalraim 
or  ca?enrfM?a),  were  denominated  by  the  uninitiated  yet  loquacious  observer,  "  En- 
glish Sparrow."  After  tho  lapse  of  the  time  above  specified  they  were  frequently 
seen  in  small  parties  about  the  borough.  Immedititely,  to  me6t  the  needs  of  these 
insectivorous  m  birds,  several  of  our  kind-hearted  towns-people  built  boxes  for  their 
benefit.  They  were  soon  followed  by  others,  until  many  of  the  shade  and  fruit  trees 
of  West  Chester  were  ornamented  or  disfigured  by  costly  bird-box  architecture  or 
rusty  tin  fruit-cans,  pans,  and  stove-pipes. 

These  efforts  of  our  citizens,  whether  rich  oi*  poor,  high  or  low,  were  lauded  by  tlio 
press,  and  so  assiduously  were  the  occupants  of  said  domiciles  guarded  by  night  an 
well  as  by  day  that  the  ubiquitous  small  boy  was  put  to  his  utmost  tc  secure  tho 
coveted  and  at  that  time  marketable  egg. 

The  prolific  Sparrows,  as  residents  for  four  years,  bog.in  to  show,  even  to  certain 
of  their  supporti'rs,  that  they  were  not  as  useful  as  it  was  said  they  would  be. 


EVIDENCK. — FROM   AMERICAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


327 


)  Microscopical 


ivcnieuco  (luil 


My  (l«'>;ri'i'H  it.  liccanx?  painfully  patent  to  tlio  frnlt-growcr,  tho  Kiii'il»'nt'i'»  '"'rt  tbo 
llorist,  as  well  as  the  prai^tic.al  oiiiitholoj^ist,  that  tiio  much-carod-tbr  and  overrated 
Sparrows  wore  aHcctinj;  seriouHly  tluiir  riisptictivo  intoresty. 

The  pear,  plnm,  and  poach  trees,  and  also  the  <^rape-vines,  were  ritled  of  their  bnds. 
The  grapoH,  strawberries,  and,  I  have  been  told,  raspberries  and  blacl<l)erries,  were 
taken.  The  tender  herbs,  <;rasses,  and  colonses  were  plucked  and  devoured  ;  and  last, 
hut  by  no  means  the  least,  the  elo;  -observing  lovers  of  native  birds  proper  were  forced 
to  note  a  steady  diminution,  not  oidy  yearly  but  monthly,  in  the  tormerly  plentiful 
ilenizeus  of  our  town,  such  as  the  wren,  blue-bird,  viroo,  and  "  chippy  "  (S.  HocUtlix) ; 
oveu  transitory  visitors,  as  certain  of  the  warblers,  etc.,  seenicd  to  avoid  West  Ches- 
ter, and  now,  at  the  projier  seasons,  when  the  migrants  as  well  as  resideats  enter 
this  place,  they  are  pursued  and  driven  out  by  the  hosts  of  "  usurpers." 

Our  townsnuui,  Johu  F.  Ingram,  well  and  favorably  known  to  all,  and  a  gcntlenum 
who,  it  is  universally  admitt<id,  "  thinks  twice  before  he  s]>eaks,"  was  one  of  the 
lirst  to  call  my  attention  to  the  destructive  ])roi)ensiti<!s,  nueleanly  habits,  and  pug- 
uiieious  disposition  of  the  Sparrow.  He  also  had  noticed  the  material  lessoning  in 
visitations  of  the  insect-eating  birds. 

Like  observations  of  other  well-known  parties,  and  <lisparaging  newspaper  reports, 
linked  with  a  desire  to  learn  the  true  state  of  affairs,  led  to  a  series  of  dissections  by 
the  writer.  The  result  of  this  work,  it  will  bo  remembered  by  some,  was  givtm  iu 
detail  by  me  before  this  society,  hence  I  deem  it  not  necessary  to  here  dwell  upon 
the  uunutia;  of  anatomical  labors;  but  will  state  that  in  upwards  of  a  hundred  stom- 
achs lately  examined  the  show  of  vegetable  materials  was  very  greatly  in  excess  of 
the  insect  diet. 

It  is  needless,  however,  to  dwell  longer  upon  the  merits  or  denjerits  of  these  birds. 
Siiflice  it  to  say  that  repeated  interviews  with  many  of  our  leading  citizens  and  res- 
idents throughout  the  country  prove  conclusively  that  popular  sentiment  is  against 
them  because  of  their  injurious  traits.  Now,  the  ouo  (question  is,  how  shall  we  get 
rid  of  them  ? 

(From  papoi'H  read  before  the  Biological  Section  of  the  Canadian  TnstitiUo  by  AV.  I'.roilio. ) 
THK  EUnoPEAN  SPARROW,   PASSER  DOMKSTICUS. 


The  food  of  birds  has,  of  lato  years,  become  a  very  important  subject  of  hivestigii- 
tion  from  an  econonnc  as  well  as  a  scientilic  stand-point.  Many  old  and  teiiacionslj' 
held  opinions  have  been  quire  overthrown. 

It  has  been  shown  that  birds  of  prey  are  nearly  all  beneficial,  many  of  .hem  enu- 
uently  so.  It  has  also  been  shown  that  niany  birds  which  were  formerly  considered 
entirely  beneficial  are  injurious  in  some  i)articulars. 

The  rapid  increase  of  the  recently  introduced  European  .Si>arrow,  its  iidiiptability 
to  climatic  conditions  in  Ontario,  its  food,  itsdriviug  aw.ny  ofnative  si>eci(!s,  and  tlio 
jieneral  disturbance  of  bird  life  in  conse(iuence,  are  subjects  which  havi*  attracteil 
the  attention  of  ornithologists  and  elicited  some  discu.-.siou  without  a  very  definite 
H(!ttlemont  of  the  most  important  points.  This  bird  i  now  be  said  to  extend  over 
the  whole  of  Ontario,  even  over  very  sparsely  settled  sections. 

During  this  last  summer  it  has  spread  from  Nipissiiig  along  the  line  of  the  C.  P.  R.  to 
tlio  north  of  Lake  Superior,  and  we  need  not  bo  surprised  to  hear  that  it  has  survived 
the  forty  degrees  below  zero  of  Winnipeg.  It  is  generally  admitted  that  it  has 
driven  away  a  few  native  species  from  cities,  towns,  and  country  villages — species 
which  were  taking  perhaps  rather  sparingly  to  our  bustling  centers,  such  as  the  chip- 
ping Sparrow  (Spisclla  sncinlh),  bluebird  (.Sia?irt  sialis),  house  wren  ( Troglodytes  ai'don), 
yellow  warbler  {nciidrolca  o'stivn),  cliff  swallow  (Pctrochclidon  lunifrons),  tree  swal- 
low ( Tachycineta  hicolor),  and  a  few  others.  The  following  extracts  from  memoranda 
covering  a  period  of  six  yeans,  are  submitted  with  a  view  of  coutribnting  something 
to  what  wo  know  of  tho  food  habits  of  this  bird. 


-;il 


H     > 


11 


M   .1] 

■i  ^ 


^i: 


328 


I 


THE   KNGLISir   SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


I  ffiiicy  tlio  grassliopjicr-n.'it  ing  habit  has  been  actiuired  Mince  its  advent  into  Onta* ' 
I  iini  not  aware  of  its  ever  having  been  noticed  before  either  in  Europe  or  ii- 
United  SUte.s. 

'J'iie  first  reeoid  of  (liis  habit  was  by  Mr.  Bncko,  of  Ottawa,  in  1881,  the  nexi 
Mrs.  Maria  Gardner,  a  lady  of  this  city,  in  1884. 

The  dissections  and  exaininations  of  stomachs  wore  uiado  with  great  care,  inontly 
on  recently  killed  birds. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  many  who  rendered  valnablo  assistance  in  those  resc^arcliis. 

In  theHi)ring  of  1S71),  Mr.  R.  Baigent,  artist,  of  this  city,  reported  Sparrows  as  eat- 
ing goosebeny  Inuls  in  his  garden.  This,  if  I  misttiko  not-  was  published  at  (lie  lime 
in  one  of  the  city  dailit's. 

May  7,  1881. — One  specimen  collected  in  city;  tfonteuts  of  stomach,  broken  down 
vc^getablo  matlei,  '-iidsol'  trees. 

May  7,  1861. — One  specimen  collected  in  York  Township;  (contents  of  sioaiacli, 
eoleoptera,  carabida',  seeds  of  red  clover. 

April  10,  188-.  —Five  specimens  collected  in  city ;  contents  of  stomach,  iiickiiif^s 
from  liorso  manure,  buds  of  trees. 

March  '24,  IS^'Ji.— Sparrows  eating  maple  l)nds  on  Berkeley  street. 

March  y.'i,  1882. — Sparrows  eating  maple  bnds  all  through  city. 

April  7,  1884.— Sparrows  destroying  fruiting  bnds  of  maple  and  (dm. 

April  7,  1884. — One  specimen  collected  in  York  Township  by  Mr.  Williams ;  con- 
tents of  stomach,  fruiting  buds  of  trees. 

August  20,  1884. — Sparrows  pursuing,  killing,  and  eating  grasshoppers  on  Ondiiio 
street.     By  Mrs.  Maria  Gardner. 

September  1,  1884. — For  some  days  a  small  flock  of  Sparrows  frequented  a  dense 
growth  of  "  pig  weed  "  {Chenojwdium  allinm),  growing  near  to  my  work-room  window. 
In  order  to  determine  what  they  were  doing,  I  carefully  closed  the  shutters,  leaviiij;a 
small  ocular.  When  the  birds  came  readily  within  a  distance  of  about  a  yard,  wiili 
a  glass  of  about  ten  diameters  I  quite  clearly  saw  they  were  eating  tiphidvH  [pliint- 
lice]  with  great  relish,  as  though  they  were  treating  themselves  to  a  delicious  drinl;. 
These  visits  were  frequently  repeated,  affording  me  many  opportunities  for  observa- 
tion. 

September  20,  1884. — Twenty  specimens  collected  in  York  Township  by  Mr.  W. 
Squires;  contents  of  stomachs,  very  sharp  sand,  broken  grains  of  oats,  in  one,  six 
whole;  elderberries,  seeds  of  annvran thus,  larvai  of  geometrid  moth  threc-qiiarterH  of 
an  inch  long,  three  larvie  in  one  croji,  eoleoptera. 

October  31,  1885. — From  March  1  to  this  date  two  hundred  and  thirty-seven  stoni- 
achs  have  been  examined ;  one  hundred  and  four,  or  about  forty-three  per  cent.,  con- 
tained insects  of  several  orders. 

Of  eighty-five  stomachs  examined  from  September  1  to  September  :]0,  the  season 
of  young  birds  and  also  the  season  of  migration  from  the  city,  sixty-three,  or  abont 
seventy-four  per  cent.,  contained  grassho])pers. 

March  15,  1880. — Sparrows  destroying  elm  buds  on  Ontario  street.  By  Mrs.  Maria 
Gardner. 

March  20, 188C. — Sparrows  destroying  fruiting  buds  of  nniple  and  elm  trees  on 
Berkeley  street. 

March  28,  188G. — Sparrows  destroying  maple  buds  on  Berkeley  strei^t. 

March  29,  188C.— Sparrows  eating  maple  buds  on  Ontario  street.  By  Airs.  Maria 
Gardner. 

April  5,  168G. — Sparrows  eating  elm  bnds. 

April  12,  1880. — Sparrows  e.ating  maple  buds  on  Ontario  street.  By  Mrs.  Maria 
Gardner. 

April  21. — Sparrows  eating  maple  buds  on  Elizabeth  sM'cct  and  Queen's  Park.  By 
Mr.  W.  Parks. 


EVIDENCE. — FROM    AMERICAN   PIJULICATIONS. 


32D 


Mrs.  Mali IV 


AiijjiiHt  15, 1880. — Spiirrowspursuinj?  "  flying  grassliopporH,"  (K,  catoHna,on  Church 
Htrci't.     By  Mr8.  Maria  Gardner. 

Angiist  20,  188C». — Three  spcciiuenB  collected  in  York  Township  by  Mr.  Jas.  Milne; 
Htonmchs  contained  road  pickings,  broken  oats,  fragments  of  grasshoppers. 

Angust  25,  1886. — Seven  specimens,  yonng,  collected  on  Don  Fiats,  north  of  Win- 
chester street  bridge;  couteuts  of  stomachs,  road  pickings,  broken  oats,  seeds  ot 
I'ohjgonum  avicularc;  gras8hoi)pers  in  all. 

August  27,  IS-Jfi. — Five  specimens  collected  by  Mr.  W.  Squires,  east  of  city;  con- 
tents of  stomachs,  very  sharp  sand ;  in  all  broken-down  vegetable  matter;  in  one,  head 
!it)d  femora  of  C./vmiir-ruhnim. 

August  2!),  188(). — Four  specimens,  all  young,  collected  by  Mr.  C.  Armstrong  in 
liosodale ;  contents  of  stomachs  in  all  broken-down  vegetable  matter  and  portions  of 
('.  femur-riihrum. 

September  3,  188(5. — Nine  specimens  collected  on  Don  Flats,  near  paper  mill ;  three 
stomachs  contained  fragments  of  grasshoppers,  two  contained  pupa;  of  a  dipter,  one 
contained  three  small  lepidopterons  larvse. 

September  13,  188(i.— Fifteen  specimens  collected  in  York  Township;  all  contained 
the  usual  broken-down  vegetable  matter,  nine  contained  portions  of  grasshoppers,  one 
contained  portions  of  femora  of  (E.  Carolina. 

Of  the  forty-three  specimens  collected  from  August  20  to  September  13,  twenty- 
Hoven,  or  nearly  sixty-three  per  cent.,  had  been  eating  grasshoppers. 

May  27,  1887. — A  young  Sparrow  about  a  w"6ek  old  fell  out  of  nest  and  was  killed  j 
stomach  contained  fragments  of  eggshell,  two  spiders,  one  small  moth  denuded  of 
wings;  the  head  and  antonme  were  fairly  well  preserved. 

July  17. — Saw  two  Sparrows  pursuing  Oi.  Carolina  on  Berkeley  street.  When  the 
grasshopper  alighted  the  Sparrows  pounced  on  bim,  but  he  eluded  them  by  darting 
up  on  wing,  ,he  Sparrows  sitting  still  watching  his  down-coming.  Four  unsuccess- 
ful attacks  were  made.     On  the  fifth  mount  begot  into  some  shrubbery  and  escaped. 

July  11). — Mrs.  Maria  Gardner  handed  me  a  mutilated  (E,  Carolina  over  which  two 
Sparrows  were  contending  in  the  normal  schoo!  grounds;  the  head,  both  elytra,  one 
wing,  and  three  leg*  were  gone  and  the  thorax  was  badly  crushed. 

July  20,  1887. — About  noon  saw  a  Sparrow  breaking  legs  and  wings  of  C.femiir- 
riihrum  in  front  of  325  Parliament  street. 

July  20,  1887. — Saw  a  Sparrow  catch  and  denude  of  wings  and  legs  a  C.  femiir- 
riihrum  on  Berkeley  street,  and  then  fly  away  with  it,  apparently  to  nest. 

August  5, 1887. — Caught  four  specimens  of  C.  /;iiii</a/«s  on  Don  Flats,  liberated  thoni 
on  a  patch  of  P()/i/,f/OHH>ii  ai'ic«?a)'e.  Berkeley  street,  much  frequented  by  Sparrows. 
They  weroimraediatsly  attacked  by  about  a  dozen  Sparrows,  and  within  fifteen  min- 
utes three  wera  killed,  torn  to  pieces,  and  devoured. 

August  11,  18(37. — Two  specimens  collected  by  Mr.  W.  Squires,  in  the  east  of  the 
city ;  contents  of  stomachs  in  both,  road  pickings  and  broken  oats ;  in  one,  three 
pup.-c  of  a  dipter. 

August  31. — Five  specimens  collected  by  Mr.  D.  Cox  outside  city  limits ;  three 
stomachs  contained  spiders  and  fragments  of  coleoptera  ;  one,  head  and  femora  of  C. 
fenuir-ruhrum. 

September  12,  1887. — Two  specimens  collected  in  city  ;  contents  of  stomach,  small 
1  ieces  of  egg-shell,  road  pickings,  bri  ken  oats. 

September 20,  1887. — Four  specimens  collected  on  Don  Flats,  near  p.aper  mill; 
stomachs  all  contained  small  lepidopterous  larva',  and  fragments  of  grasshoppers. 

Of  the  three  hundred  and  seven  specimens  collected  from  May  7,  1881,  to  Septem- 
ber 20,  1887,  the  stomachs  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-two,  or  nearly  forty-three  per 
cent.,  contained  insects  of  several  orders,  and  eighty-five,  or  nearly  twenty -seven  per 
cent.,  contained  grasshoppers  of  two  species,  C.  femur-rubnim  and  G'!.  Carolina.  These 
two,  with  C.  hivittatus,  on  which  1  fed  them  on  August  5,  1887,  make  three  species  on 
which  the  Sparrows  feed  in  the  neighborhood  of  Toronto. 


^^m^ 


w^ 


330 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARUOW   IN   AMERICA. 


TEUTIMOWY  RELATING  MAINLY  TO  THE  SPARROW  IN  EUROPE. 

iniOtil    THK    kVIDENCK    MCUMITTKI)  TO   TIIK    SKI.KCT    COMMITTEE   0\    [itUITIHIl  |   WIU) 

lUUDH    I'KOTKCTION.      lH7[i. 

[Mr.  ClinmpioD  RusRoll,  rosidonco  near  Romford.)  ,, 

[Pago  12.]  I  will  jjive  you  a  history  of  tlio  course  of  his  life  the  whole  of  tlu^  year 
round  in  the  country.  We  will  begin  -m  the  Ist  ot  Jainiary.  He  lives  in  the  raiin- 
yards,  along  the  roads,  yards  of  any  kind  near  the  liouscs.  He  gets  his  food  tlicrc ; 
when  the  stacks  have  been  threshed,  in  ho  goes.  As  soon  as  the  barley  and  oat.i  are 
sown  ho  loaves  the  farm-yards  and  houses,  and  you  soo  very  few  there.  If  you  sliodt 
him  in  the  Holds  you  hnd  his  crop  full  of  oats  .and  barley,  unless  ho  can  get  wlical  ; 
then  from  that  time  until  after  the  seed  corn  has  grown,  which  would  be  about  i\\v. 
eud  of  April  (it  depends  on  the  season),  through  May  and  June,  when  ho  can  get  tlio 
least  corn,*  then  ho  destroys  insects;  the  old  ones  eat  scarcely  any  even  at  this  timn, 
but  they  feed  their  young  more  or  less  with  them.  Then  when  the  green  peas  are  in 
I)od,  that  is  about  the  first  thing  ho  takes  in  the  tields.  At  this  time  of  tho  year  you 
may  go  miles  across  tho  country  without  seeing  a  Sparrow  in  the  fields  at  all,  except 
near  houses  and  roads,  I  never  see  a  Sparrow  elsewhere  until  tho  peas  are  in  jxid. 
The  next  is  the  oats  and  barley,  when  they  begin  to  get  milky,  and  tho  next  thing  is 
the  wheat.  They  get  more  and  more  in  tho  fields  in  flocks,  and  there  they  stop,  li v  lug 
principally  in  the  fields,  and  many  of  them  sleeping  out  in  tho  bodges,  until  all  tlin 
waste  corn  on  the  ground  has  grown  in  October.  Then  they  come  in  clouds  round 
the  stacks,  and  then  they  go  back  to  their  old  occupation,  picking  up  what  they  can 
among  tho  fowls  and  pigs  and  on  the  roads.  The  chief  mischief  they  do  is  eating 
tho  groen  wheat  in  tho  ear  when  tho  corn  just  begins  to  form  and  there  is  very  littlo 
in  it.  An  intelligent  farmer  told  me  lately  that  he  sometimes  loses  £15  or  £20  a 
year  on  a  field,  and  that  he  would  give  £20  a  year  to  keep  them  out ;  ho  lives  near  a 
village. 

This  is  done  particularly  in  the  first  half  of  July,  when  tho  grain  is  imperfect ;  tlic 
juice  runs  out  of  their  months  when  shot ;  you  would  think  they  had  boon  drinking 
milk.  Some  farmers  in  Norfolk  sow  a  little  strip  of  oats  between*ho  farm-yard  and  tlif 
wheat-field  that  they  may  attack  them  first.  But  the  great  objection  which  I  have 
to  the  Sparrows  is,  that  they  are  by  their  increasing  numbers  exterminating  tho  ni.ar- 
tins.  They  bavo  a  habit  of  dispossessing  the  martins  of  their  nests,  and  in  our  part 
of  the  country  the  martins  have  almost  disappeared  ;  consequently,  wo  aro  subject 
to  a  plague  of  flies  and  insects;  tho  Sparrows  are  the  best  allies  of  flying  insects. 

I  see  an  attempt  to  dispossess  the  martins  on  an  average  about  twice  a  week  when 
I  ara  at  home ;  and  once  or  twice  I  have  seen  it  two  or  three  times  in  a  day.  Tlio 
martins'  nests  are  under  the  oaves.  The  cock  Sparrow  comes  first  and  settles  on  the 
oaves,  and  dodges  about ;  tho  martins  make  feeble  attempts  to  drive  them  away,  but 
they  aro  usually  perfectly  helpless ;  the  Sparrow  dodges  backward  .and  forward  ])cr- 
haps  for  an  hour;  at  last  ho  gets  in,  and  once  into  the  nest  tho  cock  stops  in  and 
keeps  tho  martins  out  with  his  sharp  bill,  while  the  hon  brings  some  hay.  Tho  Spar- 
row once  in  full  possession  the  martins  never  meddle.  They  spend  the  whole  -f  the 
summer  in  building  fresh  nests  for  the  Sparrows. 

I  never  knew  that  they  dispossessed  any  other  bird. 

I  never  knew  any  other  bird  dispossess  tho  martins. 

Tho  Sparrows  come  in  clouds  round  the  stacks  when  they  can  get  no  more  out  of 
the  fields,  and  they  then  take  to  the  same  mode  of  life  that  we  began  with,  except 
that  they  have  a  turn  at  the  wheat  in  the  fields  when  it  is  sowed  about  Novoinher. 
Tho  stacks  being  threshed  out  in  the  fields  has  made  a  difference  to  them;  tluy 
used  to  thresh  them  out  in  the  farm-yard,  where  they  had  a  etruggle  with  the  pigs 
and  fowls.    Close  to  my  gate  at  home,  though  not  on  my  own  land,  a  stack  was 

*  [It  should  be  remembered  that  tho  word  corn  is  used  in  England  to  denote  sujall 
grain  of  almost  any  kind;  Indian  corn  is  invariably  called  maize. — W.  B.  B.] 


m 


EVIDENCE. — FROM    EUROPEAN   PUBLICATIONS, 


331 


B  of  tbo  year 
ill  tliH  (anii- 

»  food  f  Iici(> ; 

1111(1  outs  arc 
If  yon  shoot 
ti  got  wlmat  ; 
bo  about  till) 
0  can  got  tlio 
at  tliiu  tiino, 
11  poaH  aro  in 
tbo  year  you 
it  all,  except 
iS  aro  in  pod. 
next  tiling  is 
^stop,  living 
until  all  t1i(^ 
cIoiuIh  round 
bat  tbey  can 
do  is  oating 
is  very  JitHo 
ei5or£a0a 
lives  near  a 

perfect ;  tlic 
son  drinking 
yard  and  the 
irbich  I  bavo 
ing  the  mar- 
in  our  part 
aro  subject 
insects, 
week  when 
a  day.    Tlio 
ttles  on  tbo 
n  away,  but 
arward  per- 
tops  in  and 
The  Spar- 
bole  it  tbo 


more  out  of 
itb,  except 
November, 
bbeni ;  they 
th  tbe  pigs 
stack  was 

oiiole  small 
13.] 


threshed  out  in  April  or  March  ;  it  has  furnished  ( ioiids  of  Sparrows  with  food  ever 
since;  people  have  bi;eii  moving  (lie  straw  o(;easionally,  wiiicli  gives  tlieiii  fresh 
ground  to  feed  upon;  these  things  encourage  Sparrows;  besides  which,  I  believe 
tliere  are  more  horses  in  tbe  country  and  more  oats  given  tbeiii,  and  that  is  u  never- 
failing  resource;  they  will  nevtir  starve,  winter  or  summer,  so  long  as  horses  have 
uncriisbed  oats. 

Tbey  give  their  young  ones  insects.  I  have  saved  tbe  food  of  many  hundreds  of 
.Si)arrows,  and  got  it  bottled  [producing  two  bottles],  that  I  may  know  precisely 
what  kinds  of  insects  tbey  eat.  1  sbonld  also  like  to  know  what  species  tbo  martins  eat. 
I  want  the  assistance  of  an  exiiert  entomologist  bere,  but  I  can  state  generally  that 
out  of  three  hundred  and  eighty-eight  young  Sparrows  examined  last  year,  of  all 
ages,  from  a  great  varioty  of  places,  chielly  from  farms,  but  also  from  private  bouses, 
wheat  and  g/een  peas  were  found  in  them  in  considerable  quantities;  tbk  insects 
were  of  two  clr.sses — caterpillars  and  coleopterous  insects — but  I  found  very  few  in- 
sects that  I  knew  well ;  I  found  one  earwig,  one  grasshopper,  a  few  bard-wingod 
beetles,  but  mostly  soft  beetles  (I  suspect  they  come  out  of  tbe  manure),'  and  cater- 
pillars in  very  variable  quauTitics ;  tbo  very  small  young  ones,  up  to  three  or  four  days 
old,  generally  bavo  caterpillars  aud  little  else,  unless  they  have  green  peas.  When 
they  get  to  tbo  size  of  "'large  callow,"  you  will  often  lind  that  tbey  are  full  of  wheat ; 
the  gizzard  soon  becomes  hardened,  and  there  is  a  great  quantity  of  even  ripe  wheat. 
.Sometimes  you  find  bardly  any  caterpillars,  but  a  kind  of  black  stuff.  There  are 
ditferont-sized  insects  of  tbo  beetle  class,  but  soft,  I  find  a  great  quantity  of  cole- 
opterous insects  also  ill  tbo  droppings  under  the  martins'  nests ;  not  tbe  same  species 
probably,  but  tbe  same  class  of  insects.  One  catcbes  tbem  on  the  wing,  whereas  tbo 
others  catcb  tbem  on  the  ground.  One  of  these  bottles  liolds  tbo  contents  of  the 
stomachs  of  eighty-two  young  Sparrows  taken  recently,  aud  this  one  of  fifty-four  old 
Sparrows  obtained  last  April ;  of  more  than  one  bundled  exauiiued  at  dift'ereut  times 
in  that  month,  only  one  contained  au  insect;  that  one,  two  or  tbree.  I  have  not  yet 
found  au  insect  in  a  Sparrow  in  antnmu  or  winter.  Tbey  can  bardly  do  mncli  good 
to  tbe  farmer,  for  they  do  not  frequent  tbe  lields  to  eat  tbo  insects  unless  tbey  aro 
close  to  a  bouse  or  road.  You  cau  see  tbem  destroy  an  aero  of  wheat  sometimes,  but 
I  am  not  aware  of  any  conntorbalaucing  advantage  in  the  ground  close  to  the  roads 
and  tbe  bouses  over  places  half  a  mile  from  a  road  or  bouse  whore  you  never  see  a 
Sparrow  except  about  harvest  time, 

Tbo  food  ditlors  very  much,  according  to  locality  and  according  to  the  opportu- 
nities, A  farmer  sent  mo  a  lot  of  young  Sparrows,  that  I  might  examine  the  con- 
tents of  their  stomachs ;  they  contained  a  good  deal  ot  wheat,  a  good  deal  of  green 
l)oas,  and  a  fair  sprinkling  of  insects.  Only  four  days  later  be  sent  me  another  lot ; 
there  was  still  wheat,  but  no  peas — insects  were  substitntod ;  they  were  caterpillars. 
I  suppose  tbe  green  peas  bad  been  grubbed  up,  and  tbey  bad  to  hunt  the  caterpil- 
lars; but  it  was  not  very  conclusive,  because  the  man  had  two  farms  a  mile  apart. 
He  told  me  that  he  believed  tbey  came  from  both  farms;  but  that  made  it  a  little 
1«ss  pointed  tlian  it  would  have  been.  I  could  not  get  at  it  by  inquiry;  I  did  not 
get  to  see  tbe  boy  who  tool*  tbem,  but  it  looked  as  if  tbey  ate  peas  as  long  as  they 
could  get  them,  and  tbeu  they  got  caterpilliirs.  You  will  find  that  there  aro  more 
caterpillars  at  tbe  top  than  at  the  bottom  of  this  bottle,  bee  luso  tbe  couteuts  of  the 
youngest  birds  are  at  tbe  top, 

I  do  not  know  bow  many  days  after  batching  the  young  begin  to  eat  wheat;  when 
I  was  a  boy  I  might  have  been  able  to  tell  you  bow  many  days  each  srzo  of  callow 
bird  represented.  What  I  call  a  largo  callow  bird  generally  coutains  a  good  deal 
of  wheat,  I  should  say  three  days  old  is  the  date,  but  it  is  a  mere  guess.  As  their 
whole  growth  is  completed  in  a  fortnight,  it  can  not  ttako  many  days.  Tbo  large 
callow  birds  contain  more  food  than  tbe  full-feathered  ones;  the  gizzard  alters 
very  curiously  in  shape  and  size,  aud  as  tbey  grow  to  full  size  it  contracts  again. 
As  to  breeding,  I  cau  uot  tell  exactly,  but  my  recollection  of  tb«  time  when  I  used  to 


TT 


332 


THE   ENGLISH    HPARROW   IN   AMEUICA. 


1  fr\ 


iM.fH 


look  after  nosts  Ih  thai  they  sohloin  lny  boforo  ii!)Oiit  Mio  '-JUd  or  'J.'illi  of  April.  Tiny 
breed  all  throu);li  July  ami  AiiKimt,  but  yon  ilo  not  fitid  iiiiiny  then ;  im  tlii>y  get  out 
onto  tho  wlioat  fieUlH  they  seem  to  leave  off  the  idea  of  breeding ;  there  are  not  niiiiiy 
ncHta  in  AiignHt;  that  in  the  only  chaiico  the  nnirtinH  have,  which  HavcN  thoiii  fnuii 
litter  oxterniinatioii.  Occasionally  they  raise  a  late  brood  in  Soptonibcr,  when  [\u\ 
Sparrows  are  gone  to  ravage  the  wheat  flelde.  The  poor  birds  are  rednced  to  gnat 
straits,  and  they  have  to  wait  nntil  tho  latter  part  of  October,  when  they  are  pinched 
np  with  the  cold,  and  they  go  down  the  chimneys  at  night  for  warmth  ;  but  wlun 
they  are  protected  they  got  their  latest  broods  clear  off  before  tho  end  of  Sei)tenilirr 
generally.  To  tho  best  of  my  recollection  only  two  nests  wore  reared  (on  my  i)Iace)  in 
18(59,  one  close  to  a  door,  and  one  close  to  a  window,  where  tho  Sparrows  dared  not 
come;  all  the  rest  were  taken  by  tho  Sparrows.  As,  to  my  imlignation,  they  Imd 
been  diminishing  in  nnmbers  for  many  J'?ar8,  I  thonght  to  do  something  to  iiroteot 
the  martins.  I  had  boon  away  from  hon>o  for  a  month  in  the  year  1870,  and  I  caino 
homo  towa;:d8  the  end  of  May.  Several  martins'  nests  wore  built  around  the  pi;,'eoii. 
house,  which  is  afavorite  place  of  theirs ;  I  fonnd  that  every  nest  had  been  taken  by  tlio 
Sparrows.  I  set  to  work  with  a  young  friend,  one  or  other  of  us  watching  tho  martins 
nearly  all  day  for  a  fortnight;  wo  killed  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  Sjiarrows  in  Uw 
fortnight  around  tho  martins'  nests,  and  in  spito  of  a  great  deal  of  dillicuity,  we  ^'ot 
seven  nests  to  fly  that  year.  The  next  year  I  had  twenty  nosts ;  last  year  I  had  forty- 
five,  and  this  year  I  have  more  than  fifty,  I  should  think;  I  can  not  tell  exactly  how 
many  there  will  bo,  bnt  I  expect  there  will  be  sixty,  for  I  b(!lieve  there  are  fif>y.(ini! 
now,  and  they  have  not  all  bnilt  yet.  *  *  *  No  bird,  in  my  opinion,  does  as  mueli 
mischief  as  the  Sparrow,  or  requires  so  much  to  be  kept  down,  partly  from  the  natiiro 
of  his  food  and  from  the  manner  of  getting  it.  Tho  Sparrow  is  not  only  the  greatest 
corn-oater,  on  the  whole,  of  any  of  the  small  birds,  at  all  events,  but  ho  is  not  kvpt 
down  by  a  cold  winterso  mnch  ;  he  can  find  his  food  somehow  all  the  year  round.  No 
small  bird  approaches  the  Sparrow  in  destructiveuess;  I  will  not  be  so  dogmatic  iis 
to  say  that  tho  Sparrows  are  of  no  good  at  all,  but  the  balance  is  against  them,  even 
taking  a  comparative  estimate  of  what  they  eat;  and  when  you  .are  certain  that  they 
are  destroying  one  of  our  most  beautiful,  useful,  and  inteicsting  birds,  the  martin, 
tliat  condemns  them.  1  like  the  martin,  and  his  enemies  are  my  enemies.  (June  Vi, 
1873.) 

|Mr.  Champion  Kusscll,  in  paper  liandcd  to  tbo  conmiittcc] 

[Page  172.  ]  Mr.  Hurrell,  farmer,  Boreham,  near  Oinlmsford,  being  qnestioncd 
(July  14,  1873)  about  birds,  says  that  ho  once  measured  an  acre  of  early  wheat  whero 
Sparrows  bad  oaten  it,  and  another  adjoining  acre,  otl..;rwise  of  same  quality.  The 
wheat  was  thrashed  out  separately,  and  the  loss  from  Sparrows  fountl  to  be  two 
quarters  [16  bushels];  value  at  tho  time,  £G.  Does  not  find  the  land  less  valuable 
for  any  crop  where  Sparrows  do  not  frequent.  Says  that  Sparrows  take  a  lew- 
aphides  from  tho  peas,  as  well  as  tho  green  peas  themselves,  but  not  enough  to  do 
perceptible  good  where  they  frequent. 

(I  find  that  they  sometimes  give  a  few  aphides  to  thei(iyoung  ones. — C.  R.) 

Martina"  and  Sj)a)'roirs, 

Tho  decrease  in  tho  number  of  straw-thatched  buildings,  most  likely,  has  some 
effect  in  making  Sparrows  more  hard  on  the  martins;  but  many  of  the  former  take 
the  nests  of  the  latter  in  preference  to  any  other  accommodation.  1  have  found, 
for  instance,  that  they  will  not  use  the  "Sparrow  pots"  if  they  can  get  at  martins' 
nests. 


•  [The  Ei'iopoan  martin,  Hirundo  urbica,  must  not  be  confounded  with  the  Ameri- 
can martin,  Progne  8ubia,  The  former  if,  much  smaller,  in  size  and  nesting  h.abits 
more  nearly  resembling  the  American  cVff  swallow,  Pclrochelidoii  Innifrona. — W-  li.li.] 


KVIUENCE. — FUOM    EUROPEAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


333 


V,  lias  some 


Tliu  tiiiiu  Miiit  SpiirmwH  prol'in-  to  tiiki;  inurtitiM'  iiOHtM  Ih  wliun  Iho  hIikII  Ih  not  i|uitu 
liiiirtliod,  lis  tlu'.v  liku  ii  ratlici'  liugo  liolo  to  curry  in  tlieir  KriiHs  iiml  fcalliurH,  of  whiuh 
I  hoy  ii.se  iiiiicli  iiuiro  than  tlio  uiartinH.  It'  not  iiioU'Htcd,  niurtiiia  uho  tiic  hiiiiiu  iicHt 
il  tlii'y  liivvo  two  or  more  liroods.  If  tlio  MpiurowH  do  not  tiiko  a  nmrtin'H  nent  lieforo 
I  he  yoiin^  oni-s  aro  Iar<;«,  they  do  not  meddlu  witli  it  nntll  tlio  first  lirood  liaH  llown. 
rills,  then,  IS  anoliicr  favoritu  liniu  for  tailing  the  nest.  Tint  ohl  martins  arc  away 
attcndini;  to  their  fresli  Ihiwn  yonnj;  for  u  few  days,  and  there  in  no  attempt  at  op- 
piisition  I  tliinlc  I  conld  lind  within  a  sliort  distance  one  hnndred  lionses  where 
martin^  built  in  naiiiliers  forty  years  ago,  l)ut  where,  owing  to  the  depredutiuiis  uf 
SparrowH  and  stniiid  people,  there  are  none  now. 

While,  of  .Sell)ourni',  wrote  that  "  there  are  fesv  towns  or  hirgo  villages  but  what 
iiliound  with  house  martins."  This  was  the  case  np  to  some  forty  years  ago.  Now, 
in  most  towns  and  villages,  where  there  were  hundreds  of  those  Itirds,  there  are  now 
none,  or  only  a  lew  pairs.  The  jirinoipal  oxccjitions,  in  my  knowledge,  are  in  nH>or 
or  down  fonntry,  where  tlnru  is  little  corn,  and  conseqnontly  but  few  Sparrows. 
.Sometimes,  but  not  often,  the  martiuu  find  a  place  to  build,  which,  for  some  reason, 
tlie  Sparrows  do  not  like. 

If  i)eople  will  neither  protect  the  nnvrtins  from  the  Siiarrows,  nor  let  them  build 
near  their  doors  and  windows  for  protocti(Hi,  wo  shall  lose  these  beautiful  and  most 
usefnl  birds;  indeed,  we  are  losing  them  last.  Unlike  most  other  birds,  they  will 
not  make  tln^ir  ue.sts  far  from  our  dwellings;  if  not  allowed  to  build  there,  they  dis- 
appear. 

Any  law  to  protect  Sparrows,  if  at  all  observed,  would  have  precisely  the  same 
I'll'eet  as  otVering  a  rt!\  ard  for  the  destruction  of  martins. 

As  a  single  instance  among  many  of  the  banishment  of  martins  by  Sparrows,  at  the 
place  where  1  was  bor  i  and  brought  up,  three  miles  off,  there  were  a  great  many  mar- 
tins nests  when  I  was  i:  Ivy.  The  Siiarrows  porsecutod  them  badly  then,  aiid  gradually 
displaced  them,  until,  tor  some  years  past,  I  do  not  think  that  a  brood  has  been  raised 
there.  It  is  a  favoriti  place  for  martins;  some  always  resort  and  feed  there,  thongli 
none  breed  within  <hree<iuartor8  of  a  mile.  They  constantly  try  to  re-establish 
lllems(^lves  there.  This  year  two  nests  werd  begun.  Both  were  taken  by  Sparrows 
lii'fore  they  were  linished.  A  starling  afterwards  turned  the  Sparrow  out  of  one,  and 
eventually  broke  the  uest  down  by  its  weight.  A  starling's  egg  was  found  in  the 
nest  after  it  fell. 

To  recover  from  the  nnirtinsthc  other  uest,  which  was  under  the  eaves  of  thehouse, 
near  a  window,  I  oll'ered  a  servant  half  a  crown  to  shoot  the  Sparrows  and  pull  their 
nest  out.  This  was  done.  The  martinscanieback,  tinished  their  nest,  and  ke))t  posses- 
sion for  some  time.  When  the  young  ones  were  callow,  half  of  the  nest,  with  its  con. 
tents,  was  found  one  day  on  the  ground.  The  Sparrows  no  doubt  caused  this  mischief 
by  trying  to  force  themselves  into  the  very  small  hole  left  by  the  martins  as  is  their 
custom  where  liable  to  the  attacks  of  Sparrows.  The  uest  rested  on  a  bar  of  iron,  and 
was  broken  across  the  middle  ;  a  thing  I  never  knew  to  be  done  by  the  martins  them- 
selves; no  wet  could  get  at  the  uest.  I  have  before  known  a  nest  to  bo  broken  by 
f^liarrows  squeezing  themselves  in ;  in  this  way  they  often  break  down  a  uest  entirely 
iuid  then  go  and  take  another. 

Three  years  ago  a  blacksmith  near  here  saw  two  Sparrows  pull  young  martins  out 
of  a  nest  and  drop  them  alive  on  the  ground.  Ho  got  a  ladder  and  put  the  birds  back 
in  their  uest;  in  ten  niinntes  ho  found  that  the  Sparrows  had  como  back  and  thrown 
down  the  young  martins  again. 

LPago  174]  I  have  destroyed  Siiarrows  as  closely  as  possible  for  tl'.o  last  four  years, 
and  can  not  find  tho  slightest  disadvantage  from  their  absence.  It  may  bo  said  that 
my  ueighbors  supply  me  with  enough  for  useful  jmrposes.  If  so,  this  shows  that  i)I) 
percent,  of  their  usual  uumbors  might  be  destroyed  without  perceptibly  bad  ott'ect, 
so  rarely  is  one  to  be  seen  at  my  place. 


1   ''  * 

^1 

334 


THE    ENGLISH    SPAliUOW    IN    AMERICA. 


[Page  182.  ]    Tlic  House  Sparrow  stands  in  a  chiHs  alone ;  it  can  lianlly  be  conHJdercd 
a  wild  bird  ;  it  isa  parasite,  livinjj'niainly  on  our  produoc.     Its  mode  of  life  is  siiili 
that  it  requires  to  be  kept  down  by  man  far  more  than  any  other  bird. 

Sparrows  should  have  no  protection  by  law ;  th<'y  are  bred  in  great  nuinber,s  in 
towns,  villages,  and  about  almost  every  hrnso  and  cottage.  Living  along  the  ro.tds, 
they  soon  lind  their  way  to  and  swarm  in  'iirni-yards,  however  closely  they  may  have 
been  killed  down  there  in  winter  and  sprang.  Farmers,  therefore,  generally  have  tlu! 
nests  taken,  but  many  escai)e  in  trees.  Were  ibisjjractico  prevented,  poisoning  would 
bo  thought  necessary. 

Much  has  been  written  in  favor  of  the  "  Sparrows  and  other  small  birds."  One  con- 
sequence is,  that  many  peophi  cnconrnge  Sparrows  to  an  extent  detrimental  to  tlicir 
neighbors'  crops  and  to  the  nrartins  ;  another  consequence  is,  that  others,  tinding  tiie 
Sparrows  destructive,  and  taking  it  foi  granted  that  all  small  birds  are  alike,  destroy 
all  they  can.  Then,  Sparrows  being  far  more  wary  and  eunuiiig,  before  they  are 
thinned  to  any  extent  almost  all  the  other  birds  are  destroyed. 

Nearly  all  evidence  in  favor  of  Sparrows  is  founded  on  partial  observation,  or 
is  vitiated  by  the  fact  that  when  they  are  killed  down  the  other  birds  are  extermi- 
nated. The  destruction  of  Sparrows  by  nets,  and  partieul.irly  by  shooting,  isaliiidst 
always  accompanied  by  great  slaughter  of  harmless  and  useful  birds.  Warblers  anil 
other  soft-billed  birds  are  much  more  eft'ective  destroyers  of  caterpillars  and  other 
insects  than  Sparrows. 

One  great  object  of  protection  laws  is  to  educate  people  to  spare  harmless  birds. 
One  of  the  first  i)ractical  stepstoward  this  desirable  end  is  to  teach  peo])le  that,  when 
it  is  necessary  to  thin  tlu;  Sjiarro  ws,  other  birdsneed  not  also  be  destroyed.  The  indis- 
criminate zeal  which  would  protect  all  birds  alike,  defeats  its  own  object  and  spoils 
a  good  cause  by  going  too  far. 

The  moral  etrect  of  any  legal  protection  to  Sparrows,  even  if  not  applied  to  occu- 
piers, would  be  to  keep  up  the  delusion  that  allsnuill  birds  are  alike,  and  thus  tocn- 
coui-agethe  slaughter  of  harmless  and  useful  birds  with  the  Sparrows. 

Whatever  may  be  thought  about  the  utility  of  a  moderate  number  of  Sparrows, 
few  practical  fanners  doubt  that  in  gre.at  numbers  they  are  very  destructive  ;  it  seems 
to  me  that  there  is  no  fear  that  we  shall  ever  have  too  few  of  them  ;  in  spite  of  all 
ertorts  to  destroy  them,  they  seem  almost  everywhere  to  be  greatly  increasing  in  nuni- 
bera. 

[Mr.  Henry  Meyora,  market  gardener.] 

[Page  20.]  I  had  a  Sparrow  club  once  ;  I  thought  they  were  very  injurious  birds; 
we  killed  them  until  scarcely  one  could  bo  found  on  the  ))rcmi8es.  After  the  Spar. 
rows  became  almost  extinct  we  found  blight  of  various  kinds  very  nmch  increase  upon 
us,  and  it  has  done  so  ever  since.  I  am  glad  to  say  Sparrows  are  becoming  more  com- 
mon with  us  now  ;  this  year  our  trees  are  comparatively  free  from  blight.  The  com- 
mittee will  draw  their  own  inference,  but  those  were  the  facts.  We  have  also  siMi'  ui.i 
much  less  from  insects,  especially  this  year.  To  say  the  Sparrows  do  no  damage  would 
be  wrong,  but  there  is  no  doubt  that  they  do  a  larger  proportion  of  good  than  the,  do 
harm.  I  can  not  say  that  I  have  gone  into  details,  and  made  pOHt-morlem  oxauiina- 
tionsof  their  stomachs,  but  there  is  something  interesting  in  one  of  those  bottles  1 
think.  (Bottles  produciHl  by  last  witness.)  Von  will  lind  the  larva  of  one  of  the 
greatest  enemies  we  liavo— the  little  green  caterpillar  that  eats  up  the  gooseberry 
leaves.  We  are  large  growers  of  gooseberries.  The  Sparrows  will  sometimes  have 
their  share,  and  go  and  pick  off  tht^  ends  of  the  blossoms,  but  they  do  that  over  a  very 
small  extent  of  our  plantation  near  the  buildings  and  near  the  hedges.  My  foreman 
at  Red  font  said, '•  Th(3so  Sparrows  iire  stulling  at  the  gooseberries;  what  shall  we 
do  f"  I  saul,  "  L(!t  them  aloim  ;  tlu'.y  will  go  to  another  place  soon."  We  have  now  a 
very  good  crop  of  gooseberries.  I  think  the  amount  of  fruit  which  we  lose  from  the 
birds  is  comparatively  very  small  indeed.  What  1  uu-an  to  be  understood  by  this  is, 
that  for  ten  nn)nth8  these  birds  are  living  very  much  on  what  they  can  get,  such  as 


EVIDENCE. FROM    EUROPEAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


335 


scimIh  of  woods,  sclf-Hct  corn,  iiiul  vermin.  I  have  no  donbt  (altliongli  I  can  not  prove 
it)  that  Uio  j^orin.sofl)li;;;ht  are  consnincd  in  winter  by  small  birds,  and  if  tliey  wore 
iiiore  common,  blight  would  bo  Iohm  common. 
[The  following  points  wore  brought  ont  by  qnestiouing  tbi.s  witness]: 
With  regard  to  the  blight,  it  was  an  increase  of  blight  generally.  I  can  not  say  as 
ii  consecinenco  of  the  destrnction  of  the  Sparrow.s.  I  only  mentioned  that  as  a  coin- 
cidence; the  green  caterpillar  in  the  gooseberries  was  one,  and  the  common  cater- 
pillar in  the  apple  trees.  I  have  had  apple  trees  destroyed  by  them  for  two  years.  I 
have  had  the  green  lly  in  almost  all  kinds  of  plants;  the  only  thing  that  has  not 
siirtered  hiis been  the  raspberries.  *  »  *  I  have  not  seen  Si»arrows  actually  eating 
the  gre<Mi  caterpillars  oft' the  gooseberry  trees.  *  *  *  In  addition  to  the  Sparrows  I 
destroyed  the  ehiillinch  and  any  kind  of  seed-eating  bird,  but  not  blackbirds  and 
thrushes.     (Juno  12,  187:?.) 

[Mr.  Lewis  Fytcho,  magistrate.] 

[Page  25.]  I  have  observed  Sparrows  all  my  life  and  I  will  at  least  say  this,  thai 
if  you  watch  thc>  Sparrow  you  will  s(^e  one  of  the  mo.st  beautiful  sights  lit  creation; 
tiiat  is  to  say,  a  cock  Sparrow,  hawking  at  the  white  initterlly  in  the  sun.  He  goes  at 
it  Just  like  a  hawk  after  a  heron.  lie  kills  ti'usof  thousands  of  the  eggs  which  produce 
the  caijbage  caterpillar ;  so  that  instead  of  taking  the  caterpillar  he  takes  tluMivil  in 
the  egg.  The  white  butterlly  produces  the  cabbage  larva  which  does  so  mneh  harm, 
and  I  think  the  Sparrow  is  most  useful  in  that  point  of  view.     (June  12,  1873.) 

LLonlLiifonl.] 

[Page  28.]  The  Sparrow  is  mischievous  in  every  way,  and  is  very  numerous.  Of 
itiurse  he  does  good  by  destroying  grubs  and  caterpillars;  but  I  think  ho  does  de- 
cidedly more  harm  than  good,     (.fune  It),  1871!.) 

I  I'ror.  Alfiod  Newton,  M.  A.,  F.  11.  S.] 

[Page  ;M.]  The  Sparrow  has  spread  thnjughout  the  world,  accompanying  man  in 
his  migrations;  he  has  taken  him  out  to  the  United  States,  the  Cape  of  (Jood  Hope, 
tiie  Island  of  Mauritius,  Australia,  and  aUnost  every  part  of  the  world.  *  *  *  In 
a  few  years  I  think  some  of  them  will  iind  out  their  mistake.  »  »  *  I  think  cer- 
tainly the  Sparrow  v  ill  establish  himself,  and  perhaps  any  bird  that  establishes  him- 
self must  do  so  more  or  '.ess  at  the  expense  of  some  other  bird.     (June  19,  187;$.) 

1  Mr.  C.  O,  Groomo  Napier,  oruitliologist.] 

[Pago  47.  j  I  think  the  Sparrow  and  wood  pigeon  are  the  most  objectionable  birds 
we  liave,  on  account  of  their  numbers  and  also  because  they  feed  so  much,  generally 
on  green  crops.  I  think  the  Sparrow  does  more  haim  than  good.  The  balanet;  is  de- 
cidedly against  him  ;  I  should  condemn  him.  Ho  does  not  feed  his  young  entirely  on 
insects  even  dtiring  the  tirst  days.  Dr.  Edward  Crisi*  exhibited  before  the  British 
Association  at  Birnnnghatn,  in  181),'),  a  hundred  stomachs  of  y»>nng  Sparrows,  and 
tiiere  was  not  5  per  cent,  that  contained  any  insect  food  ;  I  examined  them  with  a 
lens  myself.  They  wore  the  stomachs  of  nestlings.  The  food  is  almost  .always  a  cou- 
bidorablo  portion  of  grain;  in  the  case  of  young  S[»arrows  it  is  green  corn  gener.ally. 
I  know  from  personal  observation  that  the  Sparrow  takes  the  place  of  other  and  better 
birds;  I  have  observed  that  the  warblers  and  wrens,  and  those  little  birds,  \\n\o  Ix-eu 
imslied  out  of  their  pro])er  position  liy  the  Sparrow.  They  have  been  driven  away 
from  the  locality.  The  Sparrow  supplants  thcni  in  their  nesting  places.  I  have  se(m 
the  Sparrow  often  supplant  both  the  house  martin  and  the  swallow.  I  once  had  a 
j,wallow's  nest  which  was  usurped  after  there  were  eggs  in  it  by  a  Sparrow ;  the  Spar- 
row put  in  some  hay  to  nnike  the  m^st  rather  softer.  I  believe  the  Sparrow  ale  the 
I'Ugs;  they  were  found  broken,  at  all  events,  and  covered  with  hay.    (.June  ID,  l.S7:i.) 


33G 


Tll?]   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


* 


K,1 


^i 


[Mr.  Alfred  Ellis  (living  near  Leicester).] 

[Pagi'  r)2.]  Ill  my  ncigbborliood  tlio  House  Sparrow  is  not  injurious  to  any  considcr- 
ablt!  oxtLMit,  except  just  when  the  corn  begins  to  harden,  or  gets  Bulliciently  formed  to 
enable  hiiu  to  take  it  from  tlic  chalf,  then  he  is  very  destructive ;  during  the  otlier 
part  of  the  year  he  feeds  Largely  on  insects.  The  Sparrows  in  our  neighborhood  rc- 
niaiu  in  tlie  fields  late  in  the  autumn,  much  after  the  gathering  in  of  the  harvest,  luid 
a  long  time  after  there  is  an  ear  of  corn  in  the  fiehls ;  they  feed  then  in  large  Uotks 
entirely  on  seeds,  tlie  seeds  of  weeds.  I  may  state  that  1  have  seen  the  Sparrow  in 
contest  with  the  martin  for  the  martin's  nest.  He  drives  the  martin  from  his  iicst  to 
some  extent,  particularly  toward  the  latter  part  of  the  summer.  I  do  not  recolleet 
an  instance  of  where  a  Sparrow  dispos-sessed  a  martin  during  the  lirst  brood  of  tli'.> 
martin,  but  in  a  large  colony  of  martins  I  think  I  have  seen  as  lunch  as  '25  per  cent, 
of  the  nests  occiii)ied  by  Sparrows  in  the  second  brood  of  the  miirtins,  or  rather  wlnit 
would  have  been  the  second  brood.  I  have  not  observed  that  other  birds  are  driven 
away  by  the  Sparrow. 

[Mr.  Alfred  Ellia.] 

[Page  50.]  The  Sparrow  is  certainly  powerful  enough  to  turn  out  the  martin,  and 
he  does  it.  The  martin  is  one  of  the  most  useful  birds.  The  Sparrow  is  mischievous 
during  the  time  when  the  corn  is  first  hardening;  on  the  lirst  ripening  of  the  corn 
you  will  find  the  Sparrows  constantly  in  the  field  up  to  the  time  of  the  gathering  iu 
of  the  harvest,  perhaps  in  the  midland  counties  from  the  first  week  in  July  to  the 
middle  or  end  of  October.  *  *  *  I  do  not  think  the  Sparrow  does  very  much  hiirin 
iu  the  gardens ;  I  have  seen  destruction  caused  by  it  iu  r.id  sh  beds  and  young  lettuce 
beds.     (JuncyG,  1873.) 

[Ml.  K.  Scot-Skirving,  gentleman  farmer.] 

[PtagoGI}.]  1  would  exempt  the  House  Sparrow  (from  i)rotcction);  nine-tentlis  ot 
the  House  Sparrow's  food  is  insects,  particularly  caterpillars.  As  a  farmer,  I  would 
not  be  frightened  of  the  damage  they  do ;  the  damage  they  do  to  farmers  is  imieh 
more  aiiparent  than  real,  bcscause  they  eat  corn  as  it  ripens  along  tlu;  hedge-side, 
generally  near  the  farmsleading;  they  do  not  scatter  themselves  over  the  fields;  they 
will  utterly  destroy  a  quarter  of  an  acre,  perhaps,  but  they  will  never  touch  anything; 
else.  However,  they  do  terrible  damage  to  gardens ;  they  kill  oft'  the  very  young  ve;;. 
etables  when  they  first  come  up  from  the  ground  ;  they  will  eat  up  a  whole  crop  of  peas 
if  they  arc  allowed.  I  have  watched  them  feeding  their  young,  and  I  have  seen  them 
coming  with  green  caterpillars  from  the  bushes  and  trees  ;  when  they  were  thought 
to  bo  doing  damage  they  were  killing  caterpillars. 


ii  ♦  ' 


[Rov.  J.  Pi'iuberton  Bartlett.    llesidonco  at  Es.bury,  iu  the  New  Forest.) 

[Pago  08.]  The  Sparrow  undoubtedly  does  harm  in  gardens;  he  does  a  certain 
amount  of  harm,  but  if  he  does  harm  for  throe  months  iu  the  year  ho  does  good  for  tlio 
other  nine  months,  which  counterbalances  it.  I  have  oi)ened  the  crops  of  the  young 
and  J  have  watched  the  old  birds  carrying  green  caterpillars  up  to  their  nests.  1  hav(! 
dissected  young  birds  enough  to  get  a  knowledge  of  what  tliey  are  fed  ui)ou.  In  tlio 
breeding  time  they  are  nearly  always  full  of  insects,  caterpillars,  etc.  The  majority 
of  their  food  for  a  certain  time  is  insectivorous.  I  have  sometimes  found  them  with- 
out any  vegetable  food,  and  at  other  times  there  has  been  a  mixture  of  green  food,  but 
the  insect  food  always  preitonderates  decidedly  over  the  vegetable.  With  regard  to 
the  martins,  certainly  ho  does  drive  them  away  ;  I  had  all  my  m.artins  driven  away 
three  years  ago  by  S[)arrows.  I  have  known  the  birds  take  possession  of  all  their 
nests,  and  drive  them  away.  This  year  the  martins  have  como  back  again,  and  the 
Sparrows  have  not  attacked  them  yet.     (.June  'H't,  1873.) 


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nc-toiitliS  lit 


-'■     [Mr.  William  Johnn,  book-seller  (resuloDco  abont  a  mile  from  Torqufly).] 

[Page  73.  ]  On  June  5 1  walked  to  Babbicombe  Hill  to  wait  on  a  lady  ;  I  saw  a  moth 
on  a  flower;  I  went  and  took  the  flower  and  turned  the  head  down,  and  the  moth  flew 
away.  It  was  not  the  one  I  wanted.  It  flew  half  across  the  garden.  A  bird  (Sparrow) 
came  from  the  hedge,  caught  it,  and  took  it  to  its  nest.  I  went  to  the  nest,  and  there 
were  five  of  the  top  wings  of  the  same  moth.  It  was  the  largo  brown  cabbage  moth, 
QUO  of  the  greatest  enemies  of  the  cabbage  plant.     (June  2(5,  1873.) 

[Mr.  Honry  Stevenson,  gentleman.] 

[Page  89.]  I  have  repeatedly  seen  the  Sparrow  taking  possession  of  the  martins' 
nests  on  the  sides  of  my  own  house,  and  I  have  frequently  shot  them  with  a  suiall- 
buUeted  pistol  to  turn  them  out,  I  havo  never  known4hem  to  interfere  with  the 
swallows'  nests,  bi.tthe  Sparrows  are  in  the  habit  of  using  old  martins'  nests  in  the 
winter,  relining  them,  and  I  suppose  they  think  they  have  a  vested  right  in  them 
the  next  spring.     If  the  martins  build  fresh  nests  they  turn  them  out  of  those  also. 

[Page  91.]  I  suppose  I  havo  sometimes  seen  ten  or  twelve  pairs  of  Sparrows  at  ?» 
time  all  collecting  insects  from  the  grass  and  from  the  borders  for  their  young,  which 
are  under  the  tiles  and  other  parts  of  the  houses ;  they  are  doing  an  immense  good  at 
that  time,  but  as  soon  as  those  young  birds  have  flown  and  taken  themselves  to  the 
fields,  then  they  certainly  do  a  great  deal  of  injury  to  the  farmers.  TIio  earlier  broods 
are  not  fed  on  grain.  Later  in  the  season,  when  the  corn  begins  to  be  soft  in  the  ear, 
I  think  the  probability  is  that  the  old  ones  feed  the  young  on  soft,  pulpy  grain.  I 
have  not  dissected  any  Sparrow  nestlings. 

Speaking  only  as  a  gardener,  I  should  not  destroy  the  Sparrow.  I  think  they  do  me 
a  very  great  amount  of  good.     (July  3,  1873.) 

I  Mr.  George  Swaysland,  taxidermist  (residence  at  Brigbton).] 

[Page  104.  j  The  Sparrow  does  a  great  amount  of  good ;  he  never  feeds  his  young  on 
corn  at  all ;  yon  see  him  in  all  the  footpaths  in  the  cornfield ;  he  is  not  in  the  corn  ; 
be  feeds  his  young  on  insects.  I  never  knew  him  to  feed  his  later  brood  on  milky 
grain  ;  I  have  killed  and  examined  thousands  of  them — nestling  Sparrows;  I  have 
jrcuerally  found  grubs  in  their  stomachs,  or  those  little  beetles  that  run  across  the 
footpaths.  As  soon  as  the  old  bird  leaves  the  young  Sparrow  then  he  goes  to  the  corn ; 
but  they  bring  their  young  ones  up  ou  insects  until  they  are  able  to  fly  about  and 
to  look  out  for  themselves.  Those  things  have  been  my  study  all  my  life.  I  know 
whether  birds  increase  or  decrease,  and  what  they  feed  upon  ;  it  has  been  my  hobby ; 
I  liavo  been  more  in  the  fields,  and  I  can  say  it  without  any  boasting,  I  have  lost 
more  time,  .as  some  peo[)lo  would  say,  in  the  fields,  than  any  other  man  in  Great 
Britain.    (July  10,  1873.) 

[Mr.  Jobn  Cordcaux,  gentleman  farmer  (residence  in  North  Lincolnshire).] 

[Page  110.]  My  opinion  is  that  tlie  good  the  Sparrow  docs  far  counterbalances  the 
evil.  The  time  of  year  when  the  Sparrow  conunits  the  most  destruction  is  when  the 
young  milky  grain  is  in  the  plant.  Two  or  three  years  ago  I  opened  the  crops  of 
tiiirty-five  young  Sparrows  of  various  ages,  which  I  took  indiscriminately  from  the 
Hosts  around  my  own  house,  and  on  an  average  I  found  in  their  crops  two  parts  soft 
Stain  and  one  part  insects  ;  so  that  even  at  this  season  they  feed  partly  on  insects. 
Some  of  tiiem  were  only  a  few  hours  out  of  the  shell,  but  others  were  fully  fledged  ; 
they  were  every  size  and  age.  I  never  destroy  Sparrows  except  in  taking  their  nests, 
and  I  do  that  because  I  think  the  Sparrows  increase  enormously,  and  1  think  they 
drive  out  other  birds.  Sparrows  about  a  garden  discourage  the  warblers  and  other 
birds.  I  find  when  there  are  a  great  number  of  Sparrows,  one  species  turns  the  other 
out.  It  is  by  competition  for  food.  •  "  »  I  have  never  seen  a  case  of  actual  per- 
secution, but  being  a  strong  and  pushing  species  the  Sparrow  would  naturally  eat 
the  food  of  weaker  and  loss  combative  birds.     (July  10,  1873.) 

8409— Bull.  1 23 


I'  '" 


it -ft 


■■  -fi 


I  ^ 


338 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN    AMERICA. 
[Mr.  Jobu  Cordcaux  in  paper  banded  in  to  tbo  comniKtec] 


[Page  178.]  House  Sparrow  (Passer  domeativus). — Sparrows  feed  their  youiij,'  in 
April,  May, and  Juue  almost  exclusively  on  insects;  in  July,  insects  and  soft  gruin. 
"The  stomachs  of  thirty-live  youn<?  Sjjarrows,  taken  to-day  from  nests  about  my 
house,  give  the  following  result:  One  part  insects  to  two  parts  soft  grain.  Thoyouiii' 
were  of  all  sizes,  from  r,  day  old  tv  others  snfHciently  Hedged  to  fly  short  distances; 
some  had  the  stomach  lilled  almost  entirely  with  insects,  and  others  wiili  grain  almie; 
generally,  however,  there  was  an  admixture  in  the  above  i)roportious.  The  grain  w  as 
not  can<ined  to  the  oldest  birds,  as  the  stomachs  of  two  baby  Sparrows,  from  apixar- 
ances  hatched  but  a  few  hours,  contained  nothing  but  grain.  One  little  bird  Lml  its 
giz^ard  filled  with  a  largo  moth,  which  unfolded  was  half  the  size  of  its  body.  Wlicrc, 
grain  was  present  there  wdB  also  a  proportionate  supply  of  small  stones  to  assist  di- 
gesUon.  Those  gizzards  containing  the  largest  proportion  of  gr.i.in  had  invariably  the 
most  stones.  The  insect  remains  were  principally  those  of  various  coleoptera  and 
many  small  'saterpillars  and  grubs."  (J.  Cordeaux,  in  "Zoologist'"  for  1870,  p. 2J-'7,) 
The  Sparro.v  also  feeds  on  the  aphides  and  the  weevil  of  the  bean  i)lant;  in  tlic  au- 
tumn and  winter,  on  grains  of  wheat,  oats,  and  barley  ;  also  various  j^iwhIs. 

[Mr.  William  Cratie  AngUH,  picture  dealer  (residence  in  Glasgow,  but  notoa  rotate  to  Aberdeen- 
shire).] 

[Page  117.  ]  Sparrows  by  the  end  of  June  or  beginning  of  July  congregate  into  largo 
flocks,  and  I  have  known  fields  of  barley  and  corn  flattened  by  them,  actually  broken 
down  by  the  weight  of  Sparrows;  they  are  very  destructive  to  nowly-sprouted  pens; 
I  have  known  whole  rows  of  peas  cropped  oil  by  Sparrows.  »  *  *  When  they  have 
bent  down  the  corn  it  has  been  on  the  edge  of  the  field  generally,  not  always.  Tlio 
earliest  part  of  a  lield  is  not  necessarily  the  edge  of  it.  They  generally  go  to  the  ear- 
liest part  of  it,  but,  when  disturbed,  prefer  the  middle  to  the  edge  of  it.  1  liavo 
shot  (firing  both  barrels)  as  many  as  seventy  Sparrows  feeding  in  the  middle  of  a 
field.  Whether  they  feed  in  the  middle  or  on  the  edge  of  the  field  depends,  I  think, 
on  the  ripeness  of  the  crop  and  the  amount  of  annoyance  they  would  be  subjecttd  to 
at  the  edge.  I  think  that  wherever  any  species  becomes  very  numerous,  by  force  of 
numbers  it  dispossesses  other  species.  Where  Sparrows  are  very  numerous  in  gar- 
dens you  will  find  that  other  birds  are  not  so  plentiful.     (July  10,  1873.) 

[Kev.  Jolin  George  Wood,  F.  L.  S.] 

[Fago  131.]  I  have  not  done  very  much  with  the  Sparrow,  but  I  have  seen  him  in 
the  very  early  inorning  doing  nothing  but  eating  insects  or  larvai,  picking  them  out 
of  the  grass,  the  daddy-long-legs  especially,  which  is  one  of  the  most  dangerous  iiisi'ctM 
we  have.  It  never  struck  me  that  the  Sparrow  displaced  other  birds.  I  think  there 
is  no  competition  for  food.    (July  17,  1873.) 

[Mr.  Jamea  Pcrtwee,  geiitletuau  farmer,  residence  in  Etjsex.l 

[Page  149.]  I  can  hardly  describe  the  harm  the  Sparrow  does  nio ;  ho  does  harm  in 
ovary  possible  way.  He  is  utterly  bad ;  he  is  no  good  either ;  he  is  not  to  be  fright Liicd 
at  all.  He  may  do  some  good  for  a  day  or  two  while  the  birds  are  very  small,  but  di- 
rectly ho  can  get  soft  corn  or  seed  ho  will  take  it  to  his  young.  They  are  troublesoiiie 
birds  ill  every  way ;  for  instance,  they  destroy  the  thatch  of  Imildiiigs  at  an  astonisli- 
iug  rate.  They  make  holes  in  the  thatch,  and  they  turn  out  all  the  martins.  I  should 
not  mind  giving  £r»  a  year  to  bo  protected  from  them.  They  turn  martins  out  of  their 
nests;  that  is  a  very  useful  bird  ;  but  they  have  decreased  very  much  through  tlii' 
Sparrows.  I  do  not  think  I  have  known  the  Sparrow  to  persecute  any  other  bird 
besides  the  martin.  This  year,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  I  have  no  martins'  nests,  or  only 
one ;  sometimes  I  have  had  a  number  under  my  caves.  The  Sparrows  would  take 
every  nest  they  could  get  if  I  had  not  looked  after  them  and  kept  them  aw^iy  as  well 


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as  I  conlcl.  TUey  turn  tbeni  out  sonietiiiies  when  tlio  neat  is  half  lornieil,  like  a  cup, 
and  sometimes  when  they  have  had  young  ones  they  have  turned  them  out.  1  have 
ftiUnd  the  younj;  cues  thrown  out  and  lyiuf;  on  the  ground. 

I  may  add  tliat  some  persons'havo  said  that  the  Sparrows  do  good  inasmuch  as 
they  eat  greeu  cateritilhus  oil"  gooseberry  and  currant  trees.  Now,  my  children  told 
me  yesterday  that  the  caterpillars  had  eaten  up  all  tlio  currant  trees.  My  garden 
joins  th(!  farm-yard,  and  there  are  plenty  of  Sparrows  iu  the  garden,  so  I  do  not  seo 
that  they  eat  the  caterpillars  at  all.    (July  17,  18713.) 

[Mr.  Jtinies  Pertwco  in  paper  liamlcd  in  to  tlie  committee.] 

[Pago  n.')."!  House  Sparrows.— It  is  scarcely  possible  to  say  too  much  against  these 
obnoxious  birds ;  they  live  almost  entirely  upon  corn,  and  will  not  take  insects,  grub 
(ir caterpillar,  except  when  their  young  are  very  small;  begin  to  attack  the  corn  before 
any  other  bird,  and  give  their  young  green  peas,  barley,  and  wheat  as  soon  as  the  ker- 
nel is  formed  ;  do  not  even  eat  hwaXs  of  weeds  or  plants,  because  they  are  n6t  found  iu 
the  fields,  except  when  and  after  there  is  corn.  I  would  give  £.')  a  year  to  bo  protected 
entirely  against  them.  At  this  time  my  gooseberry  trees  are  infested  with  caterpil- 
lars, although  the  garden  is  very  near  to  the  farm-yard,  and  a  gentleman  told  mo 
to  AbenU'cu.  ■  on  Tuesday  last  that  his  garden  joined  the  stack-yard,  yet  the  green  caterpillar  was 
stripping  the  leaves  off  his  gooseberry  trees. 

[Mr.  James  Harrison,  pvrdencr  and  bailiff  (residcnco  at  lleathlands,  Hampstcad).] 

[Page  152.]  The  Sparrow  is  a  very  good  insect-catcher  at  certain  seasons,  when  ho 
eats  caterpillars.  The  only  trouble  that  gardeners  have  with  him  is  at  the  time  young 
peas  are  in  season.  Then  he  is  inclined  to  take  too  much,  and  only  then.  I  have  never 
destroyed  a  bird  during  the  twenty  years  that  I  have  had  charge  of  gardens ;  and  I 
would  not  destroy  even  the  Sparrow.     (July  17,  1873.) 

(Mr.  .Tolin  Colam,  socretary  Royiil  Society  for  rrevcntion  of  Cruelty  to  Animals  ] 

[Page  151.]  With  regard  to  the  Sparrow,  I  have  often  scon  him  devouring  largo 
caterpillars,  and  this  very  day  I  have  seen  a  Sparrow  attacking  spiders  in  a  most 
voracious  manner,  and  clearing  them  off  the  copings  of  the  walls  at  Wandsworth. 
(.July  17,  1873.) 

[Mr.  Jesso  Willunl,  savdencr  to  Lady  Burdett-Coutts.J 

[Pago  155.]  I  know  for  a  fact  that  the  common  House  Sparrow  eats  caterpillars,  for 
I  can  give  an  instance  of  that.  Tho  cottage  I  live  in  is  covered  with  ivy,  and  against 
the  bed-room  window  is  a  Sparrow's  nest  with  young  ones  in  it.  I  have  seen  tho  old 
.Sparrows  come  in  the  morning  from  some  pear  trees  opposite,  and  alight  on  the  win- 
ilow-sill  witii  caterpiUars  in  their  mouths.  Yon  could  see  them  quite  plainly.  I  should 
say  iu  passing,  that  instances  have  come  under  my  notice  in  which,  where  the  cater- 
[lillars  have  been  rather  numerous,  they  have  been  passed  almost  unnoticed  by  other 
birds,  and  all  at  once  the  Sparrow  has  made  a  sudden  set  at  them  and  cleared  them 
oil'.  1  recently  had  a  brother  of  mine  come  up  from  tho  country;  ho  lives  in  the 
Weald  of  Kent,  where  they  grow  a  great  many  lilberts  ;  ho  was  not  favoraihle  to  birds, 
on  tho  whole,  but  he  said  this  fact  had  come  under  his  notice:  They  had  some  lil- 
berts on  which  there  was  a  large  amount  of  caterpillars  ;  all  at  once  tho  Sparrows  sot 
at  them  and  cleared  th(!m  ott";  at  the  same  lime,  for  some  rea.sou  or  other,  they  seemed 
to  pass  them  by  for  a  time  quite  regardless,  but  all  at  once  (hey  set  at  thorn.  I  have 
neon  that  apparent  caprice  myself.     (July  17,  1-73.) 

[Mr.  James  Bell,  gardener  to  the  Dako  of  Wcllinston,  Stvatlifieldsayo,  Ilampshiro.] 

[Pago  15G.  ]  I  have  seen  a  wren  carrying  green  caterpillars  oft  tho  fruit  trees  all  day 
lung  to  her  young  ones.  I  b.-ive  seen  a  Sparrow  going  on  just  in  the  same  way  as  the 
'.vreu,  only  tho  Sparrow's  family  is  not  so  numerous  as  the  wren's.    Tho  only  thing 


■SI 


•'     ■' 


340 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARKOW   IN    AxMEllICA. 


R!  iff 


which  I  know  agiiinst  tho  Sparrow  is  that  after  the  peas  coiiio  iu  jiiat  about  this  Hoa- 
8on,  thoy  aro  very  destructive  to  tho  green  peas ;  they  peck  the  pods,  and  destroy  tbo 
peas.  »  •  •  But  notwithstanding  tlie  destruction  of  a  few  peas,  I  think  (he  Spar- 
rows aro  of  very  great  advantage  to  gardeners.     (July  17,  1873.) 

[Kev.  Francis  O.  Morris.] 

[Page  164.]  This  is  the  twentieth  yearl  have  been  rector  of  Nunbnruhol me,  and  in 
the  whole  of  that  time  I  have  never  but  twice,  at  intervals,  known  the  Sparrows  do 
mo  any  harm  that  I  should  not  feel  ashamed  to  complain  of.  Thoy  used  to  breed  in 
great  numbers  in  our  dilapidated  old  church ;  and  those  two  years  did  certainly  take 
tho  peas  in  my  top  garden  in  a  way  I  did  not  approve  of.  But  they  never  did  so  beforo 
or  since  to  any  extent  worth  speaking  of,  and  I  always  say,  "Live,  and  let  live." 
They  do  sometimes  pick  up  garden  seeds,  when  sown  close  to  the  surface,  but  I  be- 
lieve are  much  oftener  blamed  than  they  deserve,  for  what  the  mice  have  done.  The 
rows  of  peas  in  the  garden  ^  *  *  are  this  year  almost  as  perfect  and  full  as  it  is 
possible  to  be,  though  it  is  on  that  side  that  the  church  tower  still  affords  a  homo  to 
some  of  those  birds,  as  do  also  some  large  ivy-covered  birch  trees,  while  iu  the  other 
garden,  out  of  their  way,  there  are  some  gaps,  but  not  much  to  speak  of  even  there, 
from  whatever  cause. 

It  is  really  the  fact  that  I  very  seldom  see  the  Sparrows  eating  anything,  and  I 
often  have  wondered  what  they  get  to  keep  themselves  iu  such  good  condition.  I 
hardly  ever  go  on  the  road,  all  the  year  round,  but  I  see  many  in  the  middle  of  it, 
here  or  there;  and  when  they  are  down  in  the  garden,  they  are  generally  on  beds 
whore  there  is  nothing  but  grains  of  earth  or  sand  to  pick  up.  This  year  they  have 
picked  off  the  young  leaves  of  the  beet-root  in  one  of  our  gardens,  but  I  hope  tho 
plants  will  be  none  the  worse  for  it  in  the  end.  In  the  other  gardens  they  have  not 
touched  them  at  all. 

With  regard  to  the  Sparrow  being  tho  cause  of  the  diminution  in  the  numbers  of 
martins,  I  have  to  remark  that  the  two  species  have  gone  on  together,  ^jartj^rtssi/,  iu 
all  time  past.  If,  then,  the  latter  have  been,  within  tho  last  few  years,  as  is  sng- 
gested,  expelled  by  tho  former,  how  is  it  that  the  like  was  not  done  before  ?  How 
came  the  martins  to  hold  their  own  in  such  numbers  till  then  ? 

This  house  and  the  old  church  near  it  used  to  be  lined  with  martins'  nests  years 
ago.  Since  then,  we  have  had  none  till  this  year,  when  first  one  pair  buiit,  another 
began,  but  left  off;  yet  some  half-dozen  pairs  aro  careering  morning  after  morning  iu 
front  of  my  study-window,  but  nothing  has  come  of  it  so  far.  (Since  I  wrote  this 
several  other  nests  have  been  built,  and  one  begun.) 

Wo  used  to  have,  too,  contemporaneously  with  them,  a  cloud  of  Sparrows  in  the 
old  church  roof  and  tower;  and  no  doubt  they  sometimes  expelled  the  martins  Ironi 
their  nests.  But  these  were  only  the  exceptions,  and  the  maiu  body  iield  their  own 
against  all  comers.  Even  those  which  aro  now  and  then  dislodged,  build  over  and 
over  again;  the  cause,  in  such  cases,  of  their  being  late,  or  over  late  at  the  time  of 
migration. 

This  year,  as  I  said,  three  or  four  pair  only  are  building  here,  while  of  some  which 
are  building  again  in  the  village,  most,  or  nearly  all,  are  domiciling  without  molesta- 
tion under  the  eaves  of  a  farm-house  adjoining  a  fold-yard,  the  very  home  of  the  Spar- 
rows, and  at  some  cottages  immediately  opposite  to  tho  adjoining  stack-yard. 

[Mr.  Kobert  Gray,  ornithologist,  and  lato  secretary  Natural  History  Society  of  Glasgow.! 

[Page  176.]  The  Sparrow  is  very  destructive  to  grain  and  is  able  to  jirotect  itself. 
It  may,  >.horcfore,  with  advantage,  be  excluded  from  protection. 

[Mr.J.E.  Uarting.]  ■      • 

[Page  186.  ]  The  Sparrow,  although  a  consumer  of  grain,  feeds  itself  and  young  on 
insects  frr  many  weeks  at  a  time  when  Insects  are  most  injurious. 

It  therefore  deserves  protection  during  tho  nesting  Reason,  or  from  April  1  to  Au- 
gust 1. 


EVIDKNCE. — FROM    EUROPEAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


341 


[from   "TIIK   HOUSK  SPAHIIOW"  (I-AUT  1),   HY  .1.   II.   (llltNKV,  JR.,  1885.] 

The  varioua  ways  in  which  Sparrows  do  liarni  to  crops  aro  woU  known  to  agricult- 
urists; but  perhaps  hy  no  one  lias  the  slm^ nonce  of  thoir  procuodings  in  tho  hold  been 
better  pnt  thau  by  the  Rev,  C.  A.  Jolins  (Brit.  Birds,  p.  20iJ).  Soiuetiinos  they  inalvo 
(Icsccnts  on  the  standing  corn  before  the  grain  has  attaiiKMl  full  size,  and  near  the 
lii'dgca  the  busy  pilferers  aro  at  work,  and  lly  np  in  a  swarm  as  yon  approach  theiu, 
Jjiit  when  it  is  <inite  ripo  tliey  do  the  greatest  liann.  It  is  not  only  what  they  cat, 
liiit  what  they  knock  out. 

A  gentleman  who  is  a  practical  farmer  in  North  Liucohishiro — Mr.  J.  Cordeaux — 
tulls  me  he  has  seen  acres  which  had  the  appearance  of  being  thraslica  with  a  fhiii. 
Taking  this  into  consideration,  the  opinion  of  the  Melbourne  (Derbyshire)  Sparrow 
Club— that  Sparrows  destroy  a  (juart  of  corn  apiece  during  the  summer  {tude  Zoolo- 
gist, p.  2299)— is  probably  true.  If  thirty  graitis  a  d.iy  is  a  Sparrow's  ordinary  meal 
during  Juno,  July,  and  August  (an<l  I  do  not  think  tliis  is  far  from  the  mark,  having 
repeatedly  found  twenty  and  twouty-flvo  whole  grains,  and  once,  in  November,  forty, 
ill  a  Sparrow's  crop),  it  would  have  oaten,  during  those  three  months,  two  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  sixty  grains,  which  is  nearly  a  third  of  a  pint;  or  if,  take  the 
whole  year  round,  each  Sparrow  eats,  on  an  average,  fifteen  grains  a  t'>.  y,  then  each 
Sp.irrow  eats  in  a  year  live  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-five  grains.  Tiiis  is 
none  too  high  an  estimate,  for  the  quantity  which  Sparrows  oat  at  stacks  in  wiiiter- 
tiine  equals  what  they  take  xrom  the  fields  in  the  summer.  During  the  operations 
of  harvest,  I  understand  they  may  often  be  seen  sticking  to  the  gradually  lessening 
square  of  corn  until  all  the  field  is  cut.  They  then  transfer  their  attention  to  the 
slieaves,  and  also  divide  with  the  gleaners  what  is  left  on  the  stubble.  Finally,  when 
the  farmer  has  sold  his  iiroduco,  Sparrows  take  a  very  largo  toll  out  of  any  portion  of 
it  which  a  purchaser  may  give  to  his  poultry,  as  every  breeder  of  chickens  and  tur- 
keys knows  very  well.  At  the  end  of  September  a  marked  decrease  it;  to  bo  seen  in 
their  numbers,  but  whether  this  is  caused  by  real  emigration  or  by  local  movements 
is  not  clear.  It  has  often  been  said  that  Sparrows  come  to  us  over  the  North  Sea  in 
the  autumn;  but  among  the  numerous  "wings"  I  have  had  from  light-houses  and 
light-vessels  I  have  never  received  this  species.  * 

In  October  Sparrows  pack  into  flocks  of  from  two  hundred  to  three  hundred  and 
leave  the  homesteads.  That  month  is  mostly  spent  in  the  fields,  and  so  is  November; 
and  here  they  find  plenty  of  occupation,  sometimes  hunting  on  their  own  account, 
soiiietimes  with  other  small  birds.  With  the  first  fall  of  snow  away  they  go  to  the 
stacks,  on  the  sides  of  which  they  may  be  seen  clustering;  or,  if  it  is  not  too  deep, 
searching  on  the  ground  for  grain  which  has  been  shaken  out,  with  chaninches  and 
yellowhainmers.  At  all  times  stacks  ans  a  great  attraction.  It  is  said  that  prefer- 
ence is  given  to  a  wheat  stack ;  but  Sparrows  iire  not  particular  so  long  as  they  can 
get  grain.  Needless  to  say,  that  threshing  is  a  matter  of  the  highest  interest  to 
Sparrows.! 

Februarv  and  March  are  spent  almost  entiiely  in  the  vicinity  of  houses  and  farm- 
yards, or  any  place  where  corn  is  to  bo  found,  unless,  as  previously  mentioned,  they 
•are  attracted  to  a  distance  by  the  operation  of  threshing.  I  agree  in  thinking  that 
at  this  period  the  opinion  of  Colonel  Russell,  who  continues  the  discussion  after  me, 
tliat  corn  forms  90  jier  cent,  of  their  food  is  true.  At  the  end  of  March  fields  are  sown, 
iiiid  Sparrows  show  not  infrequently,  by  thoir  presence,  that  they  wish  to  levy  the 
usual  tribute ;  but  it  is  certain  tluit  where  a  drill  is  used  the  grain  is  deposited  too 
deeply  in  the  soil  for  any  small  birds  to  reach  it,  except  skylarks,  which  aro  said  to 
dig  it  up  sometimes  ;  but  Sparrows  get  the  drilled  barley  and  oats  when  they  begin 
to  sprout. 

*  But  the  nearly  allied  tree-sparrow  {Passer  mantatms)  is  a  well-known  migrant. 

t  Mr.  B.  B.  Sapwell  remarks  that  when  a  stack  has  been  threshed  over  so  far  away 
from  the  yard,  the  Sparrows  in  the  yard  have  always  bad  their  crops  full  of  the 
grain  {in  litt.). 


'l^. 


,1, 


342 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


In  addition  to  tlio  roiiiaiks  already  mado  on  this  lutiiit— tlio  (lainafjo  doiui  to  corn 
by  Sparrows— it  would  bo  easy  to  cito  uiany  instances  of  great  and  niinsnal  li.'iiiii 
caused  to  tenant  faruior"  by  Sparrows,  but  they  arc  too  vagno  lor  the  purjiose;  in- 
deed, in  such  a  matter  i^  is  exceedingly  dillicult  to  bo  precise.  In  some  instances,  and 
especially  near  towns,  extraordinary  estimates  have  been  formed  of  the  daniago  by 
the  most  com))otent  valuers,  but  as  these  valners  were  not  oruitholofrists,  it  is  not 
clear  that  some  of  the  damage  was  not  done  by  grecnlinchcs  and  challinchcs.  I  li,i\ c 
seen  large  Hocks  in  the  fields  in  Novcniber,  which  I  at  tirst  thought  were  Sparrowsf 
but  which  proved  ou  closer  inspection  to  bo  cMirely  composed  of  the  species  jii.st 
named. 

The  following  true  story  was  related  to  mo  by  Colonel  Russell :  A  farmer  at  IJoro- 
liani,  near  Chelmsford,  aamcd  Ilurrell,  had  an* early  field  of  wheat  not  far  from  tlie 
village.  The  Sparrows  attacked  it  in  tho  corner  nearest  the  village  and  devnnrod  a 
great  deal  there.  The  crop  was  uniform,  exc(!pt  from  what  tho  Sparrows  did.  IIui- 
rell  measured  an  aero  where  the  Sparrows  had  been  at  work,  and  an  adjoining  acre 
which  they  had  not  meddled  with,  and  thrashed  tho  corn  on  each  of  the  acres  seini- 
rately,  looking  after  llie  thrashing  himself.  Ho  found  tho  delicienoy  ( j  bo  two  qnar- 
tors  (IG  oushols) ;  value  at  the  tirao,  £6. 

The  Food  of  young  Sparvotm. 

The  Sparrow  lays  fiveor  six  gr.ayish-whito  eggs,  Hi)otted  with  brown  and  ash  color, 
and  has  frequently  three  broods  in  tho  year,  the  first  being  hatched  towanls  the  end 
of  May.  Young  Sparrows  in  tho  nest  are  generally  fed  on  caterpillars  and  other  in- 
sects,* partieularly  in  August,  yet  a  good  many  may  be  opened  in  June  and  July 
without  finding  any  in  them.  Tho  parent  Sparrows  %vill  begin  to  feed  them  on  cal(!r- 
pillars  when  but  a  day  old,  but  they  seem  to  discontinue  tho  diet  a  little  time  before 
they  leave  the  nest,  though,  ou  tho  other  hand,  some  young  Sparrows  which  were 
quite  ready  to  leave  tho  nest,  examined  in  Norfolk,  did  contain  a  few  small  caterj)!!- 
lars.  But  of  this  I  am  sure  that  while  verj  young  their  diet  is  quite  as  much  unripe 
corn  and  vegetable  matter  as  caterpi liars. t  Even  at  the  ago  of  one  day  a  Sparrow 
will  feed  its  young  one  ou  a  grain  of  ripe  corn.  Saj'  that  a  young  Sparrow  eats  four- 
teen or  fifteen  young  caterpillars  a  day,  that  is  probably  as  good  a  guess  as  we  cau 
make.  If  this  only  went  on  for  ten  days  the  sum  total  destroyed  would  bo  very  vast, 
and  some  of  the  caterpillars  of  very  injurious  kinds,  such  as  Caradrina  cuhicu'lam, 
the  pale  mottled  willow  moth  of  Curtis  (Farm  Insects,  p.  308),  identified  for  mo  by 
Mr.  C.  G.  Barrett  and  the  Rev.  J.  Ilellins.t 

"An  instance  of  young  Sparrows  being  fed  on  water-beetles  occurred  at  the  be- 
ginning of  August,  1S84.  My  father  ordered  a  pond  to  bo  cleaned  out,  at  tho  bottom 
of  which  were  a  great  many  small  water-beetles  i  these,  the  gardener  tells  me,  were 
eagerly  collected  by  Sparrows,  ten  or  twelve  at  a  time,  carrying  mouthsful  of  thoui, 
away  to  feed  their  young  with  in  the  adjoining  nests. 

t  Colonel  Russell  says  he  has  known  young  Sparrows  to  bo  fed  with  ripo  wheat, 
which  he  was  able  to  prove  tho  old  birds  had  to  go  half  a  mile  for.— Field,  June  22, 
1878. 

X  Several  continental  naturalists  include  tho  cockchafer  in  tho  Sparrow's  food  ;  but 
I  think  that  most  likely  the  chovy  {PhyUoperll>a)\s  intended  as  well.  Professor  New- 
ton (Yarrell,  liritish  Birds,  Part  X,  p.  92)  and  Mr.  H.  Stevenson  (Biidn  of  Norfolk,  I,  p. 
211)  tell  us  that  the  Sparrow  eats  "  chovies,"  P.  horticola,  and  the  former  says  he  li.is 
seen  their  mouths  literally  crammed  with  them ;  and  Mr.  John  Curtis  says  that  he  has 
known  of  Sparrows  gorging  themselves  to  such  an  extent  with,  '"chovies"  as  to  be 
unable  to  fly  {Farm  Insects,  pp.  220,  510).  Professor  Newton  aays  it  begins  to  come 
out  of  the  ground  towards  the  end  of  May,  and  tho  jierfect  insect  carries  ou  its  rav- 
ages until  July  (Professor  Newton,  in  lilt.). 


EVIDENCE. FROM    EUROPEAN    PUBIJCATIONS. 


343 


If  onc-fonrtli  of  tlKsyoiiiig  Spiirrr)\v.s  liatehcd  in  Eii<.(liiii(l  aro  ftul  for  ten  iliiys  ou 
fcui'teen  ciiterpillaiN  apiece,  it  is  easy  to  make  a  caleiilation  of  liow  many  tbcy  would 
tat  in  a  large  ugricultural  county  like  Norfolk.  Norfolk  contains  eight  hnuilretl 
parisheH ;  say  that  eight  luniilred  yotmg  Sparrows  are  annually  hatched  in  each  par- 
ish, that  gives  us  a  total  of  six  hundred  and  forty  thousand  Sparrows.  If  oue-fourtU 
of  them  are  fed  on  caterpillars,  we  should  have  twenty-two  million  four  buudrod 
thousand  of  these  destructive  creaturcis  eaten  in  this  one  county  ulouo,  every  year, 
liy  Sparrows.  So  that  there  is  a  very  nice  balance  to  adjust  in  a  uiattor  which  the 
most  expert  observer  might  find  diflicnlt.  On  the  one  hand  tlio  young  Sparrows  are  fed 
on  a  great  ui.iny  caterpillars;  on  the  other  hand  they  are  fed  with  grain,  but  this 
is  mixed  with  weeds  and  other  vegetable  matter.  Again,  there  is  a  side  light  in  which 
to  look  at  the  (piestion.  If  the  Spari"ows  were  dead,  how  many  of  these  eiiterpillars 
would  lit-  i;ateu  by  other  small  birds  ?  We  may  be  (piite  sure  that  a  considerable 
portion  of  them  would  not  bo  eaten,  unless  cbattinches  and  greentincbes  become  more 
numerous  than  they  are  now  :  and  if  this  was  so,  would  not  they  speedily  become  much 
more  addicted  to  corn  ?    I  think  there  is  imt  a  doubt  about  it. 


;-;|:^ii 


s  mo,  were 


Sjtairowa  keep  tlotvn   Weeds. 

Sparrows  do  much  good  to  the  farmer,  iu  conjunction  with  many  other  little  birds, 
liy  consuming  vast  numbers  of  the  seeds  of  weeds.  I  think  not  nearly  enough  has 
IxHMi  made  of  this  by  their  friends  and  supporters.  The  following  is  a  list  of  those 
which  have  been  actually  identified,  with  my  authority  for  each  : 

Wild  spinach  {ChenopoiVium  honiis-heiiricus),  Mr.  A.  Willis.' 

Knot  grass  (I'oli/gonumdvicnlarv),  "Slv.  V.  A,  Lees.* 

J$]ack  or  corn  bindweed  (P.  eourolruhn'),  Mr.  F.  A.  Lees. 

Dandelion  {Taraxacum  officiDah). 

Goosefoot  (Chenopodiiim  alhiim),  Mr.  F.  A.  Lees. 

Field  mustard  (Siiiapis  arvcimia),  Professor  Macgillivriiy.t 

Chickweed  (SicUaria  media),  Colonel  Russell.* 

Mouse  ear  (Ceraatium  (riviale),  Pi'ofessor  Maegillivray. 

Wild  radish  {Ritplianus  rophanhtnim),  Professor  Maegillivray. 

Dock  (Utimejr  eritptis),  Mr.  F.  A.  Lees. 

Pale-flowered  persiearia  {Polygonum  htpatUifolinm),  Mr.  F.  A.  Lees. 

Buttercup,  Mr.  II.  N.  Slater. 

These  seeds  will  spread  from  a  hedge,  the  .sides  of  which  are  not  brushed  with  a 
reaping-hook  in  the  summer,  and  make  a  held  very  foul;  so  that  every  one  must  ad- 
mit that  Sparrows  and  small  birds  generally  do  some  amount  of  good  by  keeping 
them  down.  A  reUiarkable  instance  was  mentioned  some  years  ago  in  the  Times,  of 
a  field  sown  with  grass  and  clover  seeds,  over  wliicli  a  luxuriant  growth  of  knot  grass 
(/'.  aricnlare)  spread.  The  farmer  thought  that  his  crop  was  ruined,  but  in  Sei)tera- 
lier  such  swarms  of  Sparrows  as  he  had  never  seen  before  visited  the  field  and  fed  on 
the  small  shining  seeds  of  the  knot  grass.  I  regret  that  I  have  neitlier  got  the  date  of 
the  letter,  nor  the  name  of  the  writer,  the  communication,  according  to  a,  bad  prac- 
tice prevalent  among  o))servers,  being  anonymous. 

A  Sparrow's  crop  will  contain  a  great  many  small  seeds.  Dr.  Schleh  found  three 
linudred  and  twenty-one  whole  seeds  of  chickweed  iu  the  crop  of  one  Sparrow  iu 
(iermany  !  In  one  shot  at  Northrepps,  in  Norfolk,  one  hundred  and  forty-seven  wera 
actually  counted,  and  many  more  were  ground  up  into  pulp  in  the  gizzard.  Diges- 
tion is  rapid,  and  at  this  rate  a  vast  number  would  bo  consumed  in  a  very  short 
time. 

It  need  hardly  be  said  that  tho  present  contribution,  including  the  table  which 
follows,  does  not  exhaust  tho  Sparrow  controversy.  It  leaves  many  interesting 
points  almost  untouched. 


In  Utt. 


i  "British  Birds,"  i,  p.  344. 


■Pa 

'  TSUI 
til 


^1  H':f 


ii; 


llffijj  «*:) 


rr 


f ' 


!! 


344 


THE   ENGLISH    8PAUR0W    IN   AMERICA. 


The  Food  of  Sjyarioua  duriny  each  Month  of  the  Tear. 


Six  hundred  and  ninety-four  dissections  liave  boon  made  in  tho  preparation  of  tbo 
following  table,  by  various  hands,  in  various  places.  They  have  been  made  at  nciuly 
regular  intervals— certainly  during  every  month  of  tho  year,  and  I  may  almost  ,s;iy 
during  every  week.  It  is  therefore  hoped  they  will  give  a  reliable  idea  of  what  tlu^ 
cHstomary  food  of  Sparrows  is  and  what  their  occasional  food.  I  confess  this  hitter 
phrase  is  somewhat  vague,  but  have  felt  tho  necessity  of  employing  it  in  default  of  a 
better.     The  column  under  this  beading  might  no  doubt  be  further  extended. 

Maize  has  only  been  entered  under  two  months ;  but  where  Sparrows  have  an  oppdi-- 
tunity  of  obtaining  it,  maize  would  bo  found  in  their  crops  at  any  time  of  the  year. 
They  will  also  eat  broad,  potatoes,  rice,  pastry,  raisins,  currants,  etc.,  but  as  tlicsn 
things  have  no  bearing  on  the  amount  of  harm  which  Sparrows  do  to  agricultnrt'," 
thoy  are  not  included  in  the  table.  Credit  must  bo  given  to  them  as  scavengers  in  a 
small  way  in  our  crowded  cities,  whore  they  consume  matter  such  as  I  have  named, 
which  if  left  would  decay  and  bo  injurious  to  health. 

Among  those  who  have  assisted  in  the  inquiry  my  thanks  are  especially  due  to  my 
father,  Mr.  A.  Willis,  Mr.  B.  B.  Sapwell,  Mr.  G.  Roberts,  Mr.  F.  Norgate,  Mr.  C.  L.  Ihix- 
ton,  Mr.  T.  Southwell,  Mr.  T.  E.  Gnnn.Mr.  F.  A.  Leos,  Mr.  C.  G.  Barrett,  Mr.  H.  H. 
Slater,  and  Colonel  Russell.  I  have  further  availed  myself  of  sundry  notes  published 
in  the  Zoologist,  by  Messrs.  Hepburn,  Hawley,  and  Wilson;  and  some  material  \\a,» 
been  gathered  from  other  scattered  sources,  which  I  have  particularized  in  the  table. 

Food  of  adult  Sparroivs. 

January. — Customary  food:  Corn  from  stacks  and  from  poultry  yards ;  seeds  of  all 
kinds.  Occasional  food  :  Refuse  corn,  such  as  is  scattered  in  roads  and  would  never 
be  of  use ;  maize.    Capsules  of  moss  (H.  H.  Slater). 

February. — Customary  food :  Corn  from  stacks  and  poultry  yards.  Occasional  food  : 
Seeds;  buds  of  gooseberries  (G.  Roberts). 

March. — Customary  food:  Corn  wherever  they  can  got  it.  Occasional  food :  Young 
tops  of  peas,  radish,  cabbage,  and  cauliflower;  seeds  (Wilson) ;  freshly-sown  barley 
and  oats. 

J]}ril. — Customary  food :  Corn  ;  vegetable  matter.  Occasional  food :  Froshly-sown 
barley  and  oats ;  oblong  green  seeds,  not  identified ;  caterpillars. 

May. — Customary  food:  Corn;  vegetable  matter;  seeds.  Occasional  food  :  Young 
pea-pods  and  leaves  of  peas ;  gooseberry  blossoms  and  young  gooseberries ;  small 
beetles;  caterpillars  of  tho  brimstone  moth,  and  white-cabbage  butterflies  (J.  Haw- 
ley);  turnip  seed  (A.  Hepburn  and  R.Lowe);  hay  seed  (C.  L.  Buxton);  sprouts  of 
young  barley,  half  an  inch  long;  pollen  of  the  sycamore  tree  and  applet ;  mangel- 
■wnrzel  leaves  (B.  B.  Sapwell). 

June. — Customary  food :  Corn  ;  vegetable  matter  ;  peas ;  seeds  of  various  sorts. 
Occasional  food:  Gooseberries  and  other  fruits ;  lettuce  (A.Willis);  small  beetles; 
mangel-wurzel  leaves  {  (B.  B.  Sapwell). 

JmJi/.— Customary  food :  Young  wheat,  barley,  and  oats  ;  vegetable  matter  ;  seeds 
of  various  weeds.  Occasional  food :  Peas;  small  beetles  ;  beans  (A.  Willis) ;  seeds  of 
wild  spinach  (A.  Willis). 

I  *  If  tho  pigs  have  barley  meal  they  rob  them  of  some  of  it,  as  well  as  any  other  food 
■which  is  given  to  them. 

t  It  seems  that  the  actual  blossom  is  not  eaten,  but  rather  that  a  portion  of  it  is 
masticated  for  the  drop  of  nectar  at  tho  base  of  tho  petals.  Jfor  tho  same  reason  the 
crocus  and  other  garden  flowers  are  destroyed.  The  blossoms  of  frnit  trees  seem  to 
be  attacked  for  the  pollen. 

t  Mr.  R.  Lowe  has  ohsorved  them  feeding  on  tho  young  unopened  bads  of  Swede 
turnips  just  bursting  into  flower  for  seed.— (Report  on  Observations  on  Injurious 
Insects,  1863.) 


EVIDENCE — FROM    EUROrEAN    PUBLICATIONS.  345 

Ju</M8<.— Cimtoinury  food:  Wliont,  barley,  outs.  Occftsioniil  food:  8ec(ln  of  corn, 
l)iii(l-\veea,  knot-f;ni8.s,  etc.  (sco  li.st,  page  ;»4:!) ;  aphides,  miiall  beetles,  diiddy-loiiK-legs 
(Tipulii),  eiiterpillaisof  Term  contaminana,  moihoi  Crambun  cnlmdlus'  (E.  l\  lleeher 
and  F.  NorKatt^- 

AV^^toukr.— Customary  food  :  Corn  ;  seeds  of  many  kinds,  especially  the  knot-grass 
and  corn  bind-woed.  Occasional  food :  Caterj)illars;  berries;  seeds  of  plantain  (T. 
Soutbwoll). 

Oc/o6er.— Customary  food :  Grain,  some  of  it  rofiiso  grain  ;  seeds  of  many  kinds,  in- 
cluding knot-grass. 

JVbuemficr.— Customary  food  :  Grain  ;  seeds  of  plants.  Occasional  food  :  Newly-sown 
seeds  of  wheat ;  small  cat(upilhirs. 

/Mcmfccr.— Customary  food:  (train,  principally  obtained  from  stacks.  Occasional 
food:  SeedH;  maize;  sprouting  bean  (11.  II.  Slater). 

Food  of  youiiy  Sparroiva  to  the  Time  of  tearing  the  Xeat, 

J/fly.— Customary  food:  Grains  of  last  year's  corn;  small  beetles;  caterpillars. 
Occasional  food:  Buds  (F.  Norgate);  red  spider  (J.  II.  G.);  hair-worms  (J.  H.  G.); 
small  Hies  (J.  II.  G.). 

June. — Customary  food  :  Caterpillars  of  various  kinds  up  to  tlirce-qnarters  of  an 
inch  in  length;  young  wheat.  Occasional  food:  Beetles;  large,  brown  cabbage- 
moth  (W.  Johns) ;  wire  worms. 

J«/i/.— Customary  food:  Cater])il]ars;  beetles;  soft,  milky  grains  of  wheat  and 
barley.    Occasional  food:  Blue-bottle  llies(.J.  Dnfl). 

Auijnat. — Cn.stomary  food:   Caterpillars;    beetles;   young  corn.  Occasional  food: 

Small  chrysalides. 

Summarij. 

To  give  a  summary  of  this  table  in  a  few  words,  it  may  bo  said  that  about  seventy- 
five  per  cent,  of  an  adult  Si)arrow's  food  during  its  life  is  corn  of  some  kind.  The 
remaining  twenty-iivo  per  cent,  may  bo  roughly  divided  ns  follows: 

Per  cent. 

Seeds  of  weeds 10 

Green  peas 4 

Beetles 3 

Caterpillars 2 

Insects  which  lly 1 

Other  things 5 

In  yonng  Sparrows  not  more  than  forty  per  cent,  is  corn,  while  abont  forty  per  cent, 
consists  of  caterpillars,  and  ten  per  cent,  of  small  beetles.  This  is  up  to  the  age  of 
sixteen  days.  Where  green  peas  abound,  as  in  market  gardens,  they  form  a  mnch 
larger  proportion  of  the  Sparrow's  food  than  the  four  per  cent,  here  stated. 

Sparrows  generally  contain  in  their  gizzards  a  considerable  quantity  of  small  stones, 
gravel,  sand,  brick,  coal,  etc.,  but  these  are  only  intended  to  grind  the  real  food.  In 
default  of  these  substances  they  will  swallow  small  mollusks,  fragments  of  egg-shell, 
fragments  of  snail  shells,  etc. 

Sparrows  should  be  kiKed  for  dissection  in  the  afternoon.  In  adult  Sparrows  the 
crop  will  generally  give  \  far  better  idea  of  their  day's  meal  than  the  gizzard,  in 
which  the  food  is  so  comminuted  as  to  bo  with  ditticulty  identirted.  If  the  Sparrows 
are  caught  at  night  they  have  digested  their  food  in  a  great  measure,  and  yield  mnch 
less  satisfactory  results ;  the  crops  at  th.at  time  are  always  empty. 

*  I  have  notes  of  Sparrows  occasionally  feeding  on  the  yellow  underwiug,  ermine 
moth,  and  a  few  other  insects  in  the  perfect  state,  but  the  date  at  which  the  observa- 
tion was  made  not  having  been  taken  down,  it  can  only  be  approximately  guessed  at 
from  the  time  at  which  they  usually  appear.  Everybody  must  at  some  time  or 
another  have  observed  their  clumsy  efforts  to  catch  some  common  butterfly. 


34G 


THE   ENGLISH    SPAUUOVV   IN    AMKiaCA. 


iKUOM  "Tin:    IIorUK   SI'AliltOW"    (PAKT    U),    IIY   COI,.    C.    Id'SHKU-,  ] 


i  i ; 


ii 


I  : 


'^  I 


^, 


i 


To  j»iv(>  Olio  iimtiiiicd,  ft  few  yours  nno,  Hooin^  Siiarrows  iiboiit  ft  t\,w  mai tiim'  iicmIh 
on  a  iiuw  Hinull  lioiisu  iieur  my  own,  I  aHktMl  tho  inuti  who  lived  tUeru  wliotliDr  lii^ 
likod  tho  Hpari'owH.  He  miicl,  "I  hate  thoni,  and  niu  throw iu;^  HtonuH  at  tlicni  all 
day,  lint  can  not  k(H>i>  thcin  from  tho  murtiim'  ncstH."  I  h'lit  him  a  ^iiii.  His  kihi,  a 
boy  fthont  twolvo  years  ohl,  took  kindly  toHhootinj;  tho  SiiairowH,  killed,  I  lliink, 
iiearly  two  bnndred  in  Iohm  than  a  month,  and  always  kept  the  iilace  Irce  from  tliein. 
In  two  yc^ars  there  were  twenty-four  martins' iicHtH  on  the  hoiiso.  Tlie  man  (Inn 
died,  and  tho  ii4!xt  tenant,  having  no  son  to  shoot  the  Spanowti,  did  not  IioiiIpIc 
himself  about  tho  martins,  and  tho  .Sparrows  cleared  them  all  out  in  one  season. 
The  martins  have  often  bn lit  a  few  nests,  but  I  do  not  think  that  any  yonuj?  ones 
Lave  llown  there  since. 

The  martins,  which  feed  exclusively  on  insc-cts,  if  left  in  possession  of  their  nests, 
would,  nnliko  many  other  birds,  increase  with  the  population  of  the  country  and 
number  of  houses.  Besides  th(»  persecution  by  Sparrows,  there  is  no  condition  un- 
favorable to  the  martins  except  that  whiui,  with  tht.'ir  natural  couliilcncc  in  man— too 
often  misplaced — they  mako  their  nests  dose  to  windows  or  doors  for  protect  inn 
people  commonly  «lestroy  them,  thus  completing  the  extermiuatiug  work  of  the  S|iiir- 
fows.  I  have  heard  it  said  "  they  coino  there  for  mischief;  they  might  build  an.v- 
whero  else."  Few  seem  to  notice  that,  unless  where  Sparrows  dare  ntit  come,  the 
martins  can  not  keep  a  nest.  The  only  thing  which  saves  these  birds  from  total  ex- 
termination in  this  country  seems  to  bo  this;  they  soinetiines  iii;iuage  to  rear  a  lati^ 
bro<  I  ftfter  the  "fell  adversary  to  house  martins"  (as  \Vhit(!,  of  Selborne,  rightly 
called  Lbo  Sparrow)  has  left  oif  nesting  and  betaken  liiuiself  to  the  wheat-fields.  Ibit 
in  this  way  the  martins  are  kept  hero  too  long,  and  sonietiiius,  before  their  young 
can  tly,  .are  caught  by  sharp  frost  in  October  and  die.  The  last  numerous  colony  that 
I  knew  of,  within  a  few  miles  of  my  house,  was  thus  cleared  out  a  few  years  ago, 
while  my  martins,  protected  from  Sparrows,  and  always  getting  their  young  olf  in 
good  time,  took  no  harm. 

About  my  premises  the  martins,  formerly  numerous,  as  elsewhere,  became  fewer  and 
fewer,  until  inlSG'J  they  had  nearly  disappeared,  young  ones  (lying,  I  think,  from  only 
two  nests — one  close  to  a  window,  the  other  to  a  door.  Towards  tho  end  of  May, 
1870,  several  nests,  freshly  built  under  tho  eaves  of  the  pigeon-houso,  their  favorite 
place,  were  all  found  to  bo  in  the  possession  of  Sparrows.  Tho  indignation  with 
which  I  had  seen  this  persecution  all  my  life  at  last  boiled  over,  and,  resolving  that 
the  martins  should  have  one  safe  place,  I  began  to  protect  them  by  killing  down  the 
Sparrows.  It  was  a' hard  fight  at  first;  the  martins'  nests  had  to  be  watched  almost 
constantly,  and,  if  I  remember  rightly,  one  hundred  and  fifty  Sparrows  were  shot- 
mostly  about  these  nests— in  about  a  fortnight.  War  has  been  waged  against  them 
ever  since.  Tho  lirst  year  or  two  wo  did  not  take  the  trouble  to  kill  them  in  winter, 
but  this  did  not  answer;  a  great  number  lived  about  the  place,  many  roosting  in  tho 
martins'  nests.  When  we  began  shooting  the  Sparrows  in  spring  they  would  all  go 
away  for  a  day  or  two,  but  kept  coming  back  again,  so  that  constant  watchfulness 
for  weeks  was  required  to  kill  them  down.  The  plan  was  therefore  adopted  of  pay- 
ing a  penny  for  shooting  each  Sparrow  as  soon  as  it  shows  itself  all  tho  year  round. 
They  are  shot  with  very  small  charges  of  dust  shot,  mostly  from  inside  doors  and 
windows,  or  from  loop-holes,  made  to  coininand  the  places  they  generally  come  to. 
They  dislike  this  practice,  and  do  not  come  much — less  anil  less  every  year.  The 
plan  has  been  most  successful.  The  place  is  wonderfully  free  from  Sparrows — some- 
tinies  we  do  not  see  one  for  weeks  together — and  tho  martins  have  increased  in  num- 
bers, till  last  year  they  had  one  hundred  and  seventy  nests  about  my  house  and 
buildings,  and  this  year  there  are  two  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  and  more  will  be 
built  yet. 


KVIDENCK. — I'llOM    EUKOI'KAN    PUHLICATIONS. 


347 


III  KiirilniiH  H|iiirn>\vH  do  iiiiicli  iiiiMciiief,  an  by  foodiiig  oil'  yoiiii^  puuH,  uutiii^  jrroen 
|i('iiH  from  till'  poiN,  strii>j>iiii;^i)OM»!l»(!iTy  luiHlieHof  their  friiit-lnuls,  ilt-Mtniyiiit;  llowtiiH, 
(•t(!.  Till)  (iiii'Nlioii  ifiiiiiiiis  svlu'tlim'  tlioy  do  yood  oiioii;;li  in  f^urdouH  to  iiiiiko  up  for 
Hindi  iiiisdcHulH.  Now,  to  prove  that  SpiiirowH  aio  iciilly  iisffiii,  it  is  not  onoiij;li  to 
sliow  that  tlii-y  di'stroy  hoiiiu  iiiJiiriouH  insects,  it  iiimt  also  ho  proved  that,  in  their 
ahHOiice,  other  birds  would  not  destroy  them,  at  loa^i  as  ell'uetiially.  This  eaii  hu 
foiind  out  only  in  ouo  way — by  banishing  the  .Sparrows  from  a  place  for  hoiiiu  years. 
My  object  in  lettinj;  no  Sparrows  live  about  in;  lioiisn,  Ijuildings,  and  gardens,  lias 
lit^cn  not  only  to  protect  the  martins  (iicrhaps  it  would  be  enough  for  this  to  kill  t  lioso 
Spariows  only  which  go  near  their  nests),  but  also  t<»  get  a  bettor  test  of  the  utility 
(if  Sparrows  than  could  otluu'vvise  bo  got  by  any  aiiioiint  of  examination  of  the  food 
ill  them.  My  jilaco  is  a  fair  spociinou  of  the  country,  having  tlower  and  kitchen  gar- 
dens, Nhfiibberies,  audHiiiall  orchard,  surrounded  by  ineailows,  with  corn  tiolds  within 
easy  reach  all  round.     All  birds  except  Sijarrows  have  l)ei!n  let  alone  tliere. 

Sparrows  having  been  almost  entirely  absent  for  many  years,  if  they  took  insects 
which  other  birds  do  not,  such  insects  would  have  l.-ecomo  very  numorous,  and  the 
food  in  Sparrows  killed  there  would  show  this.  Now,  it  has  been  (iiiite  as  unusual  to 
lind  an  insect  in  an  old  Sparrow  there  as  elsewhere.  Fifty  old  Si»arrow8  and  young 
ones  which  could  food  themsidvos  were  killed  one  siiinmer  about  my  buihlings  and 
garden,  with  food  in  their  croi)s.  This  food,  carefully  examined  (as  in  all  cases  with 
a  lens),  was  found  to  Ix;  corn,  milky,  gr<!en,  and  ripe,  and  sometimes  green  [leas  from 
my  garden;  only  two  small  insects  were  found  in  the  whole  number.  The  food  in 
tlieni  has  been  much  the  samo  every  year.  Examining  the  old  birds,  however,  is  not 
test  enough,  as  thoy  eat  very  few  insects  anywhere  ;  but  if  any  were  the  peculiar 
]troy  of  Sparrows,  tlniy  would  bo  found  in  quantity  in  any  young  ones  Itred  about  my 
jilace.  To  test  tliis,  when  ajiair  or  two  of  Spariows,  as  happens  most  years,  contrivts, 
iiy  keeping  clear  of  the  buildings,  to  escape  being  shot  long  enough  to  build  a  nest 
and  hatch  young  one  ,  these  have  been  taken  (by  choice  when  al)out  half  grown), 
and  flio  food  in  them  •  arefully  examined.  It  has  varied  greatly,  but  certainly  there 
were  not  more  insects  among  it,  I  tLink  less  than  there  usually  aro  where  Sparrows 
abound.  In  the  only  nest  known  of  one  year  the  food  iu  the  four  young  ones  was 
chielly  green  peas,  with  some  grains  of  green  wheat,  ono  small  beetle,  and  some  half 
dozen  small  iusocta  of  species  unknown  to  mo.  In  the  only  nost  the  following  year 
the  young  ones  liad  little  in  them  except  corn — old  wheat,  if  I  remember  rightly. 
Some  broods  have  contained  small  beetles  (which,  mostly  soft  ones,  I  have  found  in 
Sparrows  old  and  yonng,  from  all  sorts  of  places,  oftener  than  caterpillar's)  and  a  few 
wild  seeds.  One  brood  had  a  mixture  of  beetles  and  ripe  wheat.  Ono  grasshopper's 
leg  and  a  very  few  pieces  of  earwigs  have  also  been  found.  Of  caterpillars,  said  to  be 
kept  down  by  Sparrows,  only  two  small  ones  in  eight  callow  birds,  from  two  nests 
taken  at  tho  same  time,  have  I)een  found  in  all  tho  years  that  these  nestlings  have 
been  oxaTuined,  and  no  trace  of  an  aphis.  Tho  absence  of  caterpillars  is  tho  only  dif 
ference  that  I  have  noti.cod  in  the  character  of  tho  insect-food  in  tho  young  Sparrows 
at  my  place  and  elsewhere.  Ou  the  whole,  tho  deduction  from  tho  food-tost  during 
liftoen  years  seems  to  beth.it  tho  Si)afrows  aro  useless,  and  that  the  insects  which 
would  be  given  to  their  young  by  them  if  they  were  allowed  to  live  in  numbers  about 
my  y)romi8es  would  be  so  much  food  taken,  when  they  most  want  it,  from  botterbirds 
which  live  entirely,  or  nearly  so,  on  insects,  and  thus  keep  them,  especially  caterpil- 
lars, down  so  efiectively  in  tho  absence  of  Sparrows  that,  when  a  chance  pair  of  those 
come  and  build,  there  are  few  of  their  favorite  sorts  for  them. 

[The  Uuanbiui,  Maucliostcr,  Eii<;lau(l,  Jauuary  30,  1888.] 
KNOU.MOUH   DESTKUCTION   OF   SPAUP.OWS   IX   CHESIUHE. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Cheshire  F.-irmers' Club  on  Saturd.s  evening,  tlie 
chairman,  Mr.  John  Roberts,  the  largest  tenant-farmer  on  the  Hawardeu  estate,  re- 
ferred to  tho  havoc  wrought  by  the  common  Uouso  Sparrow  among  grain  crops,  and 


348 


THE   P:NGLISH   sparrow   in   AMERICA. 


II.  : 

I 


said  that  tbc  Wirral  fanners  of  ChcHhiro  were  payin^^Jti.  per  dozen  for  all  Sparrows 
killed,  and  some  idea  of  the  fecundity  of  the  pest  nii^lit  bo  formed  from  the  fact  thai 
Avithont  appreciably  affecting  their  niinibcrs  in  that  district,  uo  less  a  sum  than  jCl4 
15«.  Gil.  had  been  recently  spent  in  that  way,  representing  the  destruction  of  seven 
thousand  one  handled  and  ninety-two  Sparrows, 

[New  England  Farmer  (Boston,  Mass.),  188C.1 

In  a  report  to  the  Royal  Agricultural  Liocioty  of  England,  by  its  consulting  entomol- 
ogist. Miss  Eleanor  A.  Ormerod,  the  following  conclusions  are  drawn  regarding  (he 
habits  of  this  niuch-discnssed  little  foreigner: 

"  With  regard  to  the  special  item  of  Sparrows,  I  feel  no  doubt  that  measures  should 
be  taiten  to  check  their  enormous  increase,  and  where  communication  has  been  sent 
ine  from  districts  in  which  these  birds  were  known  to  do  serious  damage  to  the  crops 
in  autumn,  I  have  strongly  advised  that  their  number  should  be  lessoned.  We  do 
not  find  from  examination  of  their  contents  that  they  feed  on  corn  red-maggot,  corn 
thrips,  corn  aphis,  or  any  other  corn  insect,  nor  have  we  any  observations  of  fields  in- 
fested by  these  huge  flocks  being  freer  than  other  jilaces  from  insect  attack.  From 
careful  observations  in  ditt'erent  places,  extending  over  a  period  of  frfun  one  to  fifteen 
years,  we  do  not  find  any  diminution  of  insects  round  the  farm  buildings  where  the 
Sparrows  greatly  resort,  but  find  that  they  have  been  observed  in  many  cases  to 
drive  away  true  insect-feeding  birds." 

It  should  be  remembered  that  the  term  "  corn"  is  applied  in  England  to  the  small 
grains,  wheat,  oats,  barley,  etc.,  and  not  to  our  American  maize. 


m 

ml 
tlJ 
stj 
niJ 
wt 
pel 


TESTIMOKY  RELATING  MAINLY  TO  THE  SPARROW  IN  AUSTRALIA. 


PROM  THK   ORAKT  PIIOGUKSS   HErflRT  OF  TIIK    HOARD   OV  IN Vl'.S IK! ATION  AI'POINTKD 
HY   TIIK    (JOVKRN'OR  OF   SOUTH  AUSTRALIA   IN    1>!8I. 

[Oil  August  4, 1881,  a  board  of  investigation  consisting  of  eight  members  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  governor  of  the  Province  of  South  Australia  with  "  full  power  and 
authority  diligently  to  iiKiuire  into  and  report  upon  the  alleged  injuries  caused  to 
fruit-growers,  gardeners,  farmers,  and  others  by  Sparrows,  and  to  consider  the  desir- 
ability of  taking  steps  for  their  destruction,  and  to  report  upon  the  best  means  to  be 
employed  therefor." 

On  August  151,  this  board  submitted  the  following  progress  report :] 

DRAFT  PROGRESS  REPORT. 

To  Ilis  Excellency,  Sir  William  Francis  Drnmmond  Jorvois,  major-general  in  Her 
Majesty's  army,  *  *  *  governor  and  commander-in-chief  in  and  over  the  Prov- 
ince of  South  Australia  and  the  dependencies  thereof,  etc. : 

May  it  please  your  Excellency :  We,  the  Commissioners  appointed  to  inquire  into  the 
alleged  damages  caused  by  Sparrows  to  horticulture  and  agriculture  in  South  Aus- 
tralia and  into  remedial  measures  and  to  report  thereon,  having  jiroof  of  (he  evil  ex- 
isting in  gro.at  force  and  overlargo  districts  of  country,  and  being  convinced  that  their 
destructicm  is  urgent  before  another  fruit  season  sets  in,  and  before  another  nesting 
season  (now  beginning)  shall  swell  their  numbers,  beg  to  present  a  Progress  Report; 
I.  We  append  an  analysis  of  correspondence  on  the  questions  of  inquiry.  This 
shows — 

(1)  That  the  Sparrow  is  established  over  an  a^ea  of  the  colony  comprising  Adelaide 
and  its  suburbs  from  the  sea-coast  eastward  well  up  to  the  hills  ;  southwards  to  Happy 
Valley,  (Joroinandol  Valley,  and  Willunga;  northwards  to  Allendale,  and  far  on— 
though  we  hope  as  yet  detached— at  Boetaloo.  In  the  southeast,  Mount  Gambler  pos- 
sesses a  center  of  its  own. 


EVIDENCE. — FROM   AUSTRALIAN   PUBLICATIONS. 


349 


0  the  small 


power  tiiKl 
caused  to 


loans  to  1)0 


Ire  into  the 


(2)  That  tlio  responses  of  aufferors  within  the  foroKoing  area  cry  for  relief  from 
Sparrow  depredations  as  if  from  a  pest,  and  with  what  reason,  the  following  state- 
ments, as  examples,  may  show :  From  Mr.  John  Chambers,  of  Sontli  Richmond :  "  la 
the  short  space  of  ten  days  the  Sparrows  took  a  ton  and  a  half  of  grapes.  They 
stripped  all  the  figs  of  five  trees,  They  kept  low  15  acres  of  lucerne  during  the  sum- 
mer." From  Mr.  Findeu,  of  Salisbury :  "This  season  they  (the  Sparrows)  took  £30 
worth  of  fruit."  Mr.  Wilcox,  of  Lower  Mitcham:  "Has  three  times  this  season  sown 
jjcas,  and  they  have  each  time  boon  destroyed  by  Sparrows." 

(;})  Tl'at  the  species  of  Sparrow  domiciling  in  South  Australia  damages  or  consumes 
fruits,  cereals,  and  vegetables.  Its  fecundity  is  astonishing.  A  few  to-day  are  thou- 
sands next  season.  Its  work  is  done  on  a  magnitude  despairing  to  the  cultivator,  and 
under  conditions  ho  can  not  control;  for  tho  seed  is  taken  out  of  the  ground,  the 
fruit-bud  otf  the  tree,  the  sprouting  vegetable  as  fast  as  it  grows,  and  the  fruit  ere  it 
is  ripe,  and  therefore  before  it  can  be  housed  and  saved. 

(4)  That  tho  cultivations  attacked  by  Sparrows  arc  as  follows:  Of  fruits:  Apri- 
cots, cherries,  figs,  appl  s  grapes,  poaches,  plums,  poars,  uectarines,  lociuats,  smd 
olives.  Of  cereals:  Wheat  and  barley.  Of  Vegetables :  Peas,  cabbages,  cauliflowers, 
iiud  garden  seeds  generally. 

(5)  That  the  means  of  defense  tried  .against  the  Sparrow  depredations  have  been 
scare-crows,  traps,  netting,  shooting,  poison  of  phosphorous,  arsenic,  and  strychnine, 
applied  through  grain,  bread,  bran,  and  sugar.  The  results  are  generally  stated  as 
having  been  insufficient,  which  may  be  due  to  the  modes  of  administration  rather 
tiian  to  defects  in  the  materials  employed. 

(C)  To  tho  above  expedients  the  following  are  suggested  by  our  correspondents, 
namely:  Theto!)der  of  rewards  for  Sparrows' eggs  and  heads,  tho  removal  of  gun 
licenses  for  the  .reason,  poisoned  water  in  summer,  sulphur  fumes  under  roosts  at  night, 
aiul  plaster  of  Paris  mixed  with  oatmeal  and  Hour,  Ii  is  further  declared  that  the 
united  action  of  all  property  holders,  including  the  government,  in  infested  districts 
is  essential  to  eft'ectivo  results. 

II.  Without  reference  to  ulterior  measures,  which  may  be  influenced  by  inquiries 
the  commission  have  on  foot,  their  object  in  tendering  this  progress  report  is  to 
submit  lor  the  approval  of  your  excellency  the  propriety  of  at  once  setting  to  work 
one  useful  moans  applicable  to  tho  breeding  season  now  commencing,  namely :  A 
system  of  rewards  for  Sp.irrows' eggs  and  heads,  through  responsible  agents  readily 
accessible  in  the  various  Sparrow  districts;  and  we  suggest,  as  a  trial,  that  tho  rate 
of  payment  should  bo  (5d.  per  dozen  for  Sparrows'  heads  delivered,  and  Ss.  Gd.  per  one 
hundred  for  Sparrows'  eggs  delivered  ;  each  class  to  bo  supplemented  by  a  bonus  of 

to  any  one  who  delivered  in  one  season  eggs  or        Sparrows. 

III.  Your  committee  have  not  received  any  evidence  in  defence  of  tho  Sparrow 
counterbalancing  the  damage  ho  does.  They  have  sought  proof  of  his  insectivorous 
habits,  but  with  little  result. 

[The  following  are  fair  samples  of  tho  evidence  collected  and  published  by  tho  com- 
mission. These  reports  all  come  from  points  within  a  hundred  miles  of  tho  city  of 
Adelaide,  South  Australia.  ] 

[JoBoph  Barnes,  Uiclimond.] 


|er  nestiuff       ■        Sparrows  very  nnmorous;  groat  damage  done  to  fruits— ai>ricots,  grapes,  figs,  and 
plums.    Has  heard  tha'j  wheat  steeiied  ':n  turpentine  will  kill  them,  and  intends  to 

try  it. 

[John  JamoB  Bovorlj-,  Cliairman  Woodvillu  District  Council.] 


Sparrows  are  in  his  nei<jhborhood  to  the  number  of  tens  of  thousands,  and  they  de- 
stroy buds  of  fruit  trees  to  an  enormous  extent.  Has  used  Pitt's  wheat,  but  it  is  not 
successful  after  tho  first  day  or  two.  Thinks  every  householder  should  be  compelled 
to  adopt  tho  moans  reeommended  by  tho  commission  to  destroy  them. 


WW 


350 


THE    ENGLISH    Hl'AllUOV.'    IN    AMERICA. 
fHonry  Brond,  Mardeo.] 


Sparrows  are  plentiful  In  hia  neigbborliood,  and  very  destructive  to  fruit,  and  has 
shot  some  occasionally.  Shooting  would  help  to  keep  them  down,  but  it  is  a  slow 
process.  Poisoned  grain  and  poisoned  water  would  also  be  very  destrnctivo  to  them. 
Thinks  netting  tbeni  at  night-time  when  roosting  in  orange  and  olive  and  other  trees 
would  be  effective  in  thinning  their  numbers. 

[BoaumoDt  Cole,  Adolaido.] 

When  a  boy  he  used  to  destroy  Sparrows  and  small  birds  by  spreading  wheat 
steeped  i'l  a  solution  of  nnx  vomica.  The  nux  vomica  tigs  were  cut  into  small 
pieces  a'ld  stewed  all  day,  when  the  hot  liquor  was  poured  on  as  much  wheat  as  it 
wou'T  cover,  and  allowed  to  stand,  till  morni'' :;.  The  wheat  was  then  dried  mid 
spread  out,  and  be  used  to  find  many  dead  birus  abont,  which  he  buried  Found  it 
necessary,  however,  to  tempt  the  birds  first  of  all  by  feeding  them  with  clean  grain. 

[Rov.  Dr.  Craig,  Mount  Ganibicr.] 

Sparrows  are  there  in  great  numbers,  and  they  eat  most  of  the  soft  fruits  and  cher- 
ries long  before  they  are  ripe.  Farmers  also  report  that  they  eat  corn  both  when 
sown  and  when  ripe.  The  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Society  iiavo  ottered  .six- 
pence per  dozen  for  Sparrow  beads  and  four  pence  per  dozen  fen-  Sparrow  eggs.  Has 
tried  Faulding's  phosphoric  wheat,  which  killed  a  few,  but  thinks  phosphorized  clo- 
ver seed  or  seed  smaller  than  wheat  would  be  better. 


E*  :  ' 


f-  '■ 


[Hon.  John  Crozier,  Oiiklands.l 

There  is  no  doubt  that  if  allowed  to  go  unchecked  they  will  not  only  destroy 
the  vineyards  and  orcliards,  but  also  destroy  most  of  the  grain  in  the  fields.  Sug- 
gests that  poisoned  water  should  be  placed  in  the  neighborhood  of  their  hannts,  out 
of  the  reach  of  domestic  animals,  and  also  thai  diligent  scarci.  should  be  made  in  tlm 
breeding  season  for  nests  and  eggs.  States  thet  two  boys  in  one  day  obtained  one 
thousand  nine  buudred  eggs  on  his  property.  Hay-stacks  and  hedges  are  their  fa- 
vorite haunts.  Is  afraid  if  the  gun  license  is. removed  that  the  indiscriminate  use  of 
lire-arms  will  bo  a  more  dangerous  nuisance  than  the  Sparrows. 

[Henry  Douglas,  Ilappy  Valley.] 

Sparrows  have  cstablislu'd  themselves  very  firmly  in  his  neighborhood,  and  the 
damage  caused  by  them  during  last  fruit  season  Avas  very  great.  In  the  worst  parts 
of  their  haunts  the  grapes  were  literally  cleared  from  the  vines.  Few  efforts  have 
been  made  to  destroy  them,  as  desultory  iietiou  has  been  considered  to  bo  useless. 
Can  not  suggest  a  remedy,  but  is  convinced  the  question  of  their  destruction  is  of 
vital  iu.portanee,  and  hopes  the  united  action  contemplated  by  the  commission  will 
be  attended  with  success. 

[Anthony  Etherldgo,  Elizabeth  street,  Norwood.] 

Sparrows  have  established  themselves  by  thousands  in  Kent  Town,  Kensington,  and 
Norwood.  Had  bad  his  apricot  trees  stripped  by  Sparrows,  who  also  destroyed  pluni-, 
grapes,  and  figs. 

[Thomas  Fairbrothor,  Fnllarton.] 

Sparrows  are  in  his  neighborhood  by  thousands  and  destroy  tons  of  fruit.  Slioct- 
Ing  is  the  only  means  which  has  been  taken  to  destroy  them.  Thinks  a  reward  of, 
say,  4d.  per  dozen  for  old  or  young  Sparrows  would  encourage  boys  to  capture  them, 
and  so  thin  their  numbers. 


EVIDENCE 


-FROM    AUSTRALIAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


351 


[Thomas  Filracr,  Glenelg.] 

Sparrowa  liavo  fully  cstablisbeil  thoinsolves  at  the  Sturfc  aucl  Brijjhtou,  and  unless 
fiomctliing  is  doue  ia  sure  the  loss  to  Iriiit-growers  and  coru-giowers  will  bo  very  great. 
Is  not  aware  of  anything  having  boon  done  to  destroy  theiu.  Incloses  the  following 
veuipo  from  the  Melbourne  Loader  for  destroying  Sparrows  and  other  birds:  "Take 
'xf.  worth  of  strychnine,  dissolve  in  half  a  teacupful  of  warm  vinegar  or  acetic  acid, 
add  that  to  four  or  live  (iuarts  of  water,  and  put  into  that  as  much  wheat  as  will  soak 
up  the  li(iuid.    The  wheat  to  be  distributed  where  the  birds  will  pick  it  up." 

(W.  U.  Ilairold.  Mount  Gambicr.] 

Sparrows  have  thoroughly  established  thi'mselves  all  round  Mount  Ganibier.  Last 
season  they  destroyed  in  turn  fully  one-half  of  his  cherries,  plums,  apricots,  pears, 
and  apples,  and  what  was  saved  had  to  be  gathered  unripe.  Had  a  nice  patch  of 
wheat  conii)letely  destroyed  by  them  as  it  was  ripening.  Had  tried  grain  poisoned 
with  arsenic  ami  strychnia,  but  it  has  not  proved  effective  ;  the  .Siiarrows  eye  out  the 
poisoned  grain  and  avoid  it.  Thinks  large  numbers  of  them  niighi  be  shot,  and  their 
nests  should  also  be  hunted  for  and  destroyed. 

fj.  Uobbs,  East  Marden.] 

Sparrows  are  established  in  great  numbers  in  thin  locality,  and  they  are  most  in- 
jurious to  figs,  loquats,  apricots,  plums,  peaches,  cherries,  nectarines,  and  grapes. 
The  latlor  sull'er  most. 

I S.  K.  Jamos,  Mnrdon.] 

Sparrows  have  thoroughly  established  themselves  in  this  neighborhood,  and  oranges 
are  literally  whitened  with  their  droppings.  Loquats,  cherries,  American  plums,  and 
apricots  will  in  turn  be  attacked  by  them  .-is  they  riiteu.  Last  year  I'rom  a  crop  from 
two  hundred  trees  he  dare  not  let  any  of  the  fruit  ripen  for  fear  of  it  being  pecked 
and  destroyed  by  these  birds.  Although  he  had  a  large  crop  of  ligs,  it  was  withdifH- 
culty  that  he  saved  a  few  for  market. 

[SI.  McSbcnc,  Catnpbelltown.] 

His  neighborhood  is  very  much  troubled  with  Sparrows;  they  breed  in  the  banks  of 
the  river  and  swarm  over  the  gardens.  They  destroyed  nearly  all  the  buds  on  the  apri- 
cot trees  last  year  and  spoiled  the  fruit  which  matured.  Does  not  know  what  to  do  to 
got  rid  of  them ;  only  wishes  ho  did. 

[M.  A.  Pricc.GilbtTtou.) 

Is  much  troubled  with  Sparrows,  which  come  in  flocks  t)f  hundreds  and  destroy  the 
fruit  Last  si'ason  did  not  have  one  bunch  of  ripe  grapes,  except  those  she  covered 
witl'  strong  bags.  Tried  several  deviises,  as  scarecrows,  but  they  were  iiietfectivo. 
They  seem  to  eat  nothing  but  fruit  and  tenJer  vegetables,  and  hopes  something  will 
))edono  to  destroy  them  before  another  fruit  season  comas  on. 


[U.  C.  Quick,  Sbiraz  Vineyard,  Harden. ] 

Sparrows  are  established^in  his  neighborhood  in  immense  numbers,  and  are  very  de- 
structive to  fruits,  especially  grajies  of  the  liiiest  kinds.  His  loss  by  them  is  incal- 
culable. Numbers  are  des^.oyed  by  poisou  and  nets,  but  they  are  vastly  on  the  in- 
crease, and  the  prospects  of  fruit-growing  are  most  alarming.  Suggests  that  the 
commission  should  .arrange  for  selling  as  cheaply  as  possible  "ground-nets"  and  "  bat- 
neta"  for  catching  Sparrows, 


352 


TUE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


[John  Ruilall,  town  dork,  Gawlur.] 

Sparrows  are  bocoining  numerous  hi  Gawler,  but  is  not  awaro  of  tlio  extent  of  the 
miscliiof  caused  by  tbem,  and  basnosuggeation  to  make  for  tbeirdestrnctiou,  altbough 
it  is  tbougbt  that  steps  should  bo  taken  to  prevent  their  increase.  No  systematic 
moans  has  been  used  in  that  neighborhood  to  destroy  Sparrows  beyond  a  persistent 
search  by  boys  for  their  nests. 


I'  \  ■■ 


[C.  Rcoves,  Gilbert  street,  Norwood.] 

Sparrows  destroyed  all  his  figs,  apricots,  and  grapes  last  season.  Intends  to  try 
plaster  of  Paris  mixed  with  oatmeal  and  Hour,  but  also  thinks  wheat  poisoned  with 
arsenic  will  be  efiectivo. 

[J.  B.  Scarce,  Gilberton.] 

Sparrows  have  destroyed  bushels  of  pears,  apricots,  plums,  and  grapes  in  his  gar- 
den. Has  a  trellis  of  vines  80  foot  in  length,  besides  other  vinos,  and  was  not  .able  to 
cut  a  bunch  of  grapes.  Thinks  poisoned  wheat  the  only  efleetivo  means  of  destroy, 
ing  thorn. 

[C.  A.  Stark,  Belaloo,  Win-abara,] 

During  the  last  twelve  months  Sparrows  have  made  their  appearance  in  Lis  garden, 
and  he  has  killed  sixty-four  this  year  with  bran  poisoned  with  strychnia  and  placed 
in  a  saucer.  Has  also  discovered  four  nests  in  bis  garden,  which  ho  purposes  to  de- 
stroy when  tho  young  ones  have  been  hatched.  Is  afraid  if  they  get  established  in 
the  neighboring  hills  they  will  cat  him  out  of  his  house  and  home.  Sparrows,  ho 
says,  breed  twice  in  tho  season,  and  generally  lay  from  four  to  six  eggs  each  hatching. 
Thinks  poisoning,  netting,  and  destroying  the  nests  are  the  best  remedies. 

[if.  Salom,  NorlU  Artelaule.] 

Sparrows  are  constantly  building  in  the  gutters  and  down-pipes  of  tho  roof  of  his 
house,  although  lio  has  had  their  nests  frequently  removeil.  The  damage  done  to  him 
personally,  by  causing  overflow  into  walls  and  ceilin;;,  be  estimates  at  forty  pounds 
during  the  past  twelve  months. 

[W.  F.  TbomiisoD,  Happy  Valley.] 

His  district  is  infested  with  Sparrows.  Has  40  or  50  acres  of  vineyard,  and  tho 
Spjirrows  play  destruction  with  his  grapes,  and  also  with  his  neighbors'  gardens  and 
vineyards.  Believes  that  if  not  got  rid  of  they  will  destroy  all  tho  fruit  and 
grain  in  tho  colony  in  a  few  jears.  Suggests,  as  means  of  destroying  them,  poisoning, 
netting,  ard  shooting  them,  and  pulling  down  their  nests.  Thinks  a  tax  of  one  far- 
thing per  .  se  on  all  lands  nnder  croj)  south  of  Blinman  should  be  levied  to  secure 
their  destrncticm,  or  else  let  Sp.arrow  districts  bo  formed,  the  rates  collected  in  which 
for  their  destruction  should  be  subsidized  by  Government  at  tho  rale  of  £2  for  jCI. 
I«  willing  to  co-operate  with  tho  commission  by  forming  a  local  committee,  if  thought 
advisable. 

[William  Urlwiii,  Siilisbury.] 

Sparrows  bavo  established  themselves  in  his  district,  .•md  are  very  destructive  to 
fruit,  especially  to  grapes.  Has  no  doubt,  also,  that  they  do  great  mischief  to  crops 
of  wheat.  Has  tried  poisoned  wheat,  but  the  great  difliculty  is  to  get  them  to  take 
it,  even  when  mixed  with  good  wheat.  Has  found  fowls  dead  which  have  eaten  tho 
poisoned  wheat,  and  also  cats,  which  he  presumes  had  eaten  tho  poisoned  birds. 
Thinks  tho  otter  of  head-money  for  Sparrows  would  decrease  their  number,  and  this 
could  bo  paid  through  district  councils  and  corporations. 


EVIDENCE. — FROM   AUSTRALIAN    PUBLICATIONS. 


353 


)  extent  of  the 
tion,  although 
No  systematic 
1(1  a  persistent 


Intends  to  try 
poisoned  with 


108  in  his  gar- 
,vas  not  ahlo  to 
ins  of  destroy. 


)  in  his  garden, 
lia  and  placed 
urposLS  to  de- 
established  in 
Sparrows,  ho 
each  hatching, 
lies. 


ho  roof  of  his 

^0  done  to  him 

forty  pounds 


lyard,  and  the 
i'  gardens  and 
ho  fruit  and 
im,  poisoning, 
X  of  Olio  far- 
icd  to  secure 
ictedin  which 
of  £2  forjCL 
ee,  if  thought 


ostriictivo  to 
hicf  to  crops 
them  to  take 
ave  eaten  the 
isonod  birds, 
her,  and  this 


[Geoi'go  Wilcox,  Lower  Mitcbnm.] 

Suffered  very  considerably  last  fruit  season  from  the  Sparrows.  They  first  attacked 
loquats,  then  apricots  and  peaches,  amongst  which  they  made  sad  havoc  ;  then  they 
stripped  every  cherry,  and  the  grapes  wore  fairly  demolished.  On  a  trellis,  measuring 
three  hundred  feet  long  by  ten  feet  high  and  ten  feet  wide,  he  had  a  splendid  crop  of 
grapes,  but  bad  not  one  presentable  bunch.  Tried  Pitt's  whe"t,  obtained  from  Fanld- 
pig  &  Co.,  but  only  killed  ii  few;  they  soon  became  too  knowing  to  take  the  wheat. 
Believes  poisoned  water  will  be  the  most  effective  in  summer.  Has  three  times  sown 
peas  this  season,  but  they  have  each  time  been  destroyed  by  Sparrows, 

[The  Adelaide  (Australia)  Observer,  SatnrJay,  July  9,  1887.] 
THE   SPAIU50W  NUISAN'CE, 

Under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Society,  a  meeting 
of  persons  interested  in  the  destruction  of  Sparrows  was  called  on  Monday  afternoon, 
July  4,  in  Register  Chambers.  There  was  a  representative  gathering  of  about  twenty 
of  the  principal  fruit-growers  and  others  affected  by  the  depredations  of  the  ubiqui- 
tous bird,  and  the  feeling  in  favor  of  devising  some  means  for  reducing  the  evil  was 
unanimous. 

Mr.  Henry  Kelly  occupied  the  chair,  and  said  ho  thought  much  could  be  done  to 
lessen  the  evil  complained  of,  although  he  feared  that  it  would  be  impossible  to 
eradicate  the  nuisance  altogether,  as  the  Sparrows  had  increased  so  much  that  they 
had  got  a  complete  hold  of  the  country,  where  they  most  congregated.  Ho  remem- 
bered that  before  the  rabbits  became  so  alarmingly  numerous  there  were  some  at 
Anlaby,  near  Kapunda,  and  ^ere  regarded  as  interesting.  They  began  to  increase, 
and  became  a  nuisance,  but  could  then  have  been  destroyed  with  comparatively 
little  expense.  The  question  of  the  Sparrows  had  now  become  as  important  and 
costly  to  meet.  These  birds  were  extending  up  North,  and  he  had  seen  thousands  at 
Angaston  and  other  places.  They  were  not  confined  to  the  districts  in  the  immedi- 
.ate  neighbor)- lod  of  Adelaide.  They  were  increasing  at  a  most  alarming  rate,  and  ifc 
was  practically  impossible  to  grow  fruit  now  without  netting  over  the  trees. 

Mr.  Thomas  Hardy  saLl  ho  initiated  thip  present  movement,  and  had  prepared  res- 
olutions to  deal  with  the  question.  This  was  a  most  important  matter,  and  really 
affected  the  whole  community.  Unless  the  evil  wore  dealt  with  energetically  and 
systematically,  the  tvine  and  fruit  growers  might  as  well  stop  altogether,  for  it  would 
not  pay  to  go  on  in  a  few  j  aars'  time.  At  the  time  when  the  rabbit  question  w.is  af- 
fecting the  country  the  evil  hadjjrown  to  considerablo  proportions,  but  if  systematie 
steps  to  eradicate  the  rabbits  had  been  taken  earlier  the  trouble  would  have  been 
stopped.  Few  people  knew  the  enormons  cost  of  putting  down  the  rabbits.  He  was 
told  that  in  one  station  in  New  South  Wales  £30,000  a  year  had  boon  paid  for  the  de- 
struction of  rabbits,  £ir),000by  the  Governiiiont  and  £5,000  by  the  owners.  Tho 
Sparrow  nuisance  would  be  as  great  as  the  rabbit  trouble.  Tho  great  obstacle  to 
anything  practical  being  done  lay  in  the  fact  that  tho  deputations  did  not  propose 
any  definite  scheme  as  a  recommendation  to  the  Government.  The  inembors  of  tho 
Government  wore  not  expected  to  know  so  much  of  the  means  to  bo  adopted  as  the 
men  whose  business  the  Sparrows  most  injured.  But  this  was  not  a  matter  merely 
affecting  a  certain  class,  but  the  welfare  of  the  country.  He  moved  therefore  that 
the  Government  be  requested  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  dcstruation  of  Sparrows,  to 
embody  the  following  provisions  [see  page  355  of  this  Bulletin]. 

Isolated  efforts  went  for  nothing.  A  man  might  bo  surrounded  by  neighbors  who 
were  not  injured  by  tho  Sparrows,  but  who  had  plantations  and  outhouses  in  which 
they  bred  in  myriads,  and  therefore  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  people  shouhl 
be  authorized  to  go  upon  private  property,  under  due  restrictions,  and  seek  for  Spar- 
rows,    He  knew  from  his  traveling  experience  in  the  colonies  that  people  who  uuder- 

8409— Bull.  1 23 


n54 


THE    ENGLISH    SPAUKOVV    IN    AMERICA. 


J: 


l<  • 


took  rabbiting  as  an  occupation  got  very  expert  at  it,  iiiul  it  would  bo  so  in  the  case 
of  Sparrow-catchers.  As  to  the  rating,  it  would  touch  people  in  their  pockets,  and 
niako  them  take  more  interest  in  the  matter.  Three  parts  of  the  Sftarrows  were  bred 
in  the  eaves  and  niider  the  roofs  of  houses,  chapels,  public  buildings,  etc.  Some 
bouses  had  very  small  space  between  the  ceiling  and  the  roof,  and  Sparrows  could 
brood  there  unmolested  ;  but  in  premises  with  a  greater  space  between  roof  and  ceiling 
men  could  go  and  capture  the  young  Itirds.  He  had  known  his  boys  bring  down 
seventy  young  Sparrows  from  under  his  roof  in  that  way.  Netting  was  an  oxcollent 
means.  Ho  had  known  one  person  at  night  catch  one  hundred  and  lifty  Sparrows 
with  a  net.  Tliey  could  bo  (laught  easily  on  orange  and  other  low  trees  with  a  net. 
Men  should  not  be  permitted  to  go  npon  private  premises  without  due  notice  either 
day  or  night.  Poisoned  grain  when  good  was  efi'cctivo,  and  hero  much  might  bo 
done,  due  care  of  course  being  taken  to  prevent  injury  to  people's  fowls.  Some  of 
the  poisoned  grain  was  not  good  enough,  but  good  grain  should  be  procured  by  the 
district  councils.  Tiiis  Sparrow  question  was  of  tlio  utmost  importance  to  fruit- 
growers and  wine-makers,  and  tae  Sparrows  did  a  deal  of  mischief,  os,pecially  in  the 
class  of  grapes  grown  for  wine  and  raisins. 

Mr.  G.  F.  Ind  said  there  was  no  doubt  that  the  action  taiien  a,gain8t  the  Sparrows 
two  years  ago  did  a  great  deal  towards  abating  the  nuisance,  ))Ut  the  discontinuance 
liad  allowed  them  to  breed  as  fast  as  ever.  While  the  Government  was  paying  for 
the  heads  and  eggs  the  destruction  was  considerable,  but  there  was  no  inducemoiit 
now  to  interfere  with  the  birds  except  on  the  part  of  fruitgrowers  and  farmers.  It 
would  be  little  use  a  man  tilling  the  soil  if  the  Sparrows  wore  allowed  to  increase  iit 
tho  rate  they  did.  At  the  Sparrow  club  to  which  he  belonged  the  niembers  put  their 
money  down  and  distributed  poisoned  wheat  amongst  those  who  would  use  it,  but  it 
was  found  to  be  of  no  nse  when  the  Sparrows  were  allowed  to  breed  unmolested  upon 
private  and  public  property  in  the  neighborhood.  All  must  have  an  interest  in  the 
matter,  and  that  could  only  bo  secured  l)y  a  rate  on  the  land-taxation  system.  Tiiat 
would  raise  enough  to  pay  tho  expenses  of  exterminating  the  Sparrows;  but  until 
something  uniform  was  done  it  would  be  no  nse  individuals  spending  money.  Tlio 
people  who  were  moving  in  this  matter  could  not  be  accused  of  selfishness,  for  there 
•was  not  one  who  would  n-tt  imthis  hand  into  his  pocket  and  pay  his  portion  towards 
it.  The  citizens  themselves  would  find  that  they  were  interested  more  than  they  per- 
liaps  imagined,  becsause  eventually  they  would  have  to  pay  dearer  for  their  fruit,  as 
tho  growers  could  not  afford  (o  carry  on  their  business  at  the  loss  occasioned  by  tliu 
depredations  of  tho  Sparrows.  He,  as  an  exporter,  had  to  pay  protty  heavily,  W- 
cause  he  had  to  pay  three  people  for  the  work  that  two  could  do  but  for  tho  Spar- 
rows. In  the  end  tho  colony  would  be  tho  loser,  because  vignerons  and  fruit-growers 
would  get  disheartened  and  find  it  impossible  to  carry  on  business. 

Mr.  S.  Hrauud  said  in  the  case  of  one  of  his  farmer  tenants  in  the  country  the  Spar- 
rows had  been  so  troublesome  that  he  (tho  speaker)  gave  him  pcu'uiission  to  destroy 
a  vineyard.  He  quite  favored  tho  idea  of  district  councils  taking  tho  matter  np,  as 
it  must  be  a  general  schomo  of  destruction,  and  it  should  b  ;  compulsory.  No  grain 
or  fruit  could  bo  grown  in  the  country  to  pay  until  the  Sparrows  were  driven  out.  In 
one  case  1,100  Sparrows  had  been  taken  from  ono  place,  and  in  another,  down  Brighton 
way,  1,300  were  taken  from  si  chapel.  He  believed  that  with  tho  compulsory  system 
and  combined  action  tho  nui.sance  would  be  reduced  to  a  minimum.  He  thought  tho 
district  council  should  pay  for  the  eggs.  - 

Mr.  C.  Pitt  added  his  testimony  to  tho  accumulation  of  Sparrows  in  the  roofs  of 
houses,  and  said  it  w'ould  be  of  no  nse  attempting  to  do  anything  to  reduce  the  nui- 
sance effectually  without  legislation  and  united  action. 

Mr.  Holmes,  of  Magill,  said  he  had  destroyed  all  the  hedges  around  his  premises, 
and  some  of  his  neighbors  had  forest  land  where  the  Si)arro  ws  bred.  They  were  driven 
onto  his  place  and  ho  felt  that  he  could  iu)t  grow  grapes  with  any  success  while  tho 
Sparrows  were  allowed  to  breed  in  tho  plantations.    Any  man  acting  by  himself 


EVIDENCE. — FROM    AUSTRALIAN    PUBLICAXpNS. 


355 


wonM  V»  yowerlesH.  lit?  was  willing  to  bo  rated  for  the  destrnctiou  of  Ibo  Sparrows 
if  llic  work  WHS  (lone  systeiuaticiiliy. 

Mr.  Joliu  Pitt  tcstiliert  to  the  bavon  comiuitted  by  the  birds  upon  burd  grapes  as 
well  as  soft.  lie  bad  often  to  destroy  a  hogshead  of  damaged  bunches  out  of  200  or 
liOO  cases  whou  picking  bis  grapes  for  shipment.  The  birds  bred  in  the  trees,  and 
solitary  efforts  to  destroy  them  were  useless.  Ho  bad  sent  boys  »)ver  liis  vineyard 
with  a  kerosene-tin  and  a  stick,  and  the  Sparrows  would  pass  over  tho  lads'  beads 
I'roiu  one  end  of  the  vineyard  and  settle  in  tho  other. 

Another  speaker  suggested  that  other  birds  destrnctivo  to  fruit  should  bo  included 
ill  the  i)rovisions. 

Mr.  A.  Molineux  jaid  he  thoroughly  sympathized  with  tho  meeting  in  their  desire 
to  organize  some  definito  movements  for  the  destruction  of  Sparrows.  Tho  farmer 
iiud  agriculturist,  as  well  as  tho  horticulturist,  suffered  from  tho  donredations  of 
those  birds,  and  the  damage  done  by  tho  Sparrow  was  now  admitted  by  every  one. 

Mr.  Hardy  said  tho  reason  he  proposed  tho  rate  to  be  uniform  was  that  unless  it 
were  so,  some  districts  might  impose  so  light  a  rate  that  tho  Sparrows  would  bo 
allowed  to  increase  to  the  detriment  of  nuother. 

A  proposal  that  licensed  catchers  bo  allowed  to  use  poisoaod  wheat  under  certain 
restrictions  was  objected  to. 

Mr.  Brauiid  and  Mr.  Ind  thought  poisoned  grain  would  not  be  used  because  tho 
birds  might  lly  away  and  bo  lost  to  the  trappers,  who  would  therefore  uot  care  to 
use  it. 

Mr.  Molineux  suggested  that  district  councils  might  issue  a  proclamation,  ap- 
lioiuting  a  certain  day  for  laying  down  good  grain  to  attract  the  Sparrows  aud  another 
jteriod  for  tho  free  distribution  of  poisoned  grain. 

Mr.  Hardy  did  not  press  the  clause,  and  it  was  withdrawn. 

With  reference  to  a  rate  proposed  to  be  lixed  by  the  Government,  Mr.  Hardy  said 
the  obj(!ct  in  allowing  the  Government  to  lix  the  rate  was  that  it  should  be  nniforiu. 

After  some  discussion,  this  part  of  the  proposition  was  struck  out  on  tho  vote  of 
II  against  10,  the  opinion  being  that  the  district  councils  should  (ix  the  rate.  Tho 
motion  was  agreed  to.  It  was  decided  that  a  deputation  of  all  interested  wait  upon 
the  Government  on  a  day  to  be  fixed. 

In  accordauce  with  this  decision,  about  thirty  or  forty  gardener?,  fruit-growors, 
and  vignerons,  including  members  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  and  Iforticultiiral  So- 
ciety, waited  on  the  treasurer  (the  Hon.  T.  Playford)  on  Friday  afteruoon  to  preseut 
the  resolutions  passed  at  the  meeting  held  on  Monday,  July  4.  Mr.  H.  Kelly, 
who  was  chairman  at  tho  meeting,  presented  the  resolutions,  which  were  as  follows: 
"(1)  That  tho  Government  be  recinested  to  bring  in  a  bill  for  the  destruction  of  Spar- 
rows, to  embody  the  following  provisions;  ('2)  that  in  all  districts  whero  Sparrows 
are  known  to  exist  the  district  councils  or  corporations  shall  make  a  special  rate  for 
the  purpose  of  paying  for  the  heads  and  eggs  of  Sparrows  and  other  expenses  incurred 
in  their  destruction  ;  (3)  that  a  certain  number  of  men  in  each  district  bo  licensed 
by  tho  councils  or  corporations  to  carry  on  tho  occupation  of  Sparrow-catchers,  and 
that  they  be  empowered  to  go  upon  private  property  upon  giving  such  notice  as  may 
be  considered  necessary  during  the  day  time  and  pnrsuo|_their  calling,  and  that  they 
be  paid  at  a  fixed  rate  for  all  heads  and  eggs  that  thoy  may  obtain  ;  (4)  that  owners 
of  property  should  allow  licensed  Sparrow-catchers  and  a  sufficient  number  of  assist- 
ants to  go  on  their  property  at  night  up  to  10  o'clock  p.  m.,  for  the  purpose  of  catch- 
ing Sparrows  with  nets  ;  (5)  that  each  district  council  or  corporation  shall  appoint 
some  one  to  receive  and  pay  for  all  Si>arrows'  beads  and  eggs  both  from  licensed  aud 
unlicensed  persons  at  a  uniform  fixed  rate  in  all  districts  ;  (G)  that  all  houses  and 
buildings  be  examined  by  a  person  to  bo  appointeil  for  tiie  purpose  in  each  district  to 
see  that  all  inaccessible  iilaces  where  Sparrows  can  breed  bo  effectually  closed  by 
wire  nottiug  or  otherwise."  He  said  that  they  did  uot  desire  tho  Governmont  to 
assist  them— all  tUey  wished  was  for  tho  Govormnoat  to  bring  iu  a  bill  to  ouable 


356 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


lilt 


them  uot  only  to  destroy  Sparrows  tliomselves,  but  to  enforce  it  npon  otlieis.  Soinc- 
tliins  would  liavo  to  bo  done  with  the  Sparrow  nuisance,  which  was  ns  bad  as  Jio 
rabbits  htul  been  at  Kapunda  some  years  ago.  If  the  Sparrows  increased  they  would 
not  bo  able  to  produce  fruit  of  such  line  quality  as  to  enable  them  to  dispose  of  it  in 
the  English  market  as  well  as  in  the  other  colonies. 

Mr.  T.  Hardy,  J.  P.,  who  initiated  the  resolutions,  had  taken  a  great  interest  in  the 
matter.  He  had  been  a  member  of  the  royal  commission  some  time  ago  which  recoiu- 
mended  the  Bray  Government  to  bring  in  a  bill  ordering  the  destruction  of  Sparrows, 
and  in  the  moan  time  to  continue  the  payment  for  heads  and  eggs.  The  Colton  Gov- 
ernment put  a  stop  t<)  the  payment,  and  since  that  the  nuisance  had  increased  tenfold. 
If  they  continued  to  increase  at  the  present  rate  the  growth  of  soft  fruits  would  not 
be  particularly  profitable.  He  had  advocated  fruit-growing  to  many  people,  but  ho 
was  beginning  to  think  he  had  made  a  mistake.  Thoy  must  have  prompt,  vigoroiiH, 
and  decisive  action.  He  hoped  in  the  mean  time  payment  for  heads  and  eggs  would 
be  resumed. 

Mr.  G.  F.  Ind  said  there  could  be  no  two  opinions  as  to  the  necessity  of  checkiiiif 
the  further  increase  of  Sparrows.  Individuals  had  tried  various  modes  in  all  parts, 
but  what  was  the  use?  If,  for  instance,  he  destroyed  them  on  his  own  property,  lii.s 
neighbor  took  no  trouble  and  allowed  the  birds  to  breed  on  his  property  as  fast  as  they 
were  killed  anywhere  else.  Personally  he  had  done  his  best  to  cope  with  the  pest 
and  had  paid  a  man  half  wages,  found  him  in  powder  and  shot,  and,  in  addition,  paid 
for  the  heads  he  produced,  but  even  that  was  useless  while  the  birds  bred  on  the  ad- 
joining land.  While  payment  was  awarded  for  the  heads  and  eggs  bj'  the  Govern- 
ment uot  only  in  the  city  but  also  in  the  suburbs,  there  was  a  perceptible  decrease  in 
the  number  of  birds;  but  as  soon  as  payment  was  stopped  and  the  Sparrows  were 
not  interfered  with  they  multiplied  quite  ten  times,  and  so  great  was  the  pest  be- 
coming that  it  was  a  (lucstiou  now  with  fruit-growers  whether  it  was  advisable  to 
continue  planting  or  uot.  Unless  something  was  done  it  was  of  no  earthly  use  increas- 
ing the  vineyards  or  fruit  gardens. 

Mr.  J.  Curnow  also  reminded  the  treasurer  that  the  deputation  did  not  ask  for  a 
penny  towards  the  work  of  destruction.  The  Sparrows  were  attacking  his  pears, 
about  one-tenth  of  which  ho  had  found  picked  by  the  birds. 

Mr.  A.  Molineux  explained  the  habits  of  the  birds,  which  were  of  the  graminivorous 
class.  They  bred  six  months  in  the  year,  and  each  time  had  eight,  so  that  the  incrcaso 
was  enormous.  If  a  man  had  a  scabby  sheep  the  whole  country  was  alive  to  the  fact 
and  the  animal  was  ordered  to  be  destroyed,  or  perhaps  the  whole  flock;  but  the 
Sparrows  were  allowed  to  multiply  and  do  iuuuense  injury  without  anything  being 
done. 

Mr.  S.  Braund  strongly  supported  the  motion.  The  farmers,  too,  suffered  immensely 
by  the  Sparrows,  and  something  needed  to  be  done  to  check  the  increase  or  the  results 
would  be  ruinous  to  them. 

Mr.  H.  Laffer  said  the  birds  were  getting  thoroughly  established  in  the  hills  also. 
Whatever  was  done  must  be  of  a  compulsory  nature.  He  knew  that  large  sums  wonld 
have  been  laid  out  in  planting  but  for  the  Sparrows, 

Mr.  J.  Pitt  said  he  had  noticed  that  day  that  the  Sparrows  were  now  beginning  with 
the  olives.    Messrs.  Dwyer  and  J.  T.  Holmes  supported  the  request. 

The  treasurer,  in  reply,  said  he  was  exceedingly  pleased  with  the  manner  in  which 
the  deputation  liad  brought  the  matter  before  him,  because  they  did  uot,  as  was  the 
case  with  most  deputations,  ask  the  Government  for  assistance  with  money.  All  they 
desired,  ho  understood,  was  that  power  should  bo  given  to  district  councils  and  cor- 
porations to  levy  a  small  rate  for  the  purpose  of  covering  the  expense  of  destroying 
the  birds.  He  was  not  going  into  the  modes  suggested  by  the  deputation,  because  ho 
had  to  attend  a  meeting  of  cabinet  and  wished  to  get  away.  Although  at  one  time 
ho  thought  for  a  considerable  period  that  tho  fruit-growers  would  be  able  to  fairly 
cope  with  the  trouble  themselves,  ho  was  perfectly  satisfied  now  of  the  difficulty  of 


EVIDENCE. FRQM    NEW    ZEALAND    PUBLICATIONS 


357 


leiH.  Some- 
18  bad  as  tho 
I  they  would 
iposo  of  it  in 

terest  in  tiio 
fhich  recom- 
of  Sparrows, 
Colton  Gov- 
ised  tenfold, 
bs  would  not 
ople,  but  Iio 
it,  vigoroHH, 
1  eggs  would 

of  cbeckiug 
in  all  parts, 
•roperty,  his 
i  fast  as  they 
tU  the  pest 
Idition,  paid 
d  on  the  ad- 
tho  Goveiii- 
>  decrease  in 
arrows  wero 
the  pest  bo- 
ld visable  to 
use  increas- 

)t  ask  for  a 
bis  pears, 

-minivorous 

ho  incrcaso 

to  the  fact 

Ik ;  but  the 

Ibing  being 

inimeusely 
I  the  results 

bills  also. 
Inns  would 

lining  with 

in  which 
xs  was  till) 
All  they 
and  cov- 
lestroying 
lecauso  he 
one  time 
to  fairly 
iculty  of 


doing  so,  because  ho  knew  they  were  conipleti  ly  at  the  mercy  of  their  neighbors,  no 
matter  what  they  did  and  how  ninch  money  Ihey  spout.  This  year  be  bad  noticed 
the  Sparrows  in  larger  swarms  than  before.  That  very  morning  when  coming  to 
town  bo  bad  scon  some  hundreds  of  thousands  of  them  in  a  paddock,  and  was  simply 
astonished  at  the  multitude.  In  bis  own  garden  the  birds  this  year  had  congregated 
ju  many  tht)usands  and  he  had  shot  them,  but  those  which  escaped  went  to  other 
people's  property  wbisre  thoy  wero  undisturbed.  He  was  quite  satisfied  that  not  only 
the  fruit  industry  but  also  that  of  the  farmers  vould  suffer  unless  some  steps  were 
taken  in  the  matter.  Along  the  Magill  road  last  year  there  was  a  slip  of  wheat 
which  bad  been  left  in  a  p.iddock  by  one  of  the  farmers  who  wished  to  save  some 
seed,  but  before  the  wheat  was  fairly  ripe  or  fit  for  tbe  llidley  reaper  or  common 
reaper  the  Sparrows  attacked  it,  and  more  than  half  of  the  crop  was  oaten  by  them. 
Hosides  that  be  also  observed  that  tho  birds  quickly  lodged  on  the  cars,  which  conse- 
((uently  bent  down  and  broke  tho  straws,  so  that  of  course  it  could  not  bo  reaped. 
He  would  be  able  to  favorably  recommend  the  proposal  of  tho  deputation  to  bis  col- 
leagues, hnt  vvbotber  it  would  be  dealt  with  in  tho  district  councils  bill  or  put  into  a 
small  separate  bill  which  could  bo  easily  amended  be  could  not  then  say.  For  his 
own  part  ho  was  convinced  the  Govornm'nt  would  have  to  do  something.  There  was 
one  method  for  the  destruction  of  the  birds  which  could  be  etfoetively  adopted  if 
done  iiroperlj'.  At  a  certain  time  of  tho  year,  when  there  was  no  fruit  and  the  birds 
had  to  live  upon  seed,  a  little  judicious  management  of  poisonous  grain  would  de- 
stroy liirge  numbers.  But  tbe  Sparrow  was  cunning  and  people  must  bo  eciually 
cunning  in  dealing  with  him.  The  way  in  which  the  work  was  accomplished  at  a 
place  neiii'  Melbourne  was  as  follows :  A  piece  of  ground  was  lixed  upon  where  Spar- 
rows were  numerous,  and  they  were  fed  regularly  for,  say  a  month,  so  that  they 
lookad  for  their  meals  like  fowls  in  a  yard.  On  a  certain  day  poisoned  grain  was 
slipped  in,  and  the  result  was  a  wholesale  destruction. 

1  [o  would  not  detain  tho  deputation,  and  might  say  ho  boped  to  be  able  to  persuade 
his  colleagues  that  some  action  required  to  bo  taken.  The  best  course  in  his  opinion 
was  to  allow  a  small  rate  to  be  levied  fis  suggested. 

The  deputation  then  witbdrow. 

[From  the  Tnranakl  (Xew  Zealand)  Herald,  1880.) 

Farmers  who  are  putting  in  crops  are  experiencing  mueli  difflculty  in  protecting 
tlioir  seed  from  the  Sparrows,  which  begin  their  ravages  ar.  daybreak,  and  need 
watching  until  dark.  A  member  of  tbe  land  board  informs  us  that  as  he  was  driv- 
ing into  town  to  attend  tlio  special  meeting  of  the  board,  on  Monday,  his  curiosity 
was  aroused  by  hearing  the  continual  cracking  of  a  whip  in  a  field  clos.j  to  tbe  road. 
On  making  inquiries  he  ascertained  that  it  was  a  farmer  with  a  stock  whip,  and  be 
was  adopting  this  method  of  frightening  the  birds.  lie  said  be  had  been  at  this  work 
about  a  week,  and  had  to  be  on  the  field  tVcun  early  morning  until  night,  or  the 
Sparrows  would  be  down  in  tbousands.  TIio  iiidd  was  about  7  acres  in  extent,  and 
as  bis  full  time  was  re<iuired  in. watching  it,  the  crop,  it  would  bo  thought,  would 
not  be  very  profitable.  However,  people  who  follow  dairy  farming  have  to  get  straw 
for  winter  use,  and  can  not  abandon  cropping  altogether  simply  because  tho  Sparrows 
make  it  expensive.  ' 


n 

m 

H 

m 


\i' 


I 


1^ 


358 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


SECTION  THIED.- 


-LIST  or  ALL  PEKSONS  WHOSE  TESTIMONY  APPEAES 
IN  THE  BULLETIN. 


[NoTK.— Tliis  list  (outains  tlio  nanios  of  all  persons  wlioso  testimony  has  beon  util- 
ized in  tlio  preparation  of  the  Bulletin,  whotlier  such  testimony  was  contributed  di- 
rectly to  the  Department,  or  had  been  published  already  elsewhere.  Many  pcrsoii.s 
sent  reports,  properly  sij^ned,  but  without  any  indication  of  their  own  residence  or  of 
the  localities  to  which  their  testimony  related.  Such  reports  could  not  bo  used,  and 
the  names  of  the  senders  do  not  appear  in  the  list.  Of  course,  no  anonymous  contri- 
butions were  used. 

TI\o  *  before  the  name  of  a  contributor  indicates  that  his  testimony  was  used  only, 
or  niainly,  in  mapping  the  distribution  of  the  Sparrow  ;  such  reports  usually  came 
from  places  which  the  Sparrow  had  not  thou  reached.] 


Abbot,  William  Hillsborougb,  111. 
Abbott,  Albert  S.,  Bellairc,  Mich, 
Abbott,  Dr.  .1.  De  Bennevillo,  Bristol,  Pa. 
•Abbott,  R.  B.,  Albert  Le.a,  Minn. 
*Aborn.'vthy,  Julo  A.,  Burnsville,  N.  C. 
Abernathy.,  J.  A.,  Rhea  Springs,  Tenn. 
Achert,  Edward  E.,  Denver,  Colo. 
Achesou,  M.  S.,  Swanwick,  111. 
Ackison,  Emma,  L.,  Wellsburgh,  W.  Va, 
Adair,  D.  L.,  Hawesvillo,  Ky. 
Adair,  Jos.,  Terra  Alta,  W.  Va. 
*Adam,  Wirt,  Jackson,  Miss. 

Adams,  Dr. ,  Framlngham,  Mass. 

Adams,  Emma  C,  East  Bethlehem,  Pa. 
Adams,  George  H.,  Beatty,  Pa. 
Adams,  J.  W.,  Springfield,  Mass. 
Adams,  Sarah  A.,  Beatty,  Pa. 
Adkins,  Corwin,  Manistiqne,  Mich. 
Aduey,  E.  T.,  Pittsborongh,  N.  C. 
"Agersborg,  Dr.  G.  S.,  Vermillion,  Dak. 
Aiken,    Charles    E.,    Colorado    Springs, 

Colo. 
Ailly,  Richard  d',  Malvern,  Ark, 
Akers,  C.  B.,  Emory,  Va. 
Akhurst,  John,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
*Albert8on,  M.,  Braganza,  Oa.  , 

*Alcorn,  James  P.,  Kinsley,  Kans. 
Alderson,  J.  N.,  Alderson,  W.  Va. 
Aldrich,  A.  C,  Clare,  Mich. 
"Aldrich,  Charles,  Webster  City,  Iowa. 
'Alexander,  George  D.,  Shreveport,  La. 
"Alexander,  John  P.,  Piano,  Tex. 
Alexander,  Dr.  J.  B.,  Lexington,  Mo. 
Alexander,  J,  C,  O.ak  Hill,  Ohio. 
Alexander,  J.  D.,  Tliomastou,  Ga. 
•Alexander,  .7.  E.,  Enterprise,  Fla. 
Alexander,  J.  T.,  Breckenridge,  Mo. 
Alexander,  W.  F.,  Burkoaville,  Ky. 
Allen,  A.  T.,  Denver,  Colo. 
Allen,  C.  K.,  Sci'th  Windham,  Me. 


Allen,  Dr.  C.  P.,  Leech  Lake,  Minn. 
Allen,  ,J,  A.,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
•Allen,  James  W.,  Sheldon,  Dak. 
Allen,  J.  C,  OIney,  111. 
Allen,  J.  II.,  Durham,  N.  C. 
•Allen,  L.  M.,  Daingertield,  Tex. 
Allon.M.  N.,Titusvillc,  Pa. 
•Allen,  Samuel  J.,  Cub  Hill,  Utah. 
Almy,  P.  il.,  Siasconset,  Mass.    . 
•Alward,  ■/.  B.,  Camden,  Mich. 
Alwood,  William  B.,  Columbus,  Ohio, 
Ambrose,  J.  D.,  Lebo,  Kans. 
Amburgey,  J.  F.,  Lebanon,  Va. 
Ames,  D.  D.,  Avoca,  Ark. 
Amis, Thos.  H.,  Barboursvillo,  Ky, 
•Anderson,  C.  B.,  Zumbrota,  Minn. 
Anderson,  G.  W.,  Pax  ton,  111. 
Anderson,  II.  W,,  Laurens  C.  II.,  S.  C. 
•Anderson,  .Jobu,  Tower,  Minn. 
Anderson,  P.  D.,  Kearney,  Mo. 
Anderson, Thos.  F,,  Dennis  Mills,  La. 
•Anderson,  W.  B.,  Millbrooke,  Kans. 
Andrew,  Dr.  Geo.  L.,  La  Porte,  Ind. 
•Andrews,  J.  W.,  Harrison,  Ark. 
•Andrews,  L.  E.,  Louisville,  Colo. 
Andrews,  W.  R.,  Union  City,  Tenn. 
Aiulros,  Chas.  H.,  Taunton,  Mass. 
Andrus,  F.  C,  Almout,  Mich. 
•Angell,  F.  A.,  Hawthorne,  Nov. 
Angus,  James,  West  Farms,  N.  Y. 
Angus,  Wm.  Cratie,  Glasgow,  Scotland. 
Annis,  F.  W.,  Osage,  Iowa. 
•Anthony,  A.  W.,  Denver,  Colo. 
Apgar,  Prof.  Austin  C,  Trenton,  N.  J. 
Apperson,  Dr.  Jno.  S.,  Town  House,  V:i. 
•Ajtplegate,  Carrie,  Blairstown,  Iowa. 
Appleton,  Geo.  Lyman,  Ways  Station,  G;i. 
Archer,  Charles,  Chester  Ilill,  Ohio. 
Armstrong,  Dr.  C.  T.,  Corunna,  Mich. 
Arnott,  Joha  D.,  Tiptonville,  Tenn, 


LIST   OP   CONTRIHUTORS. 


359 


I APPEAES 


•Arnold,  Geo.  B.,  KasHon,  Minn. 
Arnold,  I.  N  ,  Uichmond,  Iowa. 
Arnold,  L.  H.,  Tronton,  Ky. 
Arrants,  I.  C,  Decatnr,  Tenn. 
ArnndoU,  C.  A.,  Farnuvcll,  Va. 
Asbiiry,  Btuij.P.,  Kinfjston,  Ohio. 
Ashby,  C.  M.,  Spottsylvania  C.  H.,  Va. 
Asliby,  R.  J.,  Charleston,  W.  Va. 
Ashe,  S.  A.,  Raloigh,  N.  C. 
•Ashniead,  Wni.  11.,  JackHonville,  Fla. 
Ashton,  H.  C,  Flcniin<;Hl)nri;h,  Ky. 
'Askew,  T.  W.L.,  Austin,  Miss. 
Aspinall,  W.  H.,  Weston,  W.  Va. 
Astholz,  Henry  A.,  Capo  (tirardean,  Mo. 
Atkins,  Dr.  H.  A.,  Locke,  Midi. 
Anld,  D.  J.,  Sumter  C.  II.,  8.  C. 
Austin,  A.  C.,Oshkosh,  Wis. 
Austin,  E.  II.,  Gaylordsvillc,  Conn. 
•Austin,  F.  C,  Orange  City,  Flu. 
Austin,  Jane  K.,Mock8vill(',  N.  C. 
•Avera,  W.  F.,  Camden,  Ark. 
Avery,  J.  O.,  Weston,  Ohio. 
Avery,  Dr.  W.  C.,Grcensborougli,  Ala. 
Ayres,  John,  Medford,  Mass. 
"Baasen,  Francis,  New  IJlm,  Miun. 
Babbitt,  Clinton,  Beloit,  Wis. 
Babcock,  P.  0.,  Monticello,  Iowa. 
Bacon,  I.  C,  Chase  City,  Vi.. 
''Bacon,  J.  M.,  Oregon  City,  Oregon. 
Bagby,  John  S.,  Rnshville,  111. 
Bagby,  R.  A.,  La  Belle,  Mo. 
Bagg,  J.  N.,  West  SpriwgUeld,  Mass. 
Bagwell,  .1.  O.,  Helena,  Ark. 
Bailey,  Alanza  A.,  Evanston,  Wyo. 
•Bailey,  A.  B.,  Malta  Bend,  Mo. 
Bailey,  H.  B.,  East  Orange,  N.  J. 
"Bailey,  J.  W.,  Mulberry,  Ark. 
*Bailey,  M.  Milton,  Ashland,  Kans. 
Bailey,  Vernon,  Elk  River,  Minn. 
Baily,  William  L.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
•Baillio,  O.  P.,  Liberty,  Tex. 
Bain,  Francis,  North  River,  P.  E.  I.,  Cau- 

adii. 
*Bain,  H.  P.,  Great  Bend,  Kans. 
Baine,  Tom,  Hayneville,  Ala. 
Baines,  M.  W.,  Staftord  C,  H.,  Va. 
Bair,  II.  C.,Punxsutawney,  Pa. 
Baird,  A.  B,  Hartford,  Ky. 
*Baird,  John  R,,  Johnsonville,  Miss. 
Bake,  Jacob  L.,  Red  Oak,  Iowa. 
Baker,  Amos  C,  jr..  Now  Bcdfurd,  Mass. 
•Baker,  G.  W.,  Olivet,  Dak. 
Baker,  H.  C,  Hiawatha,  Kans. 
Baker,  H.T.,  Berlin,  Wis. 
Baker,  James  S.,  Say  ville,  N.  Y. 


Baker,  L.  J.,  Bowling  Green,  Va. 

Baker,  M.  D.,  Uniontown,  Pa. 

Bakcn-,  N.  G.,  Parkei-sbnrgh,  Iowa. 

Baiier,  W.  R.,  Boonville,  Mo. 

Balch,  W.  E.,  Lunenbnrgh,  Vt. 

'Mall.J.  A.,  Belmont,  Nev. 

Ball,  Theo.  G.,  New  Worcester,  Mass. 

•Ballon,  E.L.,Igo,Cal. 

Ballon,  W.H.,  Chicago,  III. 

"Bancroft,  E.  P.,  Mankato,  Kans. 

Banks,  J.   W.,  Por.iand,  St.  John,  Njw 
Brunswick,  Canada. 

•Banner,  C.C.,  Aaron,  N.  C. 

Barber,  I.  G.,  Middleburgli,  Pa. 

"B.Trbcr,  N.  R.,  Corvallis,  Orcg. 

"Bardon,  John  A.,  Superior,  Wis. 

Barker,  J.  M.,  Fayette  City,  Pa. 

Barknian.Chas.  W.,  Carinichael's,  Pa. 

IJarnard,  John,  Delphi,  Ind. 

Barnar<l  Si.  Plank,  Deer  Creek,  Ind. 

•Barnes,  C,  .Jonestown,  Miss. 

Barnes,  Joseph,  Richmond,   South   Aus- 
tralia. 

Barnos.J.  H.,  Grimn,  Ga. 

»Barnett,C.G.,  Henderson,  Tex. 

narnbill,B.B.,Two  Rivers,  N.S,,  Can. 

Barns,  N.S.,  Fairmonut,  W.  Va. 

Barnuni,E.  D.,  Angeliea,  N.  Y. 

Barroll,  II.  F.,  New  Providence,  N.  .1. 

Barrel!,  Robert  W.,  South  Bethlehem,  Pa. 

Barrett,  C.S.,  Charlotte,  Mich. 

•Barrett,  E.  F.,  Aitkin,  Minn. 

Barrett,  W.  J.,  Kinston,  N.  C. 

Barron,  T.  D.,  Saint  Clair,  Mich. 

Barrows,  Morton,  Saint  Paul,  Minn, 

Barrows,  Walter  B.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Barthel,  Aug.,  Belleville,  111. 

Bartiet,    Rev.    J.   Pemberton,    Exbury, 
Hants,  Eng. 

•Barton,  J.  M.,  Cameron,  Tex. 

Bartrain,  C.  E.,  Fredonia,  N.  Y. 

'Bassett,  S.  F,,  Richmond,  Mo. 

Bast,  Jos.,  Sheboygan,  Wis. 

"Batclielder,  E.  M.,  Radersbargh,  Mont. 

"Bateman,  R.  P.,  Sheridan,  Mont. 

•Bates,  J.  A.  T.,  Oakland,  Iowa. 

•Bates,  J.  D.,  Denton,  Tex. 

•Baugli,  J.  J.,  Des  Arc,  Ark. 

Bauni,  A.  W.,  Irwinton,  Ga. 

Uanmed,  Herman,  Johnstown,  Pa. 

Baxter,  Dr.  .las.,  Chatham,  N.  B.,  Can. 

Bayard,  II.  O.,  Austin,  Minn. 

•Bayless,  T.H.,  Hope,  Ark. 

Beach,  E.S.,  Valparaiso,  Ind. 

Boacb,  H.  D.,  Coshocton,  Ohio. 


•'  A  i 


360 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


''■ 


I 


?  ' 


Beacb.L.  H.,  Albion,  N.  Y. 
"IJoacli,  W.  J.,  Farra|;iit,  lowft. 
Hetil,  I'rof.  V.  K.  L.,  Filclihiirj;,  Miihh. 
Ucall,  Lc<>,  liU.h  Hill,  Mo. 
Boamiiii,  1).  C,  Ottiimwa,  Iowa 
Heard,  D.C.,  Flimhing,  N.  Y. 
•Beard, T.  A.  C,  Cnite,  Ni«ln. 
Buattio,  JanicH,  HillHdalc;,  Mich. 
Boatty,  Miller,  Clarion,  I'n. 
Beauchamp,  Rev.  W.  M.,  Duhhvinsvillo, 

N.Y. 
*BeavtirH,  M.  M.,  Waldron,  Ark. 
"Beavers,  U.  ('.,  (jirniidy,  Va. 
Bobout,  A.  .1.,  Sniithlaud,  Ky. 
Bccber,  E.  F.,  England. 
'Beck,  Micliael,  Jordan,  Minn. 
Becker,  Cburles,  Freebnrgli,  111. 
"Becker,  Cbri"t'an,  Monnt  Vernon,  Ala. 
Beckbain,   Cbarlea  W.,   Nelaou   County, 

Ky. 
Beckwitb,  Charles  W.,  FrecU'ricton,N.  B., 

Can. 
•Bockwith,  Ironus,  Alexandria,  Tenn. 
•Jiecdy,  N.  J.,  PoHtville,  Iowa. 
"Bookman,  Ooorgo,  Helena,  Mini  . 
'Beeman,    Howard    P.,   Pans   CLri.>i.,'in, 

MIhs. 
'Beers,  F.  E.,  Qilnioro  City,  Iowa, 
Beeson,  H.  H.,  New  Market,  N.  C. 
"Boesou,  O.,  Caldwell,  Kans. 
Beirne,  A.,  Lowisburgh,  W.  Va. 
•Belcher,  C.  C,  Okmulgee,  Ind.  T. 
Belding,  L.,  Stockton,  Cal. 
Bell,  Everett,  Trenton,  Tenn. 
Bell,  .lames,  Strathiieldsayc,  Hampshire, 

Eng. 
Bell,   Prof.   James  T,,   Belleville,  Out., 

Can. 
"Bell,  John  C,  Astoria,  Oregon. 
Bell,  J.  G.,  Sparkhill,  N.  Y. 
"Bell,  Lucy  M,,  Willis,  Tex. 
Bell,  William  P.,  Accomack  C.  H.,Va. 
•Bellamy,  Lucas  W.,  Belle  Plain,  Tex. 
Bellows,  Charles  E.,  Bridgeton,  N.  J. 
"Beloate,  C.  R,  Corning,  Ark. 
"Bench,  J.  M.,  Coal  Hill,  Ark. 
"Bender,  C,  jr.,  Spring,  Tex. 
Beudire,  Capt.  Chas.  E.,  Washington.  D.C. 
Benford,  L.  J.,  Ursina,  Pa. 
Benham,  Sidney  L.,  Crescent  City,  Fla. 
"Benjamin,  H.  R.,  Tampa,  Fla. 
"Bennel,  B.  F.,  Windsor,  Cal. 
Benner,  H.  L.,  Gettysburgb,  Pa. 
Benner,  J.  F.,  New  Lisbon,  Ohio. 
*fiennett,  C.  A.,  Granite  Falls,  Minn. 


Bennett,  E.  J.,  CaHliiers,  N.  C. 
•Mennett,  F.  U.,  Odebolt,  Iowa. 
"Itt'iiiuitt,  L.  B.,  Worthington,  Miuu. 
•Bennett,  8.  C,  Georgetown,  Colo. 
Hennett,  William  'I'.,  Waterford,  Va. 
HenHoii,  (Jeorge  W.,  Atlanta,  ()». 
lienson,  Lieut.  Harry  C,  Camp  Hnachuca, 

Ariz. 
Mcnsan,  Mary,  Hi>oker.  Ind. 
Hi'ntley,  L.  E.,  nonaldsonvillc,  La. 
•IWntoo,  A.  H.,  Madelia,  Minn. 
•Berger,  Charles  A.,  Hlnnt,  Dak. 
Bcrgtold,  Dr.  W.  H.,  UntValo,  N.  Y. 
Berkey,  E.  G.,  Harristowii,  Ind. 
Boiry,  Dr.  Daniel,  Carnii,  III. 
JUrry,  George  H.,  North  Livermore,  Me. 
•Berry,  Henry  N.,  Iowa  City,  Iowa. 
"Berry,  Jno..  Ozark,  Ark. 
Bcrthoinl,  William  B.,  Barataria,  La. 
Bessoy,  Prof.  Charles  E.,  Lincoln,  Nobr. 
Bi'ssnier,  John,  Hastings,  Mich. 
Beverly,  John  James,  Woodvillo,  South 

Australia. 
Bibb,  J.  W.,  Elsberry,  Mo. 
•Bibbins,  Charles  A.,  Baldwin,  La. 
Bicknell,  Eugene  P.,  Riverdale,  N.  Y. 
BicknoU,  Hon.  G.  A.,  Now  Albany,  Ind. 
•Bielby,  C.  F.  A.,  De  Land,  Fla. 
•Bienvenii,  Albert,  Saint  Martinvillo,  La. 
Bigelow,  J.  Allen,  Poutiac,  Mich. 
"Bigham,  J.  A.,  Tyler,  Minn. 
Binkerd,  Dr.  A.  D.,  Cochran,  Ind. 
•Binnicker,  Jno.  B.,  Hampton,  S.  C. 
Binns,  Samuel,  F.ayette,  Ohio. 
Bird,  .T.  W.,  Menominee,  Mich. 
Bird,  W.  B.,  King  and  Queen  C.  H.,  Va. 
Birt,  Thomas,  IJtica,  N.  Y. 
Bishop,  Louis  B.,  New  Haven,  Conn. 
Bivins,  .1.  M.  Albemarle,  N.  C. 
•Bjorge,  C,  Lake  Park,  Minn. 
Blachly,  Dr.  Charles  P.,  Manhattan,  Kaus. 
•Blain,  E,  F.,  Tomichi,  Colo. 
*Blair,  W.  H.,Monte8ano,  Wash. 
Blake,  Eli  Whitney,  3d,  Providence,  R.I. 
Bhikemore,  Eugene,  Shelbyville,  Teun. 
Blake-slee,  G.  A.,  Galien,  Mich. 
Blakistou,,  T.  W.,  London,  Ohio. 
•Blakuey,  G.,  Carthage,  Mo. 
•Blandig,  Joseph,  Convent,  La. 
Blase,  Joseph  L,,  Cynthiana,  Ind. 
•Blatchford,  G.  E.,  Maysvillo,  Colo. 
"Bligh,  D.  C,  Minburn,  Iowa. 
"Blumer,  A.,  Moss  Point,  Miss. 
Boardmau,  George  A.,  Calais,  Me. 
Bobbitt,  Jno.  S.,  Sussex  C.  H.,  Va. 


LIST    OF    CONTKIBKTOKS. 


3G1 


Itoblit/,  K.  L.,  Muclmiiii'Htiiwii,  Md, 
"Uodnt,  (it^or};<'i  Sun  I>i«'>;"»  Tox. 
I!(.«lin(<,  A.  L.,  I'liiinvillo,  oliio. 
KikIIuii,  J.  T.,  I'lilridI,  Iiiil. 
Hodlcy,  Dr.  A.  U  ,  C^iumu'iiio,  Kims. 
'ItDt'iiKT,  TlifulilitiiH,  Colniiiliiii,  Miss. 
IJDf^iUi,  Joliii  S.,  Mount  Vt'inon,  111. 
Ilojjcrt,  R.  v.,  Iloaver  Diiiii,  Wis. 
'HojiyH,  TlKMnlorc,  Mcl'lii'i'son,  Ivans, 
llohl,  Danittl,  Laurt;!,  Ohio. 
lioiuB,  A.  II.,  IIiiilsoii,  Midi. 
Hollnian,  (J.  II.,  lilooniiiiKlim,  Intl. 
l!i)lton,  Frank  D.,  Now  Harmony,  Intl. 
ISolton,  Dr.  Tom,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Itoiton,  W.  I'.,  Liberty  S(|nare,  Pa. 
Mond,  Frank,  Clii'vcnne,  Wyo. 
Hond,  Fred  T.,  Vallcjo,  Cal. 
Hond,  H.  L.,  Iowa  City,  Iowa. 
Hondman,  Jno.  F.,  Ihiorlicld,  Ala. 
Hondnsant,  A.,  Saint  .JoHcpli,  La. 
Honliam,  L.  X.,  Oxfonl,  Ohio. 
Honncr,  Macon,  Washington,  N.  C. 
•JJonncy,  B.  S.,  McPliorson,  Kans. 
'iJonney,  James  II.,  Princess  Anno  C.  H., 

Vu. 
"Bonnoy,  Miles,  Waterproof,  La. 
'Booth,  Henry,  Larned,  Kans. 
•Booth,  .losoph  S.,  Missoula,  Mont, 
Bord,  H.,  Talmagc,  Nebr, 
*Bornarth,  Charles,  Shakopee,  Minn, 
ISoriim,  M.  V.,  Dyorsburgh,  Tcnn. 
*Bornp,  Thcodor,  Fort  Custer,  Mont, 
*J$ostwick,  Kato,  Wesson,  Miss. 
Bosworth,  S.  N.,  Beverly^  W.  Va. 
Boude,  J.  IL,  Augusta,  Ky. 
Bonghner,  A.  V.,  Greensborough,  Pa. 
Boulton,  William,  Alpena,  Mich, 
Bourk,  John,  North  Bay,  Lake  Nipissiug, 

Canada. 
Bourne,  J.  D.,  De  Witt,  Iowa. 
Bowden,  S.  V.,  Jamestown,  Tenn, 
Bowen,  C.  R.,  Hinsdale,  N.  Y. 
Bowen,  E.  A.,  Middleborough,  Mass. 
•Bowen,  W.  S.,  Shetlield,  Iowa. 
'Bowers,  C,  E.,  Pcna  Station,  Tex. 
'Bowers,  Dr.    Stephen,    San    Buouavon- 

tura,  Cal. 
Bowie,  George  R.,  Ghent,  Ky. 
Bowles,  George  John,  Montreal,  Quebec, 

Canada. 
B(   -lus,  E.  M.,  Middletown,  Md. 
B    /^man,  C.  L.,  Frankfort,  Ky, 
*Bowman,  S.  J.,  Manning,  S.  C. 
Boyce,  K.,  Augusta,  Ga. 
*Boyd,  Dr.  Andy,  Larkiuavillc,  Ala. 


•Boyd,  J.  N.,  Cooper,  Tox. 
•Boyd,  M.,  Kosciusko,  Miss. 
Boycr,  J.  W.,  Indepcndeiuc.  Va. 

'Boyian,  (t.  W.,  Hamill D^k. 

Boyle,  .loseph  B.,  W'estniinsler,  Md. 
lioynton,  Dr.  C.  H.,  Lislton,  N.  II. 
Brace,  Hiram  L.,  Newaygo,  Mich. 
•Braccy,  W.  M.,  Terry,  Miss. 
Bracken,  P.,  Parker's  Lauding,  Pu. 
Brackctt,  (icorge  K.,  Belfast,  Me. 
Brackett,  (».  B.,  Dcnnnvrk,  Iowa. 
Braden,  W.  O.,  Now  Brighton,  Pa. 
Braden,  W.  H.,  Purdy,  Tenn. 
Bradford,  E.,  Sparta,  Mich. 
Brady,  .las,  Wiishington,  Pa. 
Brady,  .Fohu,  Batavia,  111. 
Brady,  J  no  ,  Coalton,  Ohio. 
•Brady,  Thomas  T.,  Beresl'ord,  Dak. 
Brady,  Tom  (».,  Buekhannon,  W.  Va. 
Bragaw,  Jno.  T.,  Jersey  City,  N.  .1. 
'Brambleet,  George  D.,\VineheHti!r, Tenn. 
•Brandon,  T.  J.,  Centreville,  Utah. 
Brattiu,  D.  W.,  Brazil,  Ind. 
Braund,  S.,  Adelaide,  South  Australia. 
Braymer,  Dr.  Frank  IL,  West  Pawlet,  Vt. 
Broaden,  J.  C,  Butler,  Pa. 
Breeding,  Hon.  Green,  Booneville,  Ky. 
•Breenian,  Williain  J.,  Sidney,  Nebr. 
Breen,  Edw.  J.,  Weston,  Mo. 
Brewer,  IL  C,  Huntingdon,  Tenn. 
Brewer,  Dr.  T.  M.,  Boston,  Mass. 
Brewerton,  Thomas  W.,  Willard,  Utah. 
•Brewster,  J.  0.,  Hunuewoll,  Kans. 
Brewster,  William,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Brico,  A.  C,  Lenox,  Iowa. 
•Brice  J.  C,  Arcadia,  La. 
Bricc.  VVilliani,  Ithaca,  Mich. 
•Bridgewater,  W.  L.,  Bandana,  Ky. 
Briechuer,  J.  A.,  Taneytown,  Md. 
Briggs,  F.  P.,  Hudson,  Me, 
•Brill,  Fred.,  Lincoln,  Mo. 
Briudey,  Clement  S.,  Raleigh,  N.  C. 
Briucr,  J.  IL,  H.izelton,  Ind. 
Briuker,  J.  IL,  West  Point,  Miss. 
Briukley,  L.  L.,  Edenton,  N.  C. 
Brittaiu,  .John,  Petitcodeac,  New  Bruns- 
wick, Canada. 
•Brittain,  J.  B.,  Jacksonville,  Tex. 
Broad,  Henry,  Marden,  South  Australia. 
Brodhead,  E.  A.,  Kittanning,  Pa. 
Brodie,  John  N.,  Bear  Lake,  Mich. 
Brodie,  Dr.  William,  Toronto,  Cauada. 
Bronson,  Graham,  Vernon  Centre,  N.Y. 
Brooks,  Edward,  Boston,  Mass. 
Brow,  S.  A.,  Lancaster,  Wis. 


302 


THE   P:NGL1SH   SPyiRROW   IN   AMERICA. 


Brown,  W.  C,  Salt  Lako  City,  Utah. 
*Uro\vii,  D.  IJ.,  GoodwatiT,  Ala. 
Brown,  E.  L.,  Dtiiand,  Wis. 
Brown,  E.  L.,  EiiCaiila,  Ala. 
Brown,  F.  II.,  Renfrew,  Pa. 
"Brown,  Ooorjje  B.,  Frcdi  :iia,  Kans. 
'Brown,  Ilurbert,  Tncson,  Ariz. 
Brown,  II.  E.,  Dublin,  Tex. 
Brown,  .Iiilia  B,,  Markland,  Ind. 
Brown,  J.  M.,  Galveston,  Tex. 
Brown,  Dr.  J.  P.  H.,  Anjfiista,  Ga. 
Brown,  .J.  K.,  Queen  City,  Mo. 
''Brown,  .J.  William,  Ba.'^trop,  La. 
*Brown,  Mary  A.,  Hillsborough,  Oregon. 
Brown,  M.  E.,  Bethany,  W.  Va. 
Brown,  Nathan  Clirtbrd,  Portland,  Mo. 
*Brown,  Robert  L.,  Anstin,  Ark. 
Brown,  Will  A.,  Pikcville,  Teun. 
Browne,  F.  C,  Franiinghani,  Mass. 
Brownlcy,  A.  M.,  Franklin,  Va. 
Broyles,  W.  T.,  Dayton,  Tenn. 
'Briigh,  M.  P.,  Eutaw,  Ala. 
Brun.wn,  W.  II.,  Edgefield  C.  II.,  S.  C. 
Brunt,  John  R.,  Osago  Missiou,  Kans. 
Brnton,  W.  P.,  Dover,  Teun. 
•Bryan,  I.  W.,  Dillon,  Ga, 
Bryant,  Walter  E.,  Oakland,  Cal. 
Brydia,  C.  S.,  Sanuemin,  111. 
*Bn(k,  Ad'ini,  Henderson,  Minu. 
Buck,  A.  J.,  Oskaloosa,  Kans. 
•Buckner,  Louis,  N-nvellton,  La. 
Budd.Heury  I.,  Mount  Holly,  N.  J. 
'Buddecke,  A.  E.,  Montrose,  Colo. 
•Budge,  Annie,  Paris,  Idaho. 
Burtingtoti,  .1.  F.,  New  Windsor,  Md. 
Bunnewitz,  L.,  Wolcott,  Iowa. 
Buusen,  George  C,  West  Belleville,  111. 
'Burbai.k,  H.  A., Laredo,  Tex. 
BnrOank,  J.  A.,  Welcome,  La. 
Burger,  S.  N.,  Manchester,  Teun. 
Burhaiis,  Howard,  Heath,  N.  Y 
Bnrke,  \V.  A.,  Staunton,  Va. 
Burleigh,    County    Connuissioner,    New 

Haven,  Conn. 
•Burloy,  T.  S.,  Walhalla,  I^ak. 
Burmeister,  Charles,  Frankfoit,  Mich. 
Burns,  Frank  L.,  Berwyn,  Pa. 
•Burns,  John  J  ,  Sprague,  Wash, 
•Burns,  J.  T.,  Dayton,  Wash. 
Burns,  Robert,  Houston,  Tex. 
Burns,  William,  I'ovt  Huron,  Mich. 
"Burr,  R.  H.,  Bartow,  Fla. 
•Burrell,  H.  P.,  Elk  River,  Minn. 
Burrough,  Edward,  Merchantville,  N.  J. 
•Bui roughs,  C.  H.,  La  Crosse,  Wis. 


Burrow,  W.  J.,  Plymouth,  Mich. 

Burt,  Sam.  W.,  Salem,  Ala. 

Burtis,  Henry  M.,  Port  Washington,  N.Y. 

Burton,  Ruth  C,  Taylorsvillo,  Ky. 

•Burwell,  D.  M.,  Minnetonka,  Minn. 

B".skirk,  J.  B.,  Logan  C.  II.,  W.  Va. 

Butcher,  S.  J.,  Burlington  Junction,  Mo. 

Butler,  Amos  W.,  Brookvillo,  lud. 

Butler,  Charles  H.,  Paw  Paw,  Mich. 

•Butler,  F.  G.,  Schaller,  Iowa. 

Butler.  S.  M.,  Clifton  Forge,  Va. 

Butterworth,  T.,  '^uiucy.  111. 

Button,  Charles  \V.,Lynchburgh,  Va. 

^Butts,  E.  G.,  Stillwater,  Minn. 

Butz,  William  T.,  Now  Castle,  Pa. 

Buxton,  C.  L.,  England. 

Byars,  Jas.,  Covington,  Tenn. 

Byram,  R.  R.,  Lena,  Wis. 

"Byrne,  ]M.  E.,  Enterprise,  Miss. 

•Byrnes,  J.  M.,  Breuham,  Tox. 

Byrum,  Geoige  .".,  Laconia,  Ind. 

•Cabcon,  J.  II.,  Bclleview,  La. 

"Cage,  John  W.,  Mineola,  Tex. 

Gaboon,  .lohu  C,  Taunton,  Mass. 

"Cain,  M.G.,  Seymour,  Iowa. 

Calderwood,  M.  H.,  Eldridge,  Iowa. 

Caldwell,  L.  W.,  Warrenton,  Va. 

Calohan,  Mary  M.,  Edenburgh,  Va. 

Calvin,  John  H.,  Rosewood,  Ind. 

•Calvin,  T.  W.,  Lake  View,  Oregon. 

Cameron,  J.  D.,  Ashevillo,  N.  (;. 

Camp,  Robert  D.,  New  Haven,  Conn. 

Campbell,  Altes  H.,Iola,  Kans. 

Campbell,  George  W.,  Delaware,  Ohio. 

Campbell,  II.  D.,  Traverse  City,  Mich. 

Campbell,  Isabella,  Blairsville,  Pa. 

Cau>pbell,  James  L.,  Boyne  City,  Mich. 

Campbell,  John,  Flint,  Mich. 

Campbell,  M.  J.,  Fontana,  Kans. 

Campbell,  0.  L.,  Knoxville,  111. 

•Campbell,  Thomas,  Medical  Lake, Wash. 

Camper,  C.  B,,  Fincastle,  Va. 

Candhind,  A.  W.,  Chester,  Utah. 

•Cannon,  .Tamos,  Manka<o,  Minn. 

•Cannon,  Walter  R.,  Norton,  Kans. 

*Cannon,William,Fort  Abraham  Lincoln, 
Dak. 

"Canon,  W.H.,  Merrill,  Wis. 

Cantwell,  James  S.,  Smithlield,  Utah. 

*Caragan,  Will  lam  H.,Young'.sSpring.Ky. 

•Caraway,  ,1.  H.,  Konceverte,  W.  Va. 

Card,  IraB.,  Hillsdale,  Mich. 
j  "Card,  L.  A     Big  Stone  City,  Dak. 
I  Carder,  T.y.     'illas.  Ark. 
i  *Cardwelt,  W.:.'.,  Jackson,  Ky. 


LIST    OF   CONTRIBUTORS.        ''T 


363 


Mich. 

L 

sliiiij^ton,  N.  Y. 
illo,  Ky. 
kii,  Minn. 
I.,  W.  Va. 
Junction,  Mo. 
I",  Ind. 
■w,  Mich. 
\va. 
,  Va. 
11. 

ljiirgh,Va. 
inn. 
;i»S  Pa. 

in. 

Miss. 

lud. 

)X. 

Miiss. 
I, 

p,  Iowa. 
,  Va. 
,'li,  Va. 
Iiid. 
Oregon. 
.  ('. 
II,  Conn. 

IS. 

arc,  Ohio. 
ty,  Mich, 
le,  Pa. 

ity,  Mich. 


MR. 
I. 

>ak(',Wash. 


ih. 

nn. 

Kans. 

in  Lincoln, 


(Jarcw,  .Joseph  W.,  Hahnville,  Lii. 
*Caicy,  G.  W.,  North  Yakima,  Wasli. 
Carey,  .John  II.,  Morristown,  Ohio. 
L'arlin,  James,  Cloves,  Ohio. 
(Jarraino,  J.  W.,  Boston,  Ga. 
Carpenter,  Charles  M.,  Providence,  R.  I. 
(Carpenter,  F.  II.,  Reliohoth,  Mass. 
Carpenter,  H.  O.,  Coe  Ridye,  Ohio. 
Carper,  John  C,  New  Castle,  Va. 
"Carr,  Isaac  ''\,  Neillsville,  Wis. 
Carr,  R.  F.,  Tazewell,  Tenn. 
*Carr,  S.  A.,  Galena,  Mo. 
*Carrington,    J.    F.,  Elizahothtown,  N. 

Mex. 
Carrithers.C.  F.  H.,  Fairhiiry,  111. 
Carroll,  John,  West  St.  I^onis,  Mo. 
Carroll,  Patrick,  Lonaconing,  Md. 
Carryl,  F.  M.,  Passaic  Bridge,  N.  J. 
Carter,  Alonzo  TL,  Hardin,  111. 
Carter,  Charles  W.,  Aledo,  111. 
'Carter,  D.  M.,  Ilattieshnrgh,  Miss. 
'Carter,  John  II.,  Ilarrisonburgh,  La. 
*Carter,  M.  A.,  Pine  Apple,  Ala. 
'Carter,  M.E.,  Fort  Bridger,  Wyo. 
Cartwright,  E.  G.,  La  Fayette,  Tenn. 
Carver,  A.  II.,  Lickley  Corners,  Mich. 
Case,  G.  L.,  Anstiri,  Minn. 
*Case,  Jennie  L.,  Asotin,  Wash. 
Case,  Jesse  G.,  Feconic,  N.  Y. 
*Case,  J.  B.,  Paradise  Valley,  Nev. 
Casey,  M.  J.,  Vail,  Iowa. 
Caskey,  .John  O.,  Enon  Valley,  Pa. 
Gate,  Clarence  L.,  Spencer,  Mass. 
Gate,  G.  W.,  Stevens'  Point,  Wis. 
Canlkins,  Dr.  ,Iohn  S.,  Thornville,  Mich. 
*Cavo,  S.  II.,  Terrai.ce,  Utah. 
Cayton,  William  M.,  Saint  George,  W.  Va. 
•Chaffo,  J.C.T.,  Minden.La. 
Chalfant,  Thomas,  Danville,  Pa. 
Chalmers,  Thomas,  Ilolj'okc,  Mas.s. 
Chamberlain,  Montague,  St.  John,  N.  B., 

Canada. 
Chamberlain,  M.  A.,  Winthrop,  Iowa. 
Chambers,  John,  Sonth  Richmond,  South 

Australia. 
"Champion,  T(.,  Bre  ;kenridge,  Minn. 
•Chandler,  R.  P.,  Riverside,  Cal. 
Chapin,  B.  T.,  Brc  ckwayvillo.  Pa. 
Chapin,  Rev.  D.  D.,  Allegan,  Mich. 
*Chapman,  Adkins,  Wayne  C.  ^l.,  W.  Va. 
Chapman,  Frank  M.,  Gainesville,  Fla. 
•Chappidear,  R.  H.,  Boggy.  Ga. 
Charles,  Alex.,  Cedar  R:i))id8,  Iowa. 
Chase,  Edward  R.,  Corinne,  Utah. 
Chiise,  S.  B.,  Osage,  Iowa. 


•Chatlield,  E.  E.,  Belle  Plaine,  Minn. 
Cheatham,  Mrs.  Anna  B.,  Na8hville,Tenu. 
*Chency,  S.  F.,  Woodward's  Cove,  Grand 

Miinan,  N.  B.,  Canada. 
Cherrie,  George  K.,  Knoxville,  Iowa. 
Chcsney,  Isoin,  Percy,  111. 
*Chessher,  D.  T.,  Georgetown,  Tex. 
Chichester,  Andrew,  Amityville,  N.  Y. 
"Childs,  F.  C,  Leesburg,  Fla. 
Chisinan,  Mattie  K.,  Hampton,  Va. 
Christian,  L.  A.,  Mount  Gilead,  N.C. 
*Christlicb,  B.  F.,  Long  Lake,  Minn. 
•Christy,  J.  C,  Silver  City,  Iowa. 
Church,  A., Now  York.N.Y. 
Church,  A.  M.,  Boouville,  N.  Y. 
•Churchill,  Arthur,  Rngby,  Tenn. 
•Churchill,  C.  P.,  Linn  Creek,  Mo. 
Clapp,  Charles  M.,  Albion,  lud. 
Clapp,  W.  C,  Dorchester,  Mass. 
•Clark,  A.  K.,,jr.,  Hugo,  Colo. 
•Clark,  A.  M.,  Spencer,  Tenn. 
'Clfvrk,  Edwin  B.,  Waxahachie,  Tex. 
Clark,  Frank  D.,  Farinington,  Mich. 
Clark,  George  A.,  Bloomsbiirgh,  Pa. 
•Clark,  George  W.,  Lyons,  Kans. 
Clark,  Ilarvey,  Butler,  Mo. 
Clark,  Hubert  L.,  Amherst,  Mass. 
Cl.ark,  J.  D.,  Brookfield,  Ohio. 
Clark,  J.  R.,  La  Grange,  Ky. 
•Clark,  L.  B.,  Newton,  Tex. 
Clark,  Mrs.  M.  A.,  Falmouth,  Ky. 
•Clark,  M.  A.,  Giddings,  Tex. 
Clark,  N.,  Baltimore,  Md. 
Clark,  W.  C,  Paducah,  Ky. 
•Clark,  W.  II. ,,)!•.,  Florence,  Wi.s. 
•Clark,  S.  II.,  Elwood,  Iowa. 
Clark,  S.  M.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
•Clark,  S.  N.,  Cleburne,  Tex. 
Clarke,  James  W.,  l)e  Soto,  Mo. 
Clarke,  J(din  G.,  West  Kingston,  R.  I. 
•Clay,  CM.,  Blue,  Utah. 
Claypole,  Prof.  E.  W.,  Akron,  Ohio. 
Claywell,  J.  A.,  Morganton,  N.  C. 
Clement,  Asa,  Dracut,  Mass. 
Clement,  Paul  A.,  Cumining,  Ga. 
Clements,  Shannon,  Bucyrus,  Ohio. 
•Cleveland,  C.  B.,  Lind;'n,  Ala. 
Clevenger,  William,  .*  ilmington,  Ohio. 
Cliftord,  J.  Philip,  Clarksburgh,  W.  Vr*.. 
Clinton,  John,  Brownsville,  Tenn. 
•Clopton,  Frank  B.,  Pendletrni,  Oregon. 
Coale,  H.  K.,  Chicago,  111. 
Coat/,,  Thomas  C,  North  Roy alton,  Ohio. 
Cobleigh,W.S.,  Peoria,  HI. 
"Cochran,  John  H.,  Dallas,  Tox. 


364 


THE    ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMEUICA. 


Cochran,  J.  L.,  Stroiij^,  Kans. 

*Cocliran,  Mrs.  Maria  S.,  l$ra/,oria,  Tex. 

Cocliraiio,  J.  D.,  Dexter,  Mo. 

Cocko,  Peyton  A.,  Surry  Conrt-IIonse,  Va. 

*Cocke,  Thomas  II.,  A'ietoria,  Tex. 

•Coflee,  M.  !•:.,  Bnruet,  Tex. 

Collin,  A.  v.,  Lo  Roy,  Kans. 

Coft'rotli,  J.  K.,  Somerset,  Pa. 

Cofjan,  Ella  J.,  Moutollo,  Wi.s. 

Cohoon,J.  A.,  EfflngIiani,Kaiis. 

Colan),.J()bn,  Eii<;lan(l. 

Cole,  Beaumont,  Ailelaide,  South  Austra- 
lia. 

Cole.H.  D.,  Williamsburgh,  Va. 

Coleman,  W.  E.,  JefVerson  City,  Mo. 

*Colin,  Lehman,  Lee,  Miss. 

Collins,  C.  l'\,  Homer,  Mieli. 

*Collius,  Daniel  R.,  Cherry  Creek,  Nev. 

Collins,  D.  K.,  Charleston,  N.  C. 

•Collins,  W.  v.,  Gonzales,  Tex. 

*Colson,  Herman,  Ionia,  Kans. 

Colston,  Wm.  B.,  Jlartinsbur};!!,  W.  Va. 

Comean,  Napoleon  A.,  Godbont,  (Quebec, 
Canada. 

Comstock,  Prof.  F.  M.,  Le  Roy,  N.  Y. 

*Conatser,  W.  S.,  Palo  Pinto,  Tex. 

Conklin,  J.  B.,  Springport,  Micli. 

Conklin,  W.  A.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Coun,  James  H.,  Saint  John's,  Mich. 

•Connor,  I.,  Ponea,Nebr. 

•Connor,  James  C,  Aspen,  Colo. 

Connor,  .1.  T.,  Rome,  Ind. 

Connst,  J.  L.,  Flemiugton,  N.  J. 

•Conrad,  V.  M.,  Lewis,  Iowa. 

Cook,  A.  J.,  Agricultural  College,  Mich. 

•Cook,  Barbara  E.,  Bowie,  Te,x. 

*Cook,  B.,  Arkadelphia,  Ark. 

•Cook,  E.  G.,  Fullerton,  Nebr. 

•Cook,  Geo.  F.,  Breckenridge,  Minn. 

Cook,  John,  Bridgeport,  Ohio. 

Cook,P.  J.,  Cullom,Ill. 

•Cook,  Thos.  F.,  Monrovia,  Kans. 

Cook,  VV.,  Bowling  Green,  Ky. 

Cooke,  Michael,  Derby,  Kans. 

•Cooke,  T.,  Clear  Creek,  Tex. 

•Cooksey,  W.  H.,  Geneva,  Nebr. 

Cooper,  D.W.,  Bellaire,  Ohio. 

Cooper,  Joseph,  Greenville  County,  S.  C. 

Cooper,  Dr.  J.  G.,  Hay  wards,  Cal. 

•Cooper,  Martin,  Forest  City,  Iowa. 

Coram,  J.  H.,  Morgan,  Ga. 

Cordeaux,  John,Ulccby,  North  Lincoln- 
shire, England. 

Corning,  Erastus,  jr.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Coryell,  R.J. ,  Jouosville,  Mich. 


Costellow,  <'.  W.,  Waterhorough,  Me. 
Cottingham,  F.  G.,  Sharon  Centre,  Ohio. 
Cottroll,  A.,  Morrill,  Kans. 
Cottrell,  J.  F.,  Fort  Scott,  Kans. 
Couch,  Edward  J.,  RidgefiehLConn. 
Cones,  Dr.  Elliott,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Conk,  John  M.,  Jonesville,  Va. 
Council,  M.  B.,  Americns,  Ga. 
Coutant,  Chas.  K.,  Omaha,  Nebr. 
Covell,  J.  D.,  Forreston,  111. 
Cowing,  Granville,  Muncio,  Ind. 
"Cox,  A.,  Blossburgh,  N.  Mex. 
Cox,  Chas.  C,  Wampum,  Pa. 
Cox,  Jas.,  (inmd  Rapids,  Mich. 
•Cox,  W.A.,  Ellijay,  Ga. 
Cox,  W.A.,  Munising,  Mich. 
•Cox,  W.  L.,  Genoa,  Nev. 
Cozati,  E.  W.,  Madisonville,  Tenn. 
•Crabtroe,  S.  H.,  Rohnerville,  Cal. 
Craig,  J.  P.,  Memphis,  Mo. 
"Craig,  M.  A.,  E'  Dorado,  Ark. 
Craig,  W.  T.,  Sa:i  Francisco,  Cal. 
Craig,  Rev.  Dr.,  Mt.  Gambler,  S.Australia. 
•Craiyo,  James  T.,  Paris,  Tex. 
•Cramer,  A.  P.,  Avoca,  Iowa. 
Cramer,  Stephen,  Batavia,  Ohio. 
Crandall,  W.  W.,  Chippewa  Falls,  Wis. 
Crane,  F.  W.,  Maquoketa,  Iowa. 
Crane,  L.  E.,  Millet,  Mich. 
Crane,  Marcus  S.,  Caldwell,  N.  J. 
Crawford,  Chas.  B.,  Milllintown,  Pa. 
Crawford,  Jas.  C,  Cameron,  W.  Va. 
•Crawford,  J.  J.,  Nevinvillc,  Iowa. 
•Crawford,  T.  B.,  Grand  Junctu)n,  Colo. 
•Crawford,  Thos.  W.,  Gainesville,  Ark. 
Crisp,  John  D.,Holdeu,  Mo. 
Criss,  R.  D.  Molvern,  Kans. 
Critchett,  Jas.  C,  Monroe,  Mich. 
Critchfield,  M.  L.,  Oskaloosa,  Kans. 
Crites,  S.D.,  Elida,  Ohio. 
Crittenden,  H.  H.  W.,  Burkeville,  Va.. 
Crittenden,  S.  S.,  Greenville,  S.  C. 
•Crocket,  B.  1).,  San  Augustine,  Tex. 
•Cromastic,  A.  K,,  Clarktou,  N.  C. 
•Crook,  W.  R.,  Falls  City,  Nebr. 
Crosland,  Jas.  E.,  Aiken,  S.  C. 
Crosland,  T.  L.,  Bennettsville,  S.  C. 
Cross,  Willinm  T.,  Gatesville,  N.C. 
Crotsonbnrg,  C.N.,  Clinton,  Wis. 
Crowell,  W.  D.,  Newport  News,  Va. 
Growl,  11.  R.,  Winton  Place,  Ohio. 
Crown,  S.  C,  Hancock,  Md. 
Cro/.ier,    Hon.    John,  Oaklands,    South 

Australia. 
Crozier,  William,  Northport,  N.  Y. 


LIST   OF   CO^TRIBUT0RS. 


365 


'Cniicksliaiik,  Mrs.  S.,  Clay  Center,  Nebr. 
Cram,  N.  W.,  Inez,  Ky. 
Cruzen,  G.  It.,  Stallbrd,  KanH. 
Cneny,  J.  E.,  Chchoygiin,  Mich. 
Cnllingwortli,  William  II.,  Richmond, Va. 
Cnllotn,D.W.,  Cciiua,  Teun. 
Culp,  J.  F.,  Athens,  Mich. 
Culpepper,  Miss  Etta,  Canulla,  Ga. 
Cunningham,  Hon.  John  D.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 
*Cnnninghain,  J.  C,  Muldon,  Miss. 
"Cunningham,  J.  M.,  Henderson,  Teun. 
"Cunningham,  J.  R.,  Cotteysbnrgh,  Mo. 
Cunningham,  W.  T,,  Danville,  111. 
Cnrnow,  J.,  Adelaide,  South  Australia. 
*Currie,  George  W.,  Raleigh,  Miss. 
*Curry,  Hamilton,  Cloquet,  Minn. 
"Curtis,  Charles  D.,  Helena,  Mont. 
Curtis,  F.  D.,  Charlton,  N.  Y. 
"Curtis,  George  W.,  College  Station,  Tex. 
Curtis,  John,  New  Liberty,  Ky. 
Curtiss,  Robert  vV.,  Stratford,  Conn. 
"Cusaday,  W.  H.,  Orange  City,  Iowa. 
Cutcheon,  F.  M.,  Portland,  Mich. 
Cuthbert,  F.  T.,  Minneapolis,  Minn, 
Cutler,  B.  L.,  West  Jordan,  Utah. 
"Cutler,  H.  D.  B.,  Glcnwood,  Mo. 
"Cutter,  John  J., Parker,  Dak. 
Cutting,  Dr.  Hiram  A.,  Luiienburgh,  Vt. 
Daggett,  Alonzo,  Cnttylnuik,  Mass. 
Daine,  E.  A.,  Hyde  Park,  Utah. 
Dakin,J.  A.,Tully,N.Y. 
"Dale,  W.  T.,  Mellette,  Dak. 
Dall.W.lL,  Tampa,  Fla. 
*Dauiel,  Moses,  Brunswick,  Ga.        • 
Daniels,  Jas.  S.,  Jersey  villo.  111. 
Danley,  W.  H.,  Autigo,  Wis. 
"Darling,  A.  L.,  Brownsville,  Minn. 
"Darling,  T.  C,  Eudora,  Kans. 
Dashiell,R.  R,,  Jackson,  Teun. 
"Dangherty,  D.  B.,  Boone,  N.  0. 
Dangherty,  G.  W.,  Carmii  ha*  1  ,  Pa. 
*Daus,  L.  L.,  Rock  Springs,  Wyo. 
Davcr.iiort  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences, 

Davenport,  Iowa. 
Davies,  A.  P.,  Gloucester  C.  H.,  Va. 
Davies,  L.  M.,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
"Davis,  A.  B.,  Winnebago,  Minn. 
Davis,  Charles  A,,  Bui lington,  Vt. 
Davis,  D.  J.,  Wapakon  ;ta,  Ohio. 
Davis,  E.  H. ,  Keyser,  W.  Va. 
Davis,  George  A.,  Mexico,  N.  Y, 
Davis,  Hugh  L.,  Richmond,  Va. 
•Davis,  H.  T.,  Orange,  Tex. 
Davis,  John,  Ridgeway,  Ohio. 
Davis,  John  M. ,  Rochester,  Ind, 


Davis,  Jno.  M.,  Waynesville,  N.  C. 
Davis,  J.  H. ,  Tallapoosa,  Ga. 
"Davis,  J.  J. ,  Salem,  Utah. 
"Davis,  J.  M.,  Ranger,  Tex. 
"Davis,  Luciana  G.,  Rio  Grande  City,  Tex. 
"Davis,  M.  Allie,  Bolton's  Depot,  Miss. 
Davis,  S.  R.,  Creston,  Iowa. 
"Davis,  W.  T.,  Erwiu,  Tenn. 
Davison,  J.  L.,  Lockport,  N.  Y. 
"Dawson,  John  W.,  Phillipsbiirgh,  Mont. 
Dawson,  William  R.,Tidioute,  Pa. 
Day,  H.  S.,  Parkersville,  Kans. 
"Dearborn,  M.,  Wayne,  Nebr. 
Deaton,J.  L.,  Pocahont.is,  Va. 
'Decker,  A.  F.,  Sweet  Water,  Tex. 
Deemer,  H.  E.,  Red  Oak,  Iowa. 
"Deguire,  A.  A.,  Fredericktown,  Mo. 
Deighan,  F.  A.,CaHtalia,  Ohio. 
"Deluding,  Maiy,  Virginia,  Mont. 
De  Lassns,  Joe  R.,  Perry  ville.  Mo. 
Delknap,  J.  H.,  Omer,  Mich. 
Deiupsey,  J.  F.,  Madisonville,  Ky. 
Dendj',  Charles  L.,  Hamilton,  Gii. 
Deniso,  D.  D.,  Freehold,  N.  J. 
Dcnnen,  L.  W.,  Havcusvilh?,  Kans. 
Dennis,  David  B.,  Coldwatcr,  Mich. 
"Dennison,  Hattie,  Vancouver,  Wash. 
*Dennison,  W.  B,  Ivitchlield,  Kans. 
Dent,  F.  Mortimer,  Newburgh,  W.  Va. 
Dent,W.  W.,  Marquette,  Mich. 
Denton,  E.  P.,  Bagdad,  Ky. 
•Denton,  F.  D.,  Batesville,  Ark. 
"Derrick,  J.  A,,  Pittsburgh,  Tex, 
Dessert,  F.  A.,  Macon  City,  Mo. 
Detweiler,  Dr.  J.  F.,  Wadsworth,  Ohio. 
Deutsch,  Peter  J.,  Magnoli:i,  Ind. 
Davanney,  Mrs.  Maria,  (ilendale,  Ohio. 
Devicr,  H.  K.,  Dayton,  Va. 
De  Wald,  Henry,  {'ollinsville,  111. 
De  Wolf,  Samuel,  Rochester,  Minn. 
Dil)rell,  W.  L.,  Sparta,  Tenn. 
Dick,  A.  M  ,  West  Newlon,  Pa. 
Dickinson,  C.  L.,  Somerville,Tenu. 
Dickinson,  Monroe,  Boyne  Falls,  Mich. 
"Dickinson,  S.  S.,  Liirned,  Kans. 
Dickson,  II.  D.,  Neosho  Kails.  Kans. 
"Didlak.i,  J.  T.,  Ilepler,  Kans. 
Diehl,  E.  P.,  Olathe,  Kans. 
Dimmick,  C.  W.,  Milford,  Pa. 
Dingman,  W.  E.,  Newton,  Iowa. 
Dixwell,  Dr.  John,  Boston,  Mass. 
Doan,  A.  J.,  .Jersey  City,  N.  J. 
Doan,  W.  D.,  Atglen,  Pa. 
"Dobie,  Malconi,  Hay  ward,  Wis. 
Docrtenbuch, William  F.,  Clcvcland.Ohio. 


366 


THE    ENGLISH    SPARROW   IN    AMERICA. 


'Dollerbido,  R.  H.,  Delhi,  La. 

*Do1b,  Henry,  Meriiaiu  Juuction,  Miuii. 

Donaldson,  George,  Itlinca,  N.  Y. 

•Donaldson,  J.  C,  Gilbcrtsvillo,  N.  Y. 

'Donkersley,  J.  H.,  Laramie  City,  Wyo. 

*Donnell,  J.  K.,  Greenbrier,  Ark. 

*Donnell,  Martin  W.,  lona,  Minu. 

*Dorier,  L.,  Ocala,  Fla. 

Dormau,  David,  Independence,  Iowa. 

Dorr,  Georye  P.,  Woodsiiold  Oliio. 

Doty,  H.  F.,  Reading,  Mich. 

*Donden,  B.,  Rosebnrgh,  Oregon. 

Dougall,  H.  M.,Springville,  Utah. 

*Dongherty,  John,  Sebastopol,  Cal. 

Donghty,  William  M.,  Cedar  Point,  Kans. 

Douglas,  Henry,  Happy  Valley,  Sonth 
Australia. 

'Douglas,  John  H.,  Lamar,  Mo. 

Douthat,  William  15.,  Fayettevillo,Tenu. 

Donthit,  G.  B.,  Jacksonville,  Ala. 

*Dowliu,  Paul,  Greenfield,  Iowa. 

*Doyai,  M.  C,  Hurwood,Tex. 

Doyle,  D.,  Oswego,  Kans. 

Doyle,  Thomas,  Sandusky,  Mich. 

Drokor,  Darius,  Stroudsburgh.Pa. 

Dresser,  J.  M.,La  Fayette,  Ind. 

Drew,  Stod  E.,  ^Jidland,  Mich. 

*Dubhorly,  J.  A..  Tallasseo,  Ala. 

*l)ubois,  "m.  Gue,  Marion  C.  H,,  S.  C. 

'Duclos,  Alphonse,  Rayne,  La. 

Dudenbostel,  Aug.  Campbell  Hill,  111. 

Dudley,  R.  S.,  Pulaski  Station,  Va. 

Durt",  jr.,  England. 

*DulFy,  A.  A.,  Matagorda,  Tex. 

Duffy,  J.,  Lancaster,  Pa. 

*Duggai),  James,  Melrose,  Iowa. 

Duke,  Samuel,  Notasulga,  Ala. 

Dulaney,  Hon.  W.  L.,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Duiibu-,  E.  W.,  Damariscotta,  Me. 

*l)unean,  John  \\\,  ]5onham,Tex. 

Duj)lanty,  Frank,  Whittemore,  Mich. 

Du  Pre,  J.  F.  C,  Abbeville  C.  H..  S.  C. 

Dupuy,  Charles  E.,  PhKiucinine,  La. 

*Dupuy,  H.,  Marksville,  La. 

Dupuy,  Nelson,  North  Adams,  Mass. 

*Duran,  Dana,  Huron,  Dak. 

*Durbin,  J.,  Lisbon,  Dak. 

Durfee,  Owen,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Durham,  Dr.  G.  W.,  Thomson,  Ga. 

Durkin  Michael,  Washington,  1).  C. 

Dnry,  Charles,  Avondale,  Ohio. 

Dusonberg,  MaryR.,  Concord,  N.  C. 

Duvall,  M.  W.,  Cheraw,  S.  C^. 

*Davar,  J.  Hunter,  Albcrtou,  Piinco  Ed- 
ward's Island,  Canada, 


*Dwelley,  J.  F.,  La  Conner,  Wash. 
Dwiuelle,  C.  H.,  Berkeley,  Cal, 
Eames,  Frank  M.,  Bay  Ridge,  N.  Y.         » 
Earnest,  F.  W.,  Jonesborough,  Tenu. 
"Eastgate,  T.  F.,  Larimore,  Dak. 
"Eastland,  Hi,  Forest,  Miss. 
Eaton,  Caleb  C,  Montpelier,  Vt. 
*Ebb8,F.C.,  Marshall,  N.C. 
•Echols,  W.T.,  Cotton  Plant,  Ark. 
*Eekhard,  W.  L.,  Victor,  Iowa. 
'Eddy,  Henry,  Henrietta,  Tex. 
Edmonds,  W.F.,  Estillvillc,  Va. 
'Edmondson,  C.  M.,  Williamsburgli,  Miss. 
Edmondson,  R.  H.,  Halifax  C.  II.,  Va. 
Edwards,  A.  G.,  Kingsley,  ^lich. 
Edwards,  A.  J.,  Hillsborough,  111. 
Edwards,  .John  F.  T.,  Ironton,  Mo. 
Edwards,  P.  J.,  Hillsborough,  III. 
*Edwards,  S.M.,  Argusville,  Dak. 
'Edwards,  Tiionuis,  Bath,  Dak. 
Edwards,  W.  W.,  New  Orleans,  La. 
Egerton,  J.  L.,  lIenderso\iville,  N.C. 
Eggleston,  B.  P.,  Smithville,  Va. 
Egleston,  D.,  Winnsborongh,  fe.  C. 
*Elder,  M.W.,  Garfield,  Kans. 
*Elder,  W.  A.,  Woodville,  Miss. 
*Eley,  Charles  N.,  Smith's  Point,  Tex. 
Elgar,  William  H.,  PLattoville,  Wis, 
Elier.W.  H.,  Blair,  Nebr. 
Elliot,  N.  A.,  Mansfield,  Pa. 
Elliott,  Henry  W.,  East  Rockport,  Ohio, 
Elliott,  R.,  Plover  Mill.s,  Ontario,  Canada, 
Ellis,  Alfred,  Leicester,  England. 
"Ellis, AI.  J.,  Encinal,  Tex. 
EllLson,  T.  W.,  West  Union,  Ohio. 
Ellsberry,  B.  F.,  Irouton,  Ohio. 
*Elson,  Alex.,  Unionville,  Mo. 
Elvins,  Ricliard,  Belleville,  Ontario,  Caii- 

a<la. 
Elwyn,  A.  L.,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Ely,  T.  D.,  /lma,Mich. 
'Euibrcc,  David  B.,  Barclay,  Kans. 
Emerson,  Levi  H.,  Vassar,  Mich. 
Emerson,  Oliver,  Parma,  Ohio. 
Emenson,  T.  W.,  Saint  Clairsvillo,  Ohio. 
Emerson,  W.  Otto,  Hay  wards,  Cal. 
Emery,  Henry  l)'.,  Chicago,  III. 
Engle,  E.  B.,  Waynesborongh,  Pa. 
Engman,  E.  .1.,  Concession,  La. 
*Ennis,  .Fohn  B.,  Monumeiit,  Ki^ns. 
*En<),  I.  L,,  Indianola,  Iowa. 
Enos,  E.,  Waukesha,  Wis. 
Erdice,  Laselle  R.,  BrookvilU',  Pa. 
*ErnHperger,  F.  B.,Canibri.i,  Wis. 
Ernst,  J.  L.,  Petcrsburgh,  Ohio, 


LIST   OP   CONTRIBUTORS. 


367 


Escott,  J.  T.,  Big  litipids,  Midi, 
•I'Ispoy,  S.  M.,  Wiiuloin,  Miiiii. 
•Estes,  W.  C,  Ncligli,  Nebr. 
Etheiiilgc,    Anthony,     Norwooil,     South 

Australia. 
'Etieuno,  A.  li.,  Centrevillc,  La. 
Ettmaeller,  Gustav,  Hermann,  Mo. 
'Eubank,  C,  I'onclio  Springs,  Colo. 
Evaus,  G.  J.,  Hastings,  Ncl)r. 
Evans,  H.C.,  liloonilieid,  Iowa. 
Evans,  .lohn  C,  Saint  Joseph,  Mo. 
Evans,  J.  H,,  Wabasha,  Minn. 
Eveland,  F.,  Ferry,  Iowa. 
'Everett,  H.  C,  Forsyth,  Mo. 
Everhard,  A.,  Ripon,  Wis. 
Everly,  J.  0.,  South  Carrollton,  Ky. 
Everiuaun,  Prof.  15.  W.,  Terre  Hanto,  Ind. 
*Everts,  E.L.,  Mtinoniouie,  Wis. 
Ewart,  John,  Ynrkor,  Ontario,  Canada. 
*Fain,  George,  Elk  Falls,  Kuns. 
Fairbanks,  Arthur,  Ilanovor,  N.  IT. 
Fairbanks,  Kov.  Henry,  Saint  Johnsbury, 

Vt. 
Fairbrother,  Thomas,  FuUarton,  South 

Australia. 
Fairchild,  II.  L.,  Midland,  Mich. 
"Fallas,  William  E.,  Reinbeek,  Iowa. 
Farley,  P.  R.,  Hicksford,  Va. 
Farmer,  Andrew  J.,llartville,  Mo. 
Farmer,  H.  H.,  Ilillsville,  Va. 
"Farmer,  I.  M.,  Le  Sueur,  Minn. 
Farnsley,  A.  P.,  Louisville,  Ky. 
"Farrar,  John  H.,  Evans,  Colo. 
Farrell,  F.  M.,  Barboursvillo,  W.  Va. 
'Farrow,  A.  U.,  Cuba,  Mo. 
Faucette,  E.  W.,  Milton,  N.  C. 
*Fay,  E.,  Moorliead,  Minn. 
*Feamside,  M.  15.,  Tillamook,  Orogon. 
*Fce,  T,,  Mendota,  Minn. 
"Feild,  Julian,  Fort  Worth,  Tex. 
*Feildes,  John,  Jackson,  Minn. 
Fellers,  Z,,  Princeton,  W.  Va. 
Feun.,  E,  D.,  Nevada,  Iowa. 
Feuton,  W.  A.,  Morristowu,  Ohio. 
•Fergcrs(ui,  W.  R.,  Smithville,  N.  C. 
Fergus,  11.  A,,  Lowisburgh,  Tenn. 
'Ferguson,  I).  A.,  Richmond,  Tf ; 
*Ferguson,  J.  A.,  Douipiian,  Mi. 
*Ferguson,  J.  1*.,  Augusta,  Ark. 
Fernald,  Prof.  C.  H.,  Orono,  Me. 
Ferroira,  Alexander,  Fort  Schuyler,  New 

York  Harbor. 
Eerriman,  George,  Albion,  111. 
Ferriss,  Hon.  .John  C,  Nashville,  Tenn. 
Ferry,  L.  C,  Northampton,  Mass. 


Fiebig,  Charles,  Eureka,  Cal. 

•Field,  C.  C,  Puyallup,  Wash. 

Field,  John,  Cloverdale,  Cal.  * 

Filmer,  Thomas,  Glo!iolg,  South  Austra- 
lia. 

Fincher,  W.  J.,  Caruosvillo,  Ga. 

Fiudeu,  Mr.,  Salisbury,  Sonth  Australia. 

Finlay,  John  S.,  Holly  Springs,  Miss. 

Finley,  Edward,  Hartford,  Mich. 

*Finn,  John,  Decorah,  Iowa. 

Fisher,  A.  J.,  Ferdinand,  Ind. 

Fisher,  Dr.  A.  K.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

*Fisher,  Charles  A.,  Aberdeen,  Dak. 

•Fisher,  F.  P.,  Onawa.  Iowa. 

Fisher,  Dr.  George  J.,  Sing  Sing,  N.  Y. 

Fisher,  Henry,  Lee,  Ohio. 

Fislier,  H.L,,  York,  Pa. 

Fislier,  Morman,  Ilnntingburgh,  Ind. 

Fisher,  T.  Scott,  East  Brook,  Pa. 

Fisher,  William  C,  Patoka,  Ind. 

Fisher,WilliamIIubbell,  Cincinnati, Ohio. 

*Fitzp;itrick,  C.  J.,  Aplington,  Iowa. 

Flagg,  George  H.,  Charlestown,  W.  Va. 

*Flaniin,  Henry,  Rexburg,  Idaho. 

•Fleming,  W  J.,  Fort  Smith,  Ark. 

*Flinn,  Samuel,  White  Cloud,  Kaus. 

"Floror,  Dr.  Thomas  W.,  Waxahachie, 
Tex. 

•Flournoy,  B.  W.,  Bennington,  Kaus. 

"Floyd,  F C,  Lock.sburgh,  Ark. 

Floyd,  II.  H.,  Abilene,  Kans. 

Floyd,  Patrick  W.,  Burlington,  Kaus. 

•Flynu,  David  C,  Advance,  Mo. 

*Flynn,  John,  Duluth,  Minn. 

*Footc,  J.  A.,  Anoka,  Minn. 

•Forbes,  C.  E.,  Saint  Paul,  Nebr. 

Forbes,  Frank  T.,  Fredericksburgb,  Va. 

Forbes,  Prof.  S.  A.,  Normal,  III. 

Ford,  A.,  Bronson,  Kans. 

*Ford,  F.  P..  West  Union,  W.  Va. 

*Ford,  G.  W.,  Baldwin,  Fla. 

Forsyth,  J.  C,  Northumbcilaud,  Pa. 

Fosdick,  Weldon  F  ,  Iliickensaek,  N.  J. 

*Fosket,  Mark,  Howard,  Minn. 

Foster,  E.  H.,  Traverse  City,  Mich. 

•Foster,  J.  A.,  Marqnetle,  Kans. 

Foster,  L.  S.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

FosttM-,  Sarah  H.,  Portsmouth,  N.  H. 

Foster,  T.  W.,  Palmyra,  Nebr. 

'Foster,  William,  South  Lake  Weir,  Fla. 

Fowlkes,  ,1.  M.,  Memphis,  Tcmi. 

•Frakos,  David,  Ouray,  Colo. 

Francis,  F.  M.,  Davisborough,  Ga. 

Francis,  Nathaniel   A.,  Brooklino,  Mass. 

Francis,  W.,  Ackley,  Iowa, 


368 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


E'ffi'i' 


Frauk,  Jiio.  L.  11.,  Dayton,  Ohio. 
•FiiiHor,  Alex.,  Irwin,  Colo. 
Fraziir,  M.  Abbotf,  Mount  Auburn,  Mass. 
Frazior,  F.  M.,  Ljst  Nation,  Iowa. 
Freeman,  C.  W.,  Urooklield,  Mo. 
Freoiuan,  J.  D.  H.,  New  London,  Mo. 
Froet,  Jacob  H.,  Wriglitsville,  Pa. 
Freke,  Percy  Evans,  Dublin,  Irijlanil. 
•French,  C.  II.,  Lakeville,  Minn. 
French,  George  H.,  Davenport,  Iowa. 
French,  Prof.  G.  II.,  Carbondale,  111. 
'French,  Mary  F.,  Shawiino,  Wis. 
Fribloy,  E.,  New  Pliiladolphia,  Ohio. 
Friedman,  ,1.  F.,  Jasper,  Ind. 
•Friend,  Jno.  C,  Rawlins,  Wyo. 
•Frierson,  C.  .1.,  Friorson's  Mill,  La. 
Frink,  Harry  A.,  Unckspoit,  M '. 
*Frink,  J.  O.,  Taylor,  Tex. 
Fritz,  A.  S.,  lUudickvillo,  Mich. 
Fritz,  J.  H.,  Somerset,  Pa. 
Fryo,  F.  W.,  Parsons,  Kans. 
•Fryer,  H.  C,  Blakely,  Ga. 
Fuller,  Charles  B.,  Portland,  Mo. 
Fuller,  S.  R.,  Eaton  Rapids,  Mich. 
Fnlmer,  J.  H.,  Mtmcy,  Pa. 
*Fultou,  L.  J.,  Casselton,  Dak, 
•Furguson,  Adam,  North  Platte,  Nebr. 
Furlow,  W.  C,  Amerious,  Ga. 
•Furman,  C.  W.,  Bolivar,  Mo. 
Furman,  11.  S.,  Frauklinton,  N.  C. 
Fytclio,  Lewis,  Lincolnshire,  England. 
Gaddis,  Thomas  B.,  Martinsville,  Ohio. 
Gaddy,  It.  B.,  Polkton,  N.  0. 
Gadsden,  R.  W.,  Dyersvillc,  Iowa. 
•Gaifuoy,  F.  ().,  Lake  City,  Mich. 
•Gage,  W.  D.,  Gurdon,  Ark. 
Galbraith,  A.  T.,  Flora,  111. 
Gall,  D.  W.,  Philippi,  W.  Va. 
Gall,  John,  Wright's  Grove,  111. 
Gallagher,  C.  A.,  Cheboygan,  Mich. 
•Galliigher,  .lohn,  Minto,  Dak. 
•Gallaway,  C.  C,  Kildare,  Tox. 
Gallup,  .J.,  Strongsvillo,  Ohio. 
Gamble,  Levi,  Warsaw,  Ohio. 
Gaus,  M.  L.,  Monudsville,  W.  Va. 
•Gardiner,  D.  S.,  Downs,  Kans. 
Gardner,  F.  II.,  Columbus,  Ky. 
Gardner,  J.  C,  Big  Ra[iids,  Mich. 
Gardner,  M.  E.,  Jamestown,  Pa. 
Gardnei',  II.  M.,  ChristiauHburgh,  Va. 
Garfield,  Charles  W.,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 
Garing,  John  F.,  White  Sulphur  Springs, 

W.  Va. 
•Garlick,  David,  Independence,  Wis. 
•Garner,  R.  M.,  Comanche,  Tex. 


"Garner,  W.  M.,  Quitmnn,  Ark. 
*Garnett,  L.  M.,  Mathews,  Va. 
"Garrett,  I.,  Monroe,  La. 
(iarrett,  L.  S.,  West  Point,  Va. 
Garri.sou,  C.  F.,  Fort  Branch,  lud. 
•Garrison,  J.  W.,  Mac  City,  Iowa. 
Garrison,  Lloyd  McKim,  Orange,  N.J. 
Garth,  S.  D.,  Clinton,  Mo. 
(iartsido,  D.  D.,  O'Falhyn  Depot,  111. 
Garvin,  W.  O.,  Trenton,  Mo. 
*Garwood,  John  W.,  Mouticello,  Fla. 
Gary,  T.  A.,  Galveston,  Tex. 
(Jaiilt,  B.  T.,  Chicago,  111. 
Ganlt,  W.  S.,  Marysville,  Pa. 
(Jay,  William  M.,  Wilson,  N.  C. 
*Gaylord,  George  A.,  Tail  Point  Light 

Station,  Wisco.nsin. 
Gaylord,  H.  J.,  Bi!ighamton,N.  Y. 
Geduldig,  G.,  Norwich,  Couu. 
•Gee,  E.,Urbani)a,  Iowa. 
Geunng,  A.  G.,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 
*Gcorge,  John,  Buffalo,  Mo. 
George,  R.  II.,  Sini])souvillc,  Ky. 
•Gerald.  G.  B.,  Waco,  Tex. 
Gesner,  Rev.  A.  IT.,  Scarborough,  N.  Y. 
•Getty,  Daniel,  White  Bear  Lake,  Miuu. 
Ghere,  A.  B,,  Frankfort,  Ind. 
Gibbes,  W.  II.,  Columbia,  S.  C. 
•Gibbons,  Dr.  C.  H.,  Arbnckle,  Cal. 
Gibbs,  E.  P.,  Grand  Haven,  Mich. 
Gibbs,  Dr.  Morris,  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 
•Gibbs,  William,  Helena,  Mont. 
•Gibson,  I.  C,  Bolinas,  Cal. 
•Gibson,  James  R.,  Saiut  James,  Mich. 
Gib.son,  William  K.,  Jackson,  Mich. 
Giddens,  M.  C,  Trenton,  N.  C. 
•Giddings,  George  A., Wichita  Falls,  Tex. 
•Gidley,  R.  L.,  Malvern,  Iowa. 
Gierschuer,  August,  New  Athens,  111. 
(iies,  John  J.,  Reese,  Mich. 
Gilbert,  E.  S.,  Canaseragii,  N.  Y. 
Gilbert,  H.Roy,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 
•Gilbert,  J.  B.,  Empire  City,  Oregon. 
•Gilbert,  T.  J.,  Lenora,  Kans. 
Gilbreath,  Charles  L.,  Colliuwood,Ohio. 
Gilchriest,  O,  S.,  Macksbnrgh,  Ohio. 
•Gilchrist,  L.W.,  Walioo,  Nobr. 
*Gilcloa,  C.  A.,  Brackettville,  Tex. 
Giles,  F.  W.,  Topeka,  Kans. 
Giles,  Norwood,  Wilmington,  N.  C. 
•Gilleest,  J.  S.,  Garden  Plain,  Kans. 
Gillespie,  M.  H.,  Aberdeen,  Miss. 
•Gillespie,    W.    A.,  jr.,   White   Sulphur 

Springs,  Ga. 
•Gillette,  R,  B.,  Marionvillo,  Mo. 


LIST    OF    CONTKIIUJTORS. 


369 


•Gilliland,  J.  M  ,  Nasliiia,  Iowa. 

"Gilinau,  William,  Cliainboilaiii,  Dak. 

Gilman.W.  \V.,  Stoughtoii,  Wis. 

Gilniore.D.  S.,  Wilson's  Mills,  Ohio. 

•Gilmore,  Will  A.,  Sliosbonc,  Iilalio. 

Gilujorc,  William  E.,  Cliillicothe,  Ohio. 

•Gist,  L.B.,  Beebe.Ark. 

Gittiiigs,  M,  R.,  Ciirrolltoii,  Mo. 

Gladwiu,  Francis,  Akron,  Ohio. 

"Glazier,  Henry  E.,  Majsvillc,  Mo. 

*Glea8on,C.  R.,  Eaii  Claire,  Wis. 

Glennan,M.,  Norfolk,  Va. 

Glick,U.F., Newborn,  lud. 

*Glovor,  A.  D.,  Olympia,  Wash. 

•Glover,  C.R.,  Long  Pinc.Ncbr. 

Glover,L.  II.,  Cassopolis,  Mich. 

Goar,  F.  M.,  Tupelo,  Miss. 

Gochling,  M.  D.,  Shell  Lak.-,  Wis. 

•Godbold,  R.  P.,  Summit,  Miss. 

*Gode8, N.,  Preston, lov.ii. 

*Goff,  J.  B.,  Lincoln,  Kans. 
*Gooch,J.  F.,  Moline,  Kanw. 
Goodknight,  T.  M.,  Franklin,  Ky. 
Goodman,  L.  A.,  Westport,  Mo. 
"Gooduer,  G.  D.,  Mount  Ida,  Ark. 
Goodrich,  II.  O.,  Jersey  ville,  111. 
'Goodridge,  John,  Montrose,  Va. 
Goodwin, Nod  W.,  Sharpsvillc,  Pa, 
•Googe,  W.  R.,  Douglas,  Ga. 
"Gordon, H.  T.,  ivlorrilltown,  Ark. 
Gordon,  Stephen  P.,  Keeler's  Bay,  Vt. 
Gordon,  U.  G.,  Barry,  Ohio. 
Gordon,  William,  Now  Castle,  Pa. 
Gorman,  O.  D.,  Talbotton.Ga. 
*Go83,C.S.,  Palmer,  Fla. 
Goss,  Col.  N.  S.  Topeka,  Kans. 
"Gould,  C.  P.,  Estelline,  Dak. 
Gould,  Daniel  W.,  Moline.  111. 
Gowland,  John,  Philii)sburgli,  Pa. 
Graham,  Thomas  P.,  Tazewell,  Touu. 
Grant,  D.  D.,  Franklin,  Pa. 
"Grant,  Jos.  IL,  Bollinger's  Mills,  Miss. 

'Graves,  B.  D.,  Bon  Homme,  Dak. 
Graves,  B.  Y.,  Mount  Airy,  N.  C. 
Graves,  Daniel,  Provo  City,  Utah. 
Graves,  G.  C,  Carthage,  N.  C. 
Graves,  John,  WayIand,Mich. 
Graves,  M.,  Lenawee  Junction,  Mich, 
Gray,  Andrew,  Willougliby,Ohio. 
Gray,  Dr.  Ormsby,  Shelby  ville,  Ky. 
Gray,  Robert,  Glasgow,  Scotland. 
Gray,  S.,  Norwalk,  Ohio. 
Grayson,  Albert  L.,  Rutherfordton,  N.  C. 
Green,  Dr.  C.  A.,  Harrisburg,  Pa. 
"Green,  D.  L,,  English  Lookout,  La. 

8404~Bull.  1 24 


Green,  Jas.  B.,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 
"Green,  J.  B.,  Cambridge,  Iowa.  ' 

Green,  Morris  M.,  Syracuse,  N,  Y. 
Green,  R.  C,  Bland  C.  H.,  Va. 
Green,  William  W.,  Harrison,  Mich. 
Greenawalt,    Davison,    Chambersburgh, 

Pa. 
"Greene,  C.  P.,  Northborongh,  Iowa. 
Greene,  Samncl  B.,  Hare's  Valley,  Pa. 
"Grc'son,  W.  U.,  Clinton,  Ark. 
Gregory,    Howell    J.,    Lancaster    Court 

House,  S.  C. 
"Grirtin,  M.,  Springfield,  Dak. 
"Gritrin,  William  T.,  Nashville,  N.  C. 
"GrilTitii,  D.  (J.,  Elkader,  Iowa. 
'Grinder,  Nancy,  Newburgii,  Tenn. 
Grinnell,  F.  W.,  Bay  City,  Mich, 
"(irisiill,  A.  H.,  Menlo,  Iowa. 
Grist,  J.  S.,  Tongaiutxie,  Kiins. 
Griswold,  Dean  F.,  Northville,  Midi. 
GriswoJd,  H.C.,  WatUins,  N.  Y. 
Greesbeak,  William,  Indejieudence,  Mo. 
Groft",  Dr.  George  G.,  Le\^  isbiirg.  Pa. 
Groninger,  F.  C,  Cauiden,  Ind. 
"GioDine,  William,  Vicksbnrg,  Miss, 
"Grow,  A.  L.,  Colfax,  La. 
Gruber,  F.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
"Guernsey,  George  F.,  Qu'Appellc,  N.  W. 

T.,  Canada. 
"Guidry,  P.  L.,  Church  Point,  La. 
"Guthrie,  T.  A.,  Strawn,  Tex. 
"Guthrie,  W.  L.,  Hamilton,  III. 
Gurney,  J.  H.,  jr.,  Norlhiepps,  Norwich, 

England. 
Gustin,  B(^rt  H.,  May  City,  Mich. 
"Gwynn,  1).  W.,  Tallahassee,  Fhi. 
Hadley,  J.  O.,  Grayling,  Mich. 
Hagen,  Fannie,  Cheviot,  Ohio. 
Hagen,  Dr.  H.  A.,  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Hager,  John  G.,  Foxbiirgli,  Pa. 
"Ilager,  S.  E.,  Salyereville,  Ky. 
Hagerty,  Jas.,  Belle  Vernon,  Pa. 
Ilagerty,  J.  H.,  Kidgwjiy,  Pa. 
'Haines,  M.  S.,  Erie,  Colo. 
Haines,  S.  II.,  Taniaroa,  III. 
"Haire,  D/riiel,  Olivia,  Minn. 
Hairn,  John  T.  M-,  Lexington,  Ga. 
Hale,  Dayton,  Columbus,  Miss. 
Hale,  SamiKd  Q.,  Tuskegee,  Ala. 
Hale,  W.  P.,  Lufra,  Ark. 
"Halemaii,  George  II.,  Farnsworth,  Kans. 
Hales,  Henry,  Ridgowood,  N.  J. 
Haley,  J.  V.,  .Tasper,  AIn. 
Hall.  A.,  East  Rockpoit,  Ohio. 
"Hall,  E.,  Canyon  City,  Oregon. 


370 


THE   ENGLISH   SPAUUOW   IN   AMEHICA. 


4 


•Hull,  Henry  R,,  Ash  Grovn,  Mo. 
Hall,  Ihi'iiuI,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich. 
Hall,  John  A.,  Boon*-,  Iowa. 
Hall,R.  N.,  Grenada,  MIhh. 
Hall.S.,  Monnt  Carroll,  HI. 
'Hull,  Thomas,  PrcHlon,  Minn. 
Hall,  W.  B.,  Wakenian,  Oliio, 
Hall,W.  M.,  Covington,  Tonn. 
Hallor,  Alox.  S  ,  Wythovillo,  Va. 
Haller,  R.  J.,  Marion,  Va. 
Halloy,  James,  Wa.shington,  D.  C. 
Halloman,  W.  D.,  Dawson,  Ky. 
Ilallowell,  Henry  C,  Sandy  Spring,  Md. 
Halt,  J.  H,,  Knoxville,  Ga. 
Haltes,  J.  L.,  Napoleon,  Ohio. 
*Hamflet,  F.  M.,  Helen,  Miss. 
TIamill,  P.,  Oakland,  Md. 
Hamilton,  H.  A.,  Enilonton,  Pa. 
'Hamilton,  John  H.,  EurokaSprings,  Ark, 
Hamilton,  Dr.  S.  M.,  Monmouth,  III. 
Hammon,  William  A.,  ConneautviUe,  Pa. 
•IIrtmmond,A.  \V.,  Durand,  Wis. 
Hampton,  Will  E.,  Harbor  Springs,  Mieh. 
Hancock,  E,  M.,  Wankon,  Iowa. 
Hancock,  Frank  H.,  Casky,  Ky. 
Hancock,  Numa  F.,  Wentworih,  N.  C. 
*IIand,  T.  A.,  Charles  City,  Iowa. 
*Hanc8,  J.  B.,  Canton, Tex. 
Hanoy,  L.,  Sandy  Hook,  Ky. 
Hanks,  H.  T.,  Ripley,  Tenn. 
Hannon,  F.  A.,Clantou,  Ala. 
Hapgood,  William,  W.arren,  Ohio. 
Harbron,  George,  Hamilton,  Ohio. 
Hardcastle,  Charles,  Marion,  Kans. 
Hardeman,  Thomas,  Macon,  Ga. 
•Harden,  H.  H.,  Abilene,  Tex. 
Hardy,  Manly,  Brewer,  Me. 
Hardy,  Thomas.  Adelaide,  Sonth  Austra- 
lia. 
Hardy,  W.  V.,  Holman  Station,  lud. 
Hargor,  Ezra,  Cadillac,  Mich. 
*Hargrave,  Jesse,  Laurel  Hill,  N.  C. 
Hargrue,  C.  S.,  Crawford,  Ga. 
Harkins,  J.  M.,  Calhoun,  (ia. 
Harkness,  D.  L.,  Berlin,  Wis. 
'Harlan,  J.  F.,  Pocahontas,  Iowa. 
•Harper,  G.  W.,  Bazile  Mills,  Nebr. 
"Harris,  D.  W.,  Homer,  La. 
Harris,  Henry,  Union  Springs,  Ala. 
Harris,  H.  G.,  Scottsville,  Va. 
'Harris,  John  S.,  La  Crescent,  Minu, 
Harris,  R.  G.,  Alamo,  Tenn. 
Harris,  S.  S.,  Cape  Girardeau,  Mo. 
Harris,  Hon.  W.  A.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 
Harrison,  Honry,  Rocliester,  N.  Y. 


Harrison,  James,  Hcathlands,  Hampstead, 
England. 

Harrison,  John  O.,  Franklin,  N.  C. 

'Harrison,  J.  M.,  Friend8hi[»,  Wis. 

Harrison,  Col.  Randolph,  Richmond,  Va, 

Harrold,  W.  11.,  Mount  Gambler,  Soath 
Australia. 

Hart,  A.  W.,  Eureka,  Kans. 

Hart,  John,  jr.,  Livingstor,,  Tenn. 

Hart,  S.  L.,  Rocky  Mount,  N.  C. 

Harting,  James  Edmund,  London,  Eng- 
land. 

'Harvard,  Quiun  L.,  Cochran,  Ga. 

'Harvey,  Prof.  F.  L.,  Fayetteville,  Ark. 

Hasbronck,  Dr.  Alfred.  Poughkeepsio, 
N.  Y. 

Ilasbrouck,  Edwin  M.,  Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Haskins,  David  E.,  Concord,  Mich. 

Haslet,  Samuel  II.,  Tiouesta,  Pa. 

Hasson,  James  G.,  Ebensburgh,  Pa. 

'Hastings,  Fred  H.,  Runia,  Tox, 

'Hastings,  Mrs.  O.  A.,  Port  Gibson,  Mias. 

•Hatch,  H.  P.,  Whittemore,  Iowa. 

Hatch,  Dr.  P.  L.,  Minneapolis,  Minn. 

'Hatch,  S.  W.,  Conejos,  Colo. 

Hatch,  W.  II.,  Rock  Island,  111. 

Hatcher,  F.  C,  Pikevillo,  Ky. 

'Hatcher,  R.,  Trader's  Hill,  Ga. 

Hatcher,  Thomas  B.,  Grenola,  Kana. 

'Hatfield,  D.  D.,  Monarch,  Colo. 

•HatBeld,  William  H.,  Hollywood,  Ga. 

Hauly,  .las.  H.,  Winfleld,  W.  Va. 

Haven,  Martin,  Albion,  Mich. 

*Haviland,  Jas.  S.,  Prescott,  Wash. 

Hawes,  C.  O.,  Luvorue,  Minn. 

Ilawley,  A.  H.,  Flushing,  N.  Y. 

Hawley,  J.,  England. 

Haworth,  George  L.,  Pleisantvillo,  Pa. 

Haws,  J.  C,  Jonesborough,  Ga. 

•Hayes,  A.  L.,  Canon  City,  Colo, 

Hayes,  E.  B.,  Watrousvillo,  Mich, 

'Haynes.  H.  C,  Centerville,  Iowa, 

Hayncs,  J.  M.,  Wilmington,  Ohio. 

IlayncH,  Thomas  E.,  Franklin,  Tenn. 

'Haynie,  C.  R.,  Bastrop,  Tex. 

Hay  worth,  A.  B.,  San  Saba,  Tex. 

Hazard;  ii,  G.,  2d,  Peace  Dale,  R.  I. 

Hazeu,  Allen,  Hartford,  Vt. 

'Hazzard,  P.  A.,  Colorado,  Tex. 

'Hoard,  George,  Rocky  Ford,  Ga. 

'Hearn,  Q.  E.,  Marianna,  Fla. 

Heath,  William  McK.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 

'Hebert,  O.  P.,Tallulah,  La. 

Heemey,  E.,  Severance,  Kans. 

•Heflfeman,  J^hn,  Rives  Junction,  Mich. 


IJST    OF    CONTUIHirroUS. 


371 


Holllcy,  CbiuloH  W.,  n<Minot,  Ncbr. 
Ilollior,  Fnink  <).,  (IniMs  Lake,  Micb. 
Holm,  William,  Mailisoii,  Wis. 
Holt/.ol,  William,  Iliiiiovtr,  I'a. 
llondcrsoii,  J.  1'.,  Alcdo,  111. 
Ileudcrsoii,  Mary  W.,  Oxford,  Ga. 

*  Henderson,  W.  M.,  Caiiicroii,  (Ja. 
Hondricks,  (Ji;or>;e  R,,  Scliii's  (Jrove,  I'a. 
ICoiidrickson,  W.  F.,  Loiiy  Island  City, 

N.  Y. 

*  Ileiidryx,  Cliarltis  F.,  Sauk  Centre,  Minn. 
Ilenloy,  J.  L.,  Tappabannock,  Va. 
Ilenman,  David  IL,  Willows,  Dak. 
'Ilennossoy,  Jaino.s,  CJarli.sle,  Ark. 
•llennessy,  J.  J.,  Wbitc  Snlpbiir  Springs, 

Mont. 
Ilenniiig,  George,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Ilenuing,  G.  C,  Louisville,  Ky. 
*i£enr/,  Ira  B.,  Mason,  Tex. 
Henry,  J.  K.,  Cbestor,  S.  C. 
*Henry,  S.  P.,  Cameron,  La. 
Henry,  T.  J.,  East  Genoa,  N.  Y. 
Henshaw,  II.  W.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
'Ilensley,  W.  N.,  Columbus,  Nebr. 
Hepburn,  A.,  England. 
Herbert,  D.  O.,  Newberry  C.  11.,  S.  C. 
Herbert,  H.  S.,  Roll  a.  Mo. 
Herrin,  S.  H.,  Cullman,  Ala. 
Hervey,  William  S.,Carlyle.Ill. 
*Herweg,  Henry,  Dakota,  Nebr. 
Hess,  Benjamin  F.,  I'liccnix,  N.  Y. 
Hewins,  C.  A.,  West  Roxbury,  Mass. 
Hewitt,  Henry  J.,  Fairmont,  Mo. 
*Hew8on,  Stephen,  Oxford,  Minn. 
'Hicks,  A.,Uuionville,  Iowa. 
*Hicks,  Ja.s.  IL,  Wrightsvillo,  Ga. 
Hicks,  John  I).,  Old  Wcstbury,  N.  Y. 
Hicks,  Percy,  Port  Washington,  N.  Y. 
*Higby,  E.  P.,  Mapleton,  Kans. 
*Higgiu8,  E.  B.,  Hamline,  Minn. 
*Highsmith,  .J.  N.,  Waynesvillo,  Ga. 
*Hightower,  R.  B.,  York  Station,  Ala. 
Hill,  A.  F.,  Grayson,  Ky. 
"Hill,  F.  A.,  Weimar,  Tex. 
Hill,  Herbert  M.,  Watertown,  N.  Y. 
Hill,  Ivy,  Pittsborough,  N.  C. 
*Hill,  John  E.,  Manor,  Tex. 
Hill,'.  John  G.,  Hillsboro,  Kans. 
Hill,  John  H.,  Goldsborough, N.  C. 
Hill,  Lewis  H.,  Lockport,  N.  Y, 
*Hill,R.W.,  Jewell,  Kans. 
Hill,  Will.  T.,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 
llill.W.  H.,  Manistique,  Mich. 
Hillmau,  Charles  L.,  Chester  County,  Pa. 
•Hills,  J.  M.,  Areola,  Lar 


Hills,  Stephen,  Windsor,  Ccmn. 

Ilillon,  Edgar,  Blue  Hill,  Nebr. 

Hilton,  J.  B.,  Plymouth,  N.  C. 

Mlimrod,  G.  S.,  Boisi'*  City,  Idaho. 

Ilinchnuin,  Dalton,  Vernon,  Ind. 

Hinds,  Jas.  M.,  Cookville.Tenn. 

nines,  Florine  A.,  Sullolk,  Va. 

"Ilines,  P.  J.,  Green  River  City,  Wjo. 

Hinson,  W.  I.,  James  Island,  S.  C. 

Hirst,  F.,  Echo  City,  Utah. 

'Hitcheoik,  R.  P.,  Tomah,  Wis. 

Hitchings,0.  P.,  Winrield,N.  Y. 

"Hixson,,I()seph,  Mountain  View,  Ark. 
j  Hoadley,  Dr.  F.  H.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

*IIobbs,  George.  Collins,  Tex. 

Hobbs,  J.,  East  Marden,  South  Australia. 
I  Hodge,  Eli,  Columbia,  Mo. 

•Hodges,  R.  B.,  Manifest,  La. 

Hodgson,  T.  II.,  Berkeley  Springs,  W.  Va. 

•Hodkius,  James,  Appleton  City,  Mo. 

Hodo,D.  C,  Carrollton,  Ala. 

Hoeft,  Hermann,  Rogers  City,  Mich. 

Hoey,  P.,  McDonald,  Pa. 

Holer,  A.  F.,  McGregor,  I()wa. 

Mloir,  T.  L.,  (iloster.  Miss. 

Holbrook,  S.  T.,  Norwich,  Conn. 

•Holcomb,  Benton,  West  Granby,  Conn. 

Holder,  F.  T.,  Yonkers,  N.  Y. 

Holder,  Dr.  J.  B.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

Holladay,  Prof.  A.  Q.,  Lake  City,  Fla. 

"Holland,  R.  A.,  Conwa,  low.a. 

HoUick,  Dr.  F.,  New  York,  N.  Y. 

H(dlis,  George  W.,  Brecksville,  Ohio. 

Hollis,  George  D  ,  Summerville,  Ga. 

•Holman,  D.  S.,  Springtield,  Mo. 

Holman,  J.  II.,  Sciotovillo,  Ohio. 

Ilolmead,  William,  Mount  Pleasant. ,D.  C. 

Holmes,   Dwyer,   Adelaide,    South   Aus- 
tralia. 

Holmes,  F.  H.,  San  Jos6,  Cal. 

•Holmes,  F.  H.,  Wallisvillo,  Tex. 

Holmes,  George  B.,  Fernwood,  111. 

Holmes,  J.  T.,  Adelaide,  South  Australia. 

Holmes  R.,  Natchez,  Miss.' 

Holmes,  Mr.,  Magill,  South  Australia. 

Holsinger,  Prof.  J.  M.,  Winona,  Minn. 

Holt,  Jolin,  South  Jordan,  Utah. 

"HolterhotV,  G.,  jr.,  San  Diego,  Cal. 

Hooton,  D.  F.,  Bamberg,  S.  C. 

Hopkins,  C.L.,  Washington,  D.  C. 

Hopkins,  J.,  Glen  Allen,  Va. 

'Hopkins,  K.  E.,  Livingston,  Ala. 

Hopkins,  Stephen,  Onancock,  Va. 

Hopkins,  William  C,  Madlsoh,  W.  Va. 

•Hopper,  W.,  Walnut,  Iowa. 


F 


372 


THE    KNGLISII    SPAIJKOW    IN    AMEIilCA. 


! 


t  ,  ■ 

1 


»FIoriiii,T.  It.,  A.hliHoii.W.  Va. 

Hdiiiiuliiy,  Will.  T.,  \Vii.sliin>,'ton,  D.  C. 

*II(>riil)!U!li,  It.  \V.,  Saint  iKiiait*,  M'.cb. 

Ilonic,  Laura  K.,  rittHboroiij;!!,  N.  C. 

•Horneck,  S.  N.,  Detroit  City,  Minn. 

lIorHford,  F.  II.,  Chailotti",  Vt. 

llortan,  Isaac,  North  East,  Pa. 

Ilongli,  ('.  A.,  llaHtiiif^H,  Mich. 

Houghton,  .John,  GriniH^lI,  Iowa. 

IIouhscIh,  .1.  II.,  Linden,  Tcnii. 

*IIo\v,  S(iuiro  D.,  MarHhall,  Minn. 

Ilowaril,  A.  M.,  Powhatan  C.  II.,  Va. 

•Howard,  II.  P.,  San  Antonio,  Tex. 

"Howard,  Mr.s.  LoUa,  Dnnlai),  Teiin. 

Howard,  L.  ().,  Wasliinj^ton,  I).  C. 

"Howard,  O.,  Greeley,  Colo. 

Howard,  W.VV.,  Dixon,  Mo. 

*IIow{>,  C.  E.,  Greonlca ',  Kans. 

*Ho\vcll,  A.. J.,  Si)ring('i,  N.  Mox. 

Howell,  C.  L.,  (irand  Island,  Nobr. 

Howlo,  W.  H.,  Edwardsville,  Ala. 

*IIoxio,  Walter,  Frogmore,  S.  C. 

Hoy,  F.  D.,  Point  Pleasant,  W.  Vu. 

Hoy,  Dr.  P.  U.,  Racine,  Wis. 

*IInl»bard,  L.  W.,  Monnionth  Iowa. 

Hubbard,  Mclvin,  Scottsburoli,  Ind. 

Hubbard,  Seth  R.,  Bay  Shore,  N.  Y. 

*IIubbard,  W.  II.,  Fairview,  Dak. 

Hubor,.Johu  L.,Tell  City,  Ind. 

*IIubert,  Hiram,  Qnitmari,  Ga. 

Hudson,  G.  II.,  Plattsbnr^'h,  N.  Y. 

Hudson,  Judge  Wni.  I..  Haniilto!),  Ga. 

•Hudspeth,  B.  F.,  Nowton,  Ga. 

Huj;he8,  B.  B.,  Morgan  field,  Ky. 

Hull,  B.  L.,  Chamois,  AIo. 

Hull,  H.C.,Meriden,  Conn. 

Hull,  .1.  S.,  Raleigh  C.  II.,  W.  Va. 

Hull,  Walter  B.,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 

•Ilnlszir,  E.  O.,  GI,>udalo,  Mont. 

•Humphrey,  N.  W.,  Taylor's  Falls,  Minn. 

'Humphreys,  Charles  ■).,  Argenta,  Ark. 

Humphreys,  J,t3.  W.,  Braxtou  C.  Ii.,W. 
Va. 

Hunloy,  K.  R.,' Talladega,  Ala. 

•Hunt^A.M.,  Phillips,  Wis. 

Hunt,  E.  F.,  Richmond,  Mich. 

Hunt,  John  C,  Lexington,  N.  C. 

Hunter,  C.  E.,  Saegerstown,  Pa. 

Hunter,  H.  H.,  King  George  C.  H.,  Va. 

•Hunter,  James,  Alberton,  P.  E.  I.,  Can- 
ada. 

Hunter,  Dr.  M.  A.,  Greenville  County,  S. 
C. 

Huntley,  H.  S.,  Little  Valley, N.  Y. 

Huutsniau,  A.  F.,  Louoke,  Ark. 


•liiirlburt,  F.  T.,  Arlington,  Oregon. 
Hiirll  lit,  W.  I).,  Rochester,  Minn. 
Hu.st,N.H.,  Dover,  Ohio. 
Hurt,  William  B.,  Chatham,  Va. 
Hiist(ui,  Thaddous,  Salem,  Ind. 
HutcheHon,  Jas.  M.,  Young  Hickory,  Ohio. 
Hvo.slof,  Dr.  J.  C,  Lancshoro,  Minn. 
Hyde,   Jas.    F.    C,  Nowton   Highlands, 

Mass. 
Ihlo,  C,  Pomeroy,  Ohio. 
Hid",  .loseiih,  Vinland,  Kans. 
Ind,  O.  F. ,  Adelaide,  South  Australia. 
Iiigalls, Charles  10.,  EastTempleton,  Mass. 
IngersoU,  Ernest,  New  Hav(M),  Conn. 
Ingersoll,  Seymour  R.,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
IngersoU,  T.  Dwight,  Erie,  Pa. 
Ingram,  W.,Odin,  111. 
Inman,.Tol:n,  Somerset,  Ky. 
*Ioor,  Ella  E.,  Bay  Saint  Louis,  Miss. 
Irion,  Dr.  John  T.,  Paris,  Tenn. 
Irwin,  Bell,  Bad  Axe,  Mich. 
"Irwin,  David  O.,  Lake  City,  Minn. 
Irwin,  John  W., Goshen,  lud. 
•Irwin,  W.  D.,  Palonse,  Wash. 
Irwin,  W.  N  ,  South  Salem,  Ohio. 
•Isenaeo,  P.M.,  Whatcom,  Wash. 
*Ivey,  William  T.,  Pomeroy,  Iowa. 
Ivo'ry,  Then.  W.,Glenwood,  Iowa. 
Jackson,  Eugene  A.,  Atlanticville,  N.  Y. 
Jackson,  Martin,  New  Bedford,  Pa. 
Jackson,  O.  F.,  Ithaca,  Mich. 
.Jackson,  R.  M.,  London,  Ky. 
Jackson,  S.  D.,  Mouutaiii  City,  Tenn. 
•Jacobs,  C.  M.,  Roso.wood,  Fla. 
Jacobs,  Francis,  West  Chester,  Pa. 
Jacobson,  H.,  Redwood  City,  Cal. 
Jagersf'eld.  Carl  von,  Washington,  Ark. 
•James,  J.  R,,  Columbia,  Dak. 
James,  S.  R.,  Marden,  South  Australia. 
Jameson,  Maitin  A.,  Lebiinon,  Ohio. 
.Jamison,  L.  M.,  Wapello,  Iowa. 
Jat^ues,  J.  H.,  Allerton,  Iowa. 
•Jeft'rey,  Jas.  R.,  Elmdale,  Kans. 
Meffries,  S.  D.,  Clark,  Dak. 
*Jellison,  Thos.  J.,  Amity,  Oregon. 
•Jenal,  J.  P.,  Ilartington,  Nebr. 
.Jcncks,  Fred.  T.,  Hills  Grove,  R.  L 
Jenkins,  G.  W.,  Crandall,  Ind. 
"Jenkins,  R.  E.,  Port  Royal,  S.  C. 
Jenuer,  A.  E.,  Belvidere,  111. 
Jennings,  Dr.  Geo.  H.,  Jewett  City, Conn, 
.Jennings,  H.  M.,  Rowhester,  N.  Y. 
Jennings,  .Jas.  S.,  Waynesburgh,  Pa. 
Jen8on,Jas.,  Draper,  Utah. 
*  Jcrmy,  Gustav,*  Sau  Antonio,  Tex. 


LIST   OP  CONTRIBUTORS. 


373 


•Jorome.F.  K.,  Russell,  Kans 

Jervois,  Sir  William  FniuciH  Dnimiiioud, 

South  A  istralia. 
Jervy,  Tlieo.  D.,  Charleston,  S.C. 
•Jessup.T.  IJ.,  Waitsbuigh,  Wash. 
Jillson.S.,  Tuckt)iton,N.  J. 
Johns,  William,  St.  Mary  Church,  Dovon- 

shire,  England. 
•Johnson,  A.  F.,  Liberty,  Kans. 
Johnson,  A.  I-,  Ilyilovillc,  Vt. 
•Johnson,  A.  J.,  Farrsvillo,  Tex. 
•Johnson,  H.  V.,  Monnt  ricasant,  Tex. 
'Johnson,  Charles,  Carver,  Minn. 
"Johnson,  Charles  A.,  Saint  P<!ter,  Minn. 
Johnson,  C.  P.,  Clinton,  N.  C. 
Johnson,  C.  S.,  Carthago,  Ohio. 
•Johnson,  Dr.  P.  W.,  Fort  Smith,  Ark. 
•Johnson,  George,  H.  F.,  Kelso,  Dak. 
Johnson,  Henry  M.,  Sharpslmrgli,  Md. 
•Johnson,  H.  A.  Dalhonsie,  N.  ]^.,  Canada. 
Johnson,  Jas.,  Springfield,  Ohio. 
Johnson,  James  I.,MariHsa,  111. 
Johnson,  Jas.  J.,  Jolinsonville,  111. 
JoluLson,  James  L.,  Ilartwoll,  (ia. 
Johnson,  John  II.,  Netawaka,  Kans. 
•Johnson,  J.  Frank,  Peeryville,W.  Va. 
•Johnson,  J.  H.  Meridian,  Tex. 
Johnson,  J.  N.,  Savannah,  Ga. 
Johnson,  J.  R.,  Ilardinsbnrgh,  Ky. 
Johnson,  J.  T.  Miluersvillo,  Ohio. 
Jolyison,  J.  W.,  Meriwether,  S.  C. 
•Johnson,  Marcus,  Atwater,  Minn. 
Johnson,  M.  B.,  Clarksville,  Tenn. 
•Johnson,  Prof.  O.  B. ,  Seattle,  Wash. 
Johnson,  Robert,  Manistee,  Mich. 
Johnson,  Hon.  Sylvester,  Irvington,  lud. 
Johnson,  William  W.,  Glenville,  W.  Va. 
Johnson,  W.  B.  K.,  Allontown,Pa. 
Johnson,  W.  D.  H.,  Pope's  Ferry,  Ga. 
Johnston,  D.  C,  Fulton,  Kans. 
Jones,  A.  S.,  Bainbridge,  Ohio. 
Jones,  D.  C,  Harrison,  Ohio. 
•.Tones,  Edward  M.,  Waltcrborough,  S.  C. 
•Jones,  Evan  G.,  Cherry  Creek,  Idaho. 
•Jones,  E.  B.,  Stepheuville,  Tex. 
Jones,    George    C,    Brookfield    Centre, 

Conn. 
Jones,  Dr.  Howard,  Circleville,  Ohio. 
•Jones,  H.  T.,  Green  Castle,  Mo. 
Jones,  Johu  K.,  Chatlield,  Minn. 
•Jones,  Jos.  B.,  Herndon,  Ga. 
•Jones,  J.  J.,  Lo  Bean,  Dak. 
Jones,  J.  Miitthow,  Halifax,  N.  S.,  Canada. 
.Jones,  Lynds,  Grinnell,  Iowa. 
•Jones,  R.  G.,  Dawson,  Ga. 


•Jones,  H.  II.,  Saguache,  Colo. 

•Jones,  William  J.,  Brandon,  Dak. 

Jones,  W.  F.,  Lexington,  Tenn. 

.Jordan,  D.  A.,  Jackson,  N.  C. 

Jordan,  H.  A.,  Manchester,  Va. 

Jordan,  W.  W.,  Harmony  (Jrovo, Ga. 

Judd,  J.  M.,  Emporium,  Pa. 

"Judson,  Hamilton II.,  Farmington,Minn. 

Kaehler,  Conrad  E.,  Louisville,  III. 

Kalk,  C.  P.,  Cumberland,  Wis. 

Karu,  William  C,  Burkittsville,  Md. 

•Karr,  John,  Little  Ilock,  Ark. 

Kauehor,  William,  Oregon,  Mo. 

Kear,  R.W.,  Pottsvillo,  Pa. 

Keays,  II.,  Hyde  Park,  London,  Ontario, 

Canada. 
•Keck,  H.  A.,Cotulla,Tex. 
Keck,  J.  M.,  Mentor,  Ohio. 
Koeler,  Charhis,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 
Keenoy,  W.  1 1.,  Fox  L.ake,  Wis. 
•Kecrl,  H.,  Mason  City,  Iowa. 
Keim,  Edward  T.,  Dubuque,  Iowa. 
Koister,  A.  T.,  Blacksburgh,  Va. 
Keiter, .Josiah,N(',w  Winchester,  Ohio. 
Keith,  L.  C,  Norfolk,  Mass. 
'Keith,  P.  W.,  Strawberry  Point,  Iowa. 
Kell,  James,  York,  Pa. 
*Kellogg,  C.  S.,  McComb,  Miss. 
Kellogg,  II.  C,  Canton,  Ga. 
Kolls,  Wni.  L.,  Listowel,  Ontario,  Canada. 
Kelly,  Henry,  Adelaide,  South  Australia. 
Kelly,  J.  P.,  Cofteeville,  Miss. 
•Kelly,  M.  W.,  Lake  Crystal,  Minn. 
Kelsall,  George,  Saint  Mary's,  W.  Va. 
Kelsey,  Carl,  Grinnell,  Iowa. 
Kelsoy,  Eugene,  Dickson,  Tenn. 
Kemp,  S.  W.,  Kempton,  Ohio. 
*Kcinpe,  E.  L.,  Montevideo,  Minn. 
•Kemper,  Henry,  Perham,  Minn. 
•Kenipker,  Johu,  Jr.,  West  Point,  Iowa. 
Kendall,  William  M.,  West  Liberty,  Ky. 
•Kennard,  Samuel  J.,  Waldo,  Fla. 
Keuueiy,  R.,  McMinnville,  Tenn. 
Kennedy,  Thomas S.,  Crescent  Hill,  Ky. 
Kenncy,  Jas.  G.,  Provo  City,  Utah. 
"Konyou,  O.  A. ,  McGregor,  Iowa. 
Keuyou,  W.  J.,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
♦Keoke,  R.  P.,  West  Point,  Nebr. 
•Kephfirt,  W.  II.,  Miller,  Dak. 
•Kerwin,  Jas.  H.,  Glonwood  Sprii3g8,Colo. 
•Kessler,  Charles  A.,  SchrJen  burgh,  Tex. 
•Ketch,  M.  S.,  Alamota,  Kans. 
Keyes,  C.  R.,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 
*Keyes,  John  B.,  Friendship,  Wis. 
Keys,  J.  M.,  Richland  Centre,  Wis. 


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374                       TUB    ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 

*Kib1inger,  Lee,  Juckson,  Lii. 

Krom,  S.  A.,  Pluinfield,  N.  J. 

Kidder,  Dr.  J.  II.,  Wood's  Moll,  Mums. 

•Krueger,  William,  Osseo,  Minn. 

•Kit'lilc,  D.  L.,  Saint  Paul,  Minn. 

Kruskopf,  Max,  Marshalltown,  Iowa. 

Kiglitly,  Charles,  Pimey  villo,  Iiid. 

*Kuhl,  J.  H.,  Earling,  Iowa. 

"Kilgoro,  Fidelia,  Longviow,  Tex, 

Kuoui,  C,  Sauk  City,  Wis. 

Killen.T.M.,  Perry,  Ga. 

Kupp,  John,  Bangor,  Wis. 

Kill:aii,T.,  Escaiiaba,  Micli. 

Kuster,  J.  D.,  Nebraska,  Iiid. 

'Kilpatrick,  J.  It.,  Flagstaff,  Ariz. 

•Kyle.  Jas.,  Hyde  Park,  Dak. 

Kimball,  Dr.  F.  II.,  Koekford,  III. 

•Labodie.T.,  Las  Vegas,  N.  Mex. 

Kimball,  S.T.,  Ellinglrm,  Conn. 

Lacey,  Samuel  S.,  Marshall,  Mich. 

'Kinalski,  Benjamin,  liiuwnsville,  Tex. 

Latfer,  H.  Adelaides  .South  Australia. 

Kiiicaid,  K.  S.,  Clinton,  Tonn. 

'Laing, .lames,  Persia,  Iowa. 

Kinclielve,  Jas.  M.,  Upperville,  Va. 

Laird,  Franci.s,  Saltsburgh,  Pa. 

•King, Charles  L.,  Millbank,  Dak. 

Laird,  Mrs.  Mary  (i.,  .Scrant(Mi,  Miss. 

King,  Dr.  E.  H.,  West  Liberty,  Iowa. 

"Lakes,  Arthur,  Golden,  Cido. 

•KingiE.  P.,  llawkinsville,  Ga. 

].iamar,  Robert,  Boousborough,  Md. 

King,  Prof.  F.  11.,  Piver  Falls,  Wis. 

Lamb,  J.  C,  Williams,  Ind. 

King,  II.  C  ,  Oieoda,  Mieii. 

Lamb,  William  F.,  Ilolyok'-,  Mass. 

King,  J.  M.,  Knoxville,  Tenn. 

Lambie,  William,  Y)>silanti,  Mich. 

•King,,J.  W.,  Mnridiy.N.  C. 

Lambiight,  Lewis,  Middletowu,  Ohio. 

King,  Otis  G.,  Kenosha,  Wis. 

Lamkin,  George,  Norwalk,  Ohio. 

King,  Richard,  Brooklyn,  Conn. 

'Lanikin,  J.  ,S.,  Booni^'ille,  Ark. 

King,  S.  L.,  Bristol,  Tenn. 

Landers,  E.  J.,  Imlay  City,  Mich. 

Kingsbury,  El  hie  Coo,  Willow,  Ohio. 

Laiulis,  H.  K.,  Landis  Valley,  Pa. 

Kingsbury,  Howard,  Burlington,  Iowa. 

Landolt,  Ulrieh,  Port  Wasluu.i;l(>n,  Wis. 

"Kingsbury,  H.  II.,  Spencer,  Mass. 

'Lane,  A.  V.,  Austin,  Tex. 

Kingsbury, .).  (J.,  Indianapolis,  Ind. 

Lane,  T.  J.,  Greeneville,  Tenn. 

*Kingsbury,  W.  J.,  Linwood,  Nebr. 

Langdon,  Dr.  F.  W.,  Cincinnati.  Ohio. 

•Kingston,  W.  P.,  Warner,  Dak. 

•Langford,  S.  W.,  Kcdling  Fork,  Mi.ss. 

*Kinkler,  August,  Cat  Spring,  Tex. 

"Langlio,  H.  A.,  Portland,  Dak. 

"Kinsey,  B.  L.,  Harlan,  Iowa. 

Lanier,  John  P.,  Williamston,  N.  C.    . 

•Kintbof,  II.,  Dover,  Ark. 

Lankford,  B.  C,  Brevard,  N.  C. 

*Kirby,  James  H.,  Allap.aha,  Ga. 

Lankhect,  Hein,  Allegan,  Mich. 

Kirkley,  D.C.,  Camden,  S.  C. 

Lanning,  W.  J.,  Coruuna,  Ind. 

Kirknnin,  T.  J.,  Sanfaiiuin,  Utah. 

Lant/,  I'rof.  D.  E.,  Manhat  Ian,  K:ius. 

*Kitcb,  J.  S.,  Lynnville,  Iowa. 

Lantz,  George,  McArthur,  Ohio. 

'Kittle,  John  S.,  Soward,  Nebr. 

Larkin,J.  B.,  Pittsburgh,  Pa. 

*Kleven,  B.,  tJulbertson,  Nebr. 

'Larsen,  Charles  O.,  Sturgeon  Bay,  Wis. 

Knapp,  (}.  W.,  Leon,  W.  Va. 

Larsen,  Fred.,  MtMidon,  Utah. 

Knaus,  Warren,  MePherson,  Kans. 

'Larsen,  .lames,  Nt4)hi,  Utah. 

Knight,  E.  L.,  Newport,  Pa. 

Latliam,  (Jooige,  Fairburn,  Ga. 

'Knight,  H.  M.,  Clarthage,  Tex. 

Latimer,  A.  W.,  Lumiikin,  Ga. 

'Knight,  J.  L.  H.,  Lee  Park,  Nebr. 

Latimer,  J.  B.,  Lumpkin, <ia. 

•Knight,  Miletus,  Durand,  Wis. 

•Laubensheimer,  A.,  Wilmington,  Cal. 

Knox,  .lohn,  Taylorstown,  Pa. 

Laulfer,  S.  D.,  Irwin,  Pa.. 

Koch,  II.  A.,  College  Hill,  Ohio. 

"Laury,  C.  S.  M.,  Sheldon,  low.i. 

Koeh,  ,Iohn.  Alton  Junction,  111. 

Lausen,  Jas.  D.,  W^oodstown,  N.  J. 

Koerner,  Ilt^rnuin,  Birdse.ve,  Ind. 

Lavies,  William,  Santa  Barbara,  Cal. 

KotVnnin,  J.  H.,  llumbolilt,  Tenn. 

Law,  B.  C,  Darlington  C.  H.,  S.  C. 

Konkle,  Kate,  Caledonia  Station,  Mich. 

•Lawless,  A.  W.,  New  Berlin,  Fla. 

*Koii/.,  John  A.,  Marienfeld,  Tex. 

Lawrence,  G.  W.,  Fayetteville,  N.  C. 

Koous,  Prof.  B.  F.,  Manslield,  Conn. 

Lawton,  Charles  IL,  Newport,  K   I. 

"Kornee,  W.  C,  Columbia,  Ala. 

•Lay,  H.  C,  Telluride,  Colo. 

•Krosinsky,  Theo.  J.,  Garnaville,  Iowa. 

Lear,  I.  D.,  Salem,  III. 

Kridcr,  Brittell,  Madisim  C.  II.,  Va, 

• 

•Lee,  Alfred  C,  Oriaka,  Dak. 

LIST   OF   CONTRIBUTORS, 


376 


Lee,  C.  C,  Shcplierdsville,  Ky. 

*Leo,  Reuben  B.  Curl,  Duvull's  Bliitr,  Ark. 

Lee,  W.  J.,  Nu^bvilli',  Ark. 

LeedH,  Edward  W.,Uuion  Bridge,  Md. 

Lees,  F.  A.,  Eagluud. 

•Leftwicb,  D.  C,  Port  Viacent,  La. 

Loiuart,  A.  L.,  Mayuardvillo,  Tetia. 

'Leonard,  L  E.,  Socorro,  N.  Mcx. 

Loouardson,  Jobn,  Now  Havcu,  Micb. 

Leonardsou,   Jobn   B.,   Mount  CIoiuous, 

Micb. 
Lone,  Adoipb,  Citicinnati,  Obio. 
Levy,  James  M.,  Covington,  Ga. 
'Levy,  M.  C,  Lake  Butler,  Fla. 
*Lewollyn,  Rccs  I{.,  Fountain  Orocn,Utab. 
Lewis,  A.  A.,  Gallatin,  Timu. 
Lewis,  Jobn  B.,  Eubank,  Ky. 
Lewis,  M.  D.  L.,  Jackson  V.  II.,  W.  Va. 
•Luwis,  S.  E.,  Fort  Gaines,  (ia. 
•Lewis,  S.  G.,  Grass  Valley,  Cal. 
Lewis,  William  11.,  Pawtncket,  R.  I. 
Lewis,  W.  S.,  State*s-ille,  N.  C. 
*Licl»,  II.  A.,  Alton,  Iowa. 
Ligbtuer,  Jobn  S.,  Kandolpb,  Wis. 
Lilford,  Lord,  London,  Eug. 
Lincoln,  L.  A.,  Muzo  Muuio,  Wis. 
Linil,  William,  Iliilsborougb,  Wis. 
Linden,  Prof.  Cbarlos,  Buffalo,  N.  Y. 
Linderinau,  A.  K.,  Troy,  Pa. 
Liudly,  B.  F.,0.skaloosa,  Iowa. 
Limlsay,  A.  H.,  Portsmontb,  Va. 
Lindsay,  J.  H.,  Kernorsville,  N.  C. 
•Lindsey,  W.  M.,  Elmo,  Tex. 
Lingafelt,  James  M.,  Hollidaysburgb,  Pa. 
Linn,  Robert,  Nortb  Linndale,  Obio. 
Lintner,  Prof.  J.  A.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 
Linton,  Natban  M,,  Wilmington,  Obio. 
Linville,  Jobn  V.,  Gap,  Pa. 
•Litsou,  W.  H.,  jr.,  Benton,  Kans. 
Little,  Frank,  Kalamazoo,  Micb. 
Livingston,  Clara  K.,  Seneca,  S.  C. 
Livingston,  Jennie  R.Soutb  Pittsburgb, 

Tonn. 
•Lloyd,  William,  Paint  Rock,  Tex. 
Lock,  Tbonias  W.,  Louisiana,  Mo. 
Lockbart,  W.  W.,  Lake  George,  N.  Y. 
•Loforge,Cbarle8  A.,  New  Madrid  County, 

Mo. 
Logan,  W.  F.,  VVilliamsport,  Pa. 
Lpgue,  Jobn  C, Central  City,  Nebr. 
Lomax,  W.  P.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
'Long,  C.  W.,  Andrew,  Iowa. 
*Long,  Dr.  F.  A.,  Madison,  Nebr. 
•Long,  J.  M.,  Primgbar,  Iowa. 
Long,  M.  H.  L.,  Cbarlottesville,  Va. 


•Long,  R.B.,  Tyler,  Tex. 
Longj'car,  Williaui  P.,  Mason,  Mich. 
Loomis,  P.  B.,  Jackson,  Micb. 
•Looney,  James  B.,  Hancock,  Mich. 
Loor,  W.  C,  Groeusbnrgb,  Pa. 
Lord,  M.S.,  Sarauac,  Micb. 
Lorquin,  E.  F.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
•Lotbrop,  John,  Uayton,  Nev. 
•Love,  George  T.,  Huron,  Dak. 
"Love,  .lobn  D.,  Macksburgb,  Iowa. 
•Love,  M.  E.,  Carrollton,  Miss. 
Loveland,  Elmer,  Call's  Fort,  Utah. 
Lovett,  J.  W.,  Brandon,  Vt. 
Lowden,  A.  D.,  Noble,  Obio. 
Lowe,  R.,  England. 

Lowell,  George  P.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Lowry,  J.  N.,  Greenville,  Olro. 
•Lucas,  C.  H.,  Mound,  Lii. 
Lucas,  Frederic  A.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Lugger,  Otto,  Baltimore,  Mil.  , 
Luikart,  J.  J.,  Nottingbam,  Obio. 
Lumpkin,  Thomas  B.,Buena  Vista,  Ga. 
Lyford,  George  A.,  Rouseville,  Pa. 
Lyon,  W.D..  Elkboru.Wis. 
'Lyons,  John  D.,  Benson,  Minn. 
•Lytic,  Samuel,  Castroville,  Tex. 
McAdams,  Hon.  Wm.,  Alton,  111. 
McAdoo,  R.  J,,  Wavcrly,  Teuu. 
McArtbur,  A.,  Winnipeg,  Manitoba,  Cau« 

ada. 
McArtbur,  E.  W.,  Mead vi lie,  Pa. 
*McAuley,  Robt.,  Atlantic  City,  Wyo. 
•McAusland,  Jobn,  Miles  City,  Mont. 
•McBride,  A.,  Winnwborougb,  Tex. 
•McBride,  W.  D.,  Boonsborough,  Ark. 
McBrown,  Wm.,  Fall  River,  Kans. 
'McCabe,  C.  A.,  Pomoroy,  Wash. 
McCabe,  Jas.  W.,  Chilton,  Wis. 
McCaleb,  Jobn  D.,  Mount  Pleasant,  Pa. 
•McCall,  H.  J.,  Madison,  Fla. 
McCallum,  Dr.  (J.  A.,  Dunnville,  Ontario, 

Canada. 
McCampbell,  W.  C,  Union  City,  Tenn. 
McCartney,  J.  S.,  Qarnctt,  Kans. 
McCarty,  Wm.  (}.,  Jefferson  City,  Mo. 
•McCauloy,  James,  White  Lake,  Dak. 
•McCauley,  Jobn  C,  Searcy,  Ark. 
•McCiain,  J.  M.,Cat?in,  Colo. 
McClellan,  J.  H.,  Oakland  City,  Ind. 
McClure,  James  O.,  W.vrsaw,  N.  Y. 
McCoIlougb,  T.  J.,  Alpine  City,  Utah. 
•McCook,  Jas.  M.  II.,  Robeline,  La. 
McCorniick,  W.  A.,  Morning  Sun,  lov^o. 
McCoy,  Frank  I).,  Sistersvillo,  W.  Va. 
McCrasson,  W.  M.,  West  Branch,  Micdi. 


376 


THE   ENGLISH    SPARROW    IN   AMERICA. 


[i  'i-i:- 


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HcCrun,  Dr.  A.  K.,  liurwick,  Pcnii. 

*McCrolc88,  Wm.  A.,  Alburtvilln,  Ala. 

'HcCuUoli,  R.L.,Furt  AHsiuaboiiio,  Mont. 

HcCune,  J.  A.  C,  Sbippeuslitirgli,  Pa. 

•McDnuii'l,  Jerry,  Ccntroville,  Tex. 

•McDaiiiel,  W.  li.,  Faceville,  Ga. 

McDaouold,  Jobn  J.,  Mount  Sterling,  III. 

McDearniau,  T.  R.,  Danville,  Va. 

'McDonald,  A.,  Glcauiary,  Tenn. 

*McDonuoll.  M.  W.,  Alma,  Wis. 

McDougall,  R.  A  ,  Nortb  Brancb,Micli. 

McElrath,  J.  J.  B.,  Centre,  Ala. 

McFall,  Gid.  1).,  Oskaloosa,  Iowa. 

McFall,  S.,  Ffcdonin,  lud. 

McFerran.  S.  S.,  Beaver  Falls  Pa. 

McGee,  Jas.  S.,  Paris,  Mo. 

•McGebee,  I.  M.,  Milton,  Fla. 

•McGiunis,  W.  T.,  Miudon,  Nebr. 

McGlasban,  P.  J.,  Morautovvii,  Kans. 

'McGoldrick,  J.  R.,  Cousbatta,  La. 

McGraw,  IL  H.,  Whitewater,  Wis. 

•McGregor,  R.,  River  Falls,  Wis. 

"McGuin,  T.  R.,  Rosedale,  Miss. 

McHenry,  Estill,  Sainl  Louis,  Mo. 

McHugb,  T.  J.,  Calvert,  Tex. 

Mcllwraitb,  Thomas,  Hamilton,  Ontario, 
Canada. 

Mcllyas,  W.  H.  H.,  Cambridge,  Ohio. 

•Mclnuess,  W.  F.,  Monticello,  Miss. 

*McIn£lro,  A.  P.,  Warren,  Minn. 

'Mclntire,  S.  B.,  Houston,  Minn. 

"McKc  ,  R.  J.,  Jasper,  Fla. 

'McKeou,  P.,  Rush  City,  Minn. 

'McKernan,  John  Q.,  L'Ansc,  Mich. 

McKinney,  J.  B.,  Newburgb,  lud. 

•McKnight,  J.  H.,  Fort  Shaw,  Mont. 

McLachlau,  Wm.  M.,  Clyde,  N.  Y. 

McLaughlin,  D.,  Waseca,  Minn. 

McLauriue,  H.  Cl.ay,  Pulaski,  Tonn. 

McLean     a.,  Augusta,  Ohio. 

McLean,  S.  M,,  Canal  Dover,  Ohio, 

McLolIan,  Charles,  Trenton,  Ontario,  Can- 
ada. 

*McLeod,  Daniel,  Leaksville,  Miss. 

McLeod,  E.  A.,  Palmyra,  Mo. 

•McMannon,  Dr.  C.  T.,  Houston,  Fla. 

'McMillan,  James  J.,  Caldwell,  Tex. 

McNair,  S.  N.,  Emmitsburgb,  Md. 

McNally,  S.  J.,  Harrisville,  Mioh. 

*McNamara,  Geo.  G.,  Port  Townsend, 
Wash. 

McNIcliol,  Harry  E.,  North  East,  Pa. 

MoNiitt,  W.  H.,  Kingston,  Tenn. 

•MoPheely,  J.  L.,  Minden,  Nebr. 

"McPheraon.  C.  I-.,  Holly,  Colo. 


McPherson,  John  W.,  Hopkinsvillo,  Ky. 
'McPherson,  L.  8.,  Sherman,  Tox. 
•McPherson,  Thos.  B.,  Arapahoe,  Nebr. 
McQuesten,  Dr.  C.  B.,  Dobbs  Ferry,  NY. 
•McReynolds,  G.  W.,  Nepesta,  Colo. 
McSbene,  M.,  Campbelltown,  S.  Australia. 
•McSparran,  J.  S.,  Sloan,  Iowa. 
MeWhirter,  A.  J.,  Nashville,  Tenn. 
•Mabbstt,  Gideon,  Rodney,  Miss. 
Macbeth,  Alex.,  Georgetown,  S.  C 
Mack,  John  T.,  Saidnsky,  Ohio. 
•Mac  Kay,  Prof.  A.  II.,  Pictou,  N.  S.,  Can- 
ada. 
Mackay,  R'jv.  Henry,  Emporia,  Kans. 
Macon,  R.  C,  Orange  C.  H  ,Va. 
Madison,  Wm.  H.,  East  Eutierprii<e,  lud. 
Magill,  C.  M.,  Volcano,  W.  Va. 
Magruder,  H.  E  ,  Keswick  Depot,  Va. 
'Maguirc,  Jobn,  Republic,  Mich. 
Mahou,  Charles,  Dunkirk,  Ohio. 
•Malleis,  Wm.  B.,  Cedar  Mill,  Oregon. 
•Mallett,  W.  R.,  Chapel  Hill,  N.  C. 
Mallory,  B.  H.,  Ciaringtou,  Ohio. 
Maloney,  T.  S.,  Quinuimunt,  W.  Va. 
Mtingum,  Dr.  W.  L.,  Cullman,  Ala. 
Mauigault,  Dr.  G.  E.,  Charleston,  S.  C. 
*Mauix,  P.  A.,  Augusta,  Mont. 
Manly,  M.,  New  Berne,  N.  C. 
•Maun,  Jnlia  A.,  Mann's  Harbor,  N.  C. 
Manning,  Thomas,  New  York,  N.  Y. 
Marckres,  George  M.,  Sharon,  Conn. 
Margraves,  G.  W.,  Sneedville,  Tonn. 
Marker,  C.  F.,  Ligonier,  Pa. 
Markbam,  W.  G.,  RocbcHter,  N.  Y. 
Marriott,  George,  Sandy,  Utah. 
Marrs,  Jas.  R.,  Danville,  Ky. 
Mars,  Willis,  Donver,  Mo. 
•Marsh,  A.  S.,  Red  Cloud,  Nebr. 
•Marshall,  Carl  C,  Areata,  Cal. 
•Marshall,  J.  A.,  KauFinan,  Tex. 
Marshall,  R.  K.,  Booneville,  Miss. 
•Marshall,  William,  Castlewood,  Dak. 
Martin,  C.  R.,  St<  irt,  Va. 
•Martin,  B,  S.,  Terrell,  Tex. 
Martin,  E.  S.,  Mechanicstown,  Ohio. 
Martin,  George  W.,  Chattanooga,  Tenn. 
Martin,  Dr.  G.  A.,  China,  Me. 
Martin,  G.  W.,  Charleston,  Mo. 
Martin,  N.  A.,  Danbury,  N.  C. 
Martin,  T.  J.,  Waynesborough,  Va. 
Mai  tin,  W.  P.,  Cottonwood  Falls,  Kans. 
Mason,  E.  E.,  Aocotiuk,  Va. 
Mason,  G.  D.,  Cornnna,  Mich. 
Mason,  Henry  H.,  Farmington,  Conu. 
Mason,  H.1I.,  Niles,  Ohio. 


w 


LIST   OP   CONTRIBUTORS. 


377 


Mason,  Orville  F.,  Stanton,  Midi. 
Maaou,  Prof.  Otis  T.,  WuHbington,  D.  C. 
Mason,  T.  A.  H.,  Sackvillo,  N.  U.,  Canada. 
Mason,  W.T.,  Pnngoteufjne,  Va. 
Mathers,  Dr.  J.  K.,  liuckbannon,  W.  Va. 
'Matbys,  George,  Arcadia,  Wis. 
Matson,  Jas.  B.,  North  Bond,  Ohio. 
*Mattc8on,  F.  8.,  Aunisvillo,  Oregon. 
Matthews,  Robert  J.,  Baldwin,  Mich. 
'Matthews,  Thomas  M.,  Athens,  Tex. 
Mattoch,  C.  P.,  Portland,  Mo. 
'Maughs,  L.  L.,  Douison,  Tex. 
Mauney,  W.  A.,  King's  Monntain,  N.  C. 
*Maurer,  William,  Maiden,  Mont. 
"Mawherter,  D.,  Tin  Cup,  Colo. 
Maxson,  B.  F.,  Westerly,  R.  I. 
Mayberry,  J.,Burlingiime,  Kans. 
Mayer,  Dr.  I.  H.,  Willow  Street,  Pa. 
Maynard,  C.  J.,  Boston,  Mass. 
Mayo,  A.  C,  Ashland,  Va. 
*Mayo,  H.  M.,  Morgan  City,  La. 
•Mazyck,  W.  St.  L,  Wavorley  Mills,  S.  C. 
Mead,  £.  C,  Keswick  Depot,  Va. 
•Meadows,  F.  C,  Caddo,  C.  N.,  Ind.  T. 
Mearns,  Dr.  Edg.  A.,  Highland  Falls,  N.  Y. 
Meehan.Thos.,  Germantown.Pa. 
Meigs,  General,  M.C.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Meily,  R.  W.,  Lima,  Ohio. 
'Meirscbeidt,  Arthur,  La  Grange,  Tex. 
Melzer,  Jas.  P.,  Milford,  N.  H. 
Menard,  Augustine,  Ste.  Geneviovt,  Mo. 

'Menefee,  C.  A.,  Los  Gutos,  Cal. 

*Menefee,  R.  P.,  Bozenian,  Mont. 
Menville,  Dr.  Charles,  Napoleon ville,  La. 

'Merchant,  I.  T.,  Broken  Bow,  Nebr. 

Merony,  Callie,  Carthage,  Tenn. 

Merrell,  £.  A.,  Carrollton,  Ga. 

Merriam,  Dr.  C.  Hart,  Washington,  D.  C. 

•Merrick,  P.  D.,  Villisca,  Iowa. 

Merritt,  W.  H.,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

'Merry,  W.  Y.,  Mandarin,  Fla.' 

Metcalf,  F.  H. ,  Holyoke,  Mass.        ,  t   • 

Metsker,  Chas.,  Yeoman,  Ind. 

Metz,  Manoali,  SmithsburgL,  Md. 

Micklem,  H.  Martyn,  Variety  Mills,  Va. 

•Midgley,  Jonathan,  Wales,  Utah. 

Mikesell,Thoa.,  Wauseon,  Ohio. 

Miles,  M.  W . ,  Gleuvillo,  Ohio. 

Millar,  Dr.  Lawrence,  Bellevue,  Iowa. 

•Miller.  Ada L.,  Mulberry  Grove,  Kans. 

•Millei ,  Frederick,  Washburn,  Minn. 

Millei,  H.  H.,  Sandy  Spring,  Md. 

•Miller,  James,  O'Neill  City,  Nebr. 

•Miller,  John,  Florence,  Ariz. 

Millei,  John  J.,Leland,Micb. 


•Miller,  J.  C,  Hiiwarden,  Iowa. 
•Miller,  J.  P.,  Crocus,  Ky. 
Miller,  Mrs.  Olive  Thome,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
'Miller,  O.  E.,  New  Providence,  Iowa. 
Miller,  P.  D.,  Schoolcraft,  Mich. 
•Miller,  Samuel,  Pontotoc,  Miss. 
Miller,  S.  T.,  Constableville,  N.  Y, 
•Millbam,  T.  W.,  Hudson,  Dak. 
Milligan,  E.  A.,  Moultrie,  Ga. 
Milliken,  F.  M.,  Indianola,  Iowa, 
Milnor,  Wm., Cartersvillo,  Ga. 
Mines,  Geo.  P.,  Newport,  Tenn. 
•Minnshall, Thos.,  La  Crescent,  Minn. 
Mitchell,  D.  A.,  Wichita,  Kans. 
Mitchell,  John  B.,New  Albany,  Ind. 
•Mitchell,  Siisnian,  Visalia,  Cal. 
•Moershel,  Wm.,  Homestead,  Iowa. 
•Moir,  M.  W.,  Eldora,  Iowa. 
*Moles,  A.  M., Clarksburgh, Mo. 
Molineaux,  A.,  Adelaide,  S.  Australia. 
*Monell,  C.  E.,  Kirwin,  Kuns. 
•Mong,  W.  H.,  Fletcher,  Iowa. 
•Monroe,  Wm.  A.,  Jacksonport,  Ark. 
Montague,  W.Y.,  Clifton,  Tcun. 
Montgomery,  A.  R.,  Bryn  Mawr,  Pa. 
Montgomery^  J.  W.,Coiil  Valluy,  W.  Va. 
Montgomery,  W.  W.,  Radnor,  Pa. 
Mooman,  Caddie,  Franklin,  W.  Va. 
Moor,  Sidney,  Hamburg,  Iowa. 
•Moore,  C.  R.,  Birdsnest,  Va. 
"Moore,  1>.  J.,  Sedan,  Kans. 

•Moore,  E.  II.,  Silver  City,  Idaho. 

•Moore,  F.  A.,  Saint  Helen,  Oregon. 

Moore,  (Jeorge,  Stoubouville,  Ohio. 

Moore,  Dr.  H.  D.,New  Lexington,  Pa. 

•Moore,  Jas.  F.,  Prinevillo,  Oregon. 

Moore,  James  H.,  Monongahela,  Pa. 

Moore,  J.  Percy,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

"Moore,  J.  U.,  ITuiontown,  Kans. 

•Moore,  L.  R.,  Morton,  Miss. 

•Moore,  M.,  Altoona,  Kans. 

Moore,  Ransom  A.,  Kewaunee,  Wis. 

Moore,  Mrs.  S.  A.,  Dallas,  N.  C. 

•Moorlicad,  A.  1).,  Sedgwick,  Colo. 

Moran,  Ueorge  H.,  Morganton,  N.  C. 

Moran,  James,  jr.,  Wankegan,  HI. 

Moran,  Wm.  C,  Adrian,  Mich. 

•Morgan,  A.  H.,  Way  Cross,  Ga. 

•Morgan,  D.  L.,  Norwalk,  Fla. 

Morgan,  John,  Mill  Creek,  Utah. 

•Morgan,  J.,  jr.,  Weir,  Kans. 

Morris,  C.  H.,  McConnelsville,  Ohio. 

Morris,  Rev.  Francis  O.,  Nunburnbolme, 
Yorkshire,  Eng. 

Morris,  Jas.  R.,  Woodsfiold,  Ohio. 


878 


THE   E^'QLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMERICA. 


1 1 


iiU' 


Morris,  R.  G.,  Georgetown,  Gu. 

Moriisou,  A.  J.,  Mareogo,  lown. 

Murridon,  K.  A.,  Sinitbtiold,  V». 

MorriHun,  Dr.  E.  M.,  Des  Moines,  Iowa. 

Morrison,  H.,  Itliaca,  Micb. 

Morrison,  W.  K.,  liellbire,  Ohio. 

Morse,  Dr.  S.  P.,  Omio,  Kans. 

Morse,  Martha  V.,  KarnsCity,  Pa. 

Morton,  Tlionios,  Nebraska  Ciry,  Nebr. 

Moseley,  Alex.  T.,  Buckingham  C.  H.,  Va. 

Moseley,  A.  M.,  Adairvillo,  Ky. 

•Mosluir,  H.G.,  Iliff,  Colo. 

*Mosber,  John,  Spirit  Lake,  Iowa. 

'Moss.  Mrs.M.  J.,  Sand  Rnn,  W.  Va. 

Mottweilcr,  L.  M.,  Georgetown,  Ind. 

Mould,  Matthew  H.,  Baraboo,  Wis. 

Mncbniore,  Jos.  A.,  Madeira,  Ohio. 

'Mueller,  Jacob  .J.,  EUensburgb,  Wash. 

Mugford,  E.T.,  Hart,  Mich, 

Muldragb,  William  J.,  »and  Hill,  Mich. 

"Miilluy,  E}tF.,RuBh  Centre,  K.ins. 

*Miiller,  Max,  Jacksonville,  Oregon. 

"Mumlord,  F.  M.,  Bayou  Sara,  La. 

Mundt,  A.  H.,  Fairbury,  111. 

"Munnerlyn,  I.  K.,  Clear  Water  Harbor, 
Fla. 

*Muuroe,  A.T.,  Industry,  Kans. 

Munroc,  Thomas,  Staten  Island,  N.  Y. 

•MuusoM,  .1.  E.,  Foster,  La. 

Murdock,  Jas.  E. ,  Kingwood,  W.  Va. 

Murphy,  Ckrl.s.,  Saudusky,  Mich. 

Murphy,  C.  T.,  New  Haven,  Mo. 

*Murpby,  D.  F.,  Rusbford,  Minn. 

Murpby,  J.  F.,  Nantucket,  Mass. 

Murphy,  M.  M.,  Ripley,  Ohio. 

*Mu9grove,  M.,  iSoutb  Haven,  Kans. 

Mustek,  Mrs.  M.,  Mount  Carmel,  Mo. 

MuBser,  J.  W.,  Mission  San  Jo8<^,  Ual. 

•Myers,  0.  F.,  Roekford,  Iowa. 

Myers,  0.  A.,  May,  Micb. 

Myrick,  B.  H.,  Meriweatber,  Ga. 

Nail,  J.  B.,  Louisville,  Ky. 

Napier,  C.  O.  Oroome,  London,  Eug. 

*Nash,  H.  W.,  Pueblo,  Colo. 

Natural  History  Society  of  Toronto,  On- 
tario, Canada. 

•Nayer,  Frederick  B.,  Collins,  Tex. 

Noal,  A.  D.,  Milton,  W.  Va. 

Neal,  Charles,  Plain  City,  ITtali. 

Neal,  J.T.,  Thomson,  Ga. 

Neal,  S.  F.,  Oallipolis,  Ohio. 

Neesc,  George  M.,  New  Market,  Va. 

*Nelnes,  W.  O.,  Vinita,  Cherokee  Nation, 
Ind.  T. 

'Nelson,  O.  F.,  Goodwin,  Dak. 


Nelson,  Joel.  Davenport,  Nebr. 
Nesmitb,  Charles  E.,  Donaldson ville.  La. 
"Neu,  Peter,  Templeton,  Iowa. 
Newell,  Mrs.  Eva  E.,  Plantsville,  Conn. 
Newell,  E.  R.,  Plantsville,  Conn. 
Nowlon,  Dr.  W.  S.,  Oswego,  Kans. 
Newman,  E.  O.,  Roberts,  III. 
Newman,  George  E.,  Bath,  Me. 
Newton,  Prof.  Alfred,  Magdalen  Colle^  •, 

Cambridge,  Eng. 
Newton,  R.  H.,  Rochdale,  Mass. 
Newton,  W.  A.,  Mona,  Utah. 
'Nicholas,  W.  T.,  Lyons,  Kans. 
Nichols,  D.  A.  A.,  Dunkirk,  N.  Y. 
Nichols,    Fremont    D.,  Berrien  Spriiign. 

Mich. 
Nichols,  George  H.,  Dcs  Moitios,  Iowa. 
Nicbolo,  Jason  E.,  L.tusiu^,  Mich. 
"Nickor«on,  C.  W.,  West  Tisbury,  Ma«H. 
NickerHOU,  H.  ().,  Rendfield,  Me. 
Niesz,  J.  F.,  Canton,  Ohio. 
•Nijnon,  James,  Denison,  Tex. 
Ni.xon,  W.  T.,  Lawrenceburgh,  Teun. 
•Noll,  J.  N.,  Sheridan,  Ark. 
Norgate,  F.,  England. 
'Noiuiiin,  James,  Hockley,  Tex. 
Norris,  Dr.  Georgia  D. ,  Newmarket,  Ala. 
•Norris,  S.  R.,  Dwight,  Dak. 
North,  F.  A.,  Montevallo,  Ala. 
Norton,  Arthur  H.,Snc(:arappa,  Mc 
Nottingham,  Leonard  J.,  Eastville,  Vu. 
•Nowers,  WilLsoi!  G.,  Beaver,  Utah. 
•Nowliii,  8.  H.,  Little  Rock,  Aik, 
•Nugent,  J.  C,  Buffalo,  Minn. 
Nunez,  J.  M.,  Swaiuslwrough,  Ga. 
Nutting,  C.  C,  Iowa  City,  Iowa. 
Nye,  A.  1.,.,  Morgantown,  W.  Va. 
Nye,  Dudley  S.,  Marietta,  Ohio. 
Oakey,  W.  8.,  Saleni,  Va. 
"Oathout,  J(^n  M.,Boonevillc,  Ark. 
•Odell,W.  H.,  Salem,  Oregon. 
Odie,  Fred.  8.,  Lapeer,  Mich. 
Odium,  E.,  Pembroke,  Ontario,  Canada. 
O'Donoho,  N.  B.,  Cerro  Gordo,  Fla. 
'Oenning,  John  B.,  Fonntain  City,  Wis. 
Octtinger,  William,  Dent,  Ohio. 
•O'Grady,  Dauiel,  Walkerville,  Mont. 
•Olas,  E.  H.,  Albany,  III. 
Olcott,  Jas.  B.,  Manchester,  Conn. 
•Oldfleld,  J.  G.,  Lake  Providence,  La. 
Oldridge,  W.  V..  Farley,  Iowa. 
O'Leary,  Jos.  J.,  Peshtigo,  Wis. 
Oliverson,  James,  Franklin,  Idaho. 
•Oltorf,  T.  C,  Marlin,  Tex. 
Ong,  P.  L.,  Hennepin,  111. 


Kin 


ftti 


w. 


LIST  OF   CONTRIBUTOltS. 


379 


•O'Niell,  John  A.,  Franklin,  La. 
•Orcutf,  C.  E.,  Jiiincsport,  Mo. 
•Orcntt,  J.  H.,  Sun  Dk'Ko.Cal. 
Onuurod,  Miss  Eleanor  A.,  Islewortli,  Mid- 
dlesex, Euglund. 
"Orndorff,  L.  H.,  Moundville,  Mo. 
Orr,  George  II.,  Manistiquo,  Micb. 
Osl)orn,  A.,  Olmsted,  Ohio. 
•Osboru,  Prof.  Herbert,  Auies,  Iowa. 
Osboruo,  George  C,  Westport,  N.  Y. 
•Osbnrn,  F.  \V.,  Eugene  City,  Oregou. 
Osburn,  J.,  Winchester,  Ohio. 
Osterhatit,  W.  J.  N.,  Providence,  U.  I. 
Osterhout,  \V.  V.,  Providence,  R.  I. 
O'Toole,  Dr.  M.C.,  IJerlteley,  Cal. 
Ott,  Joseph,  West  Bend,  Wis. 
Overnian,  II.  W.,  Waverly,  Ohio. 
OvertoM,  1).  Y.,  Durling;on,  Iowa. 
Owen,r.  P.,  Glover,  Vt. 
Owen,  J.  ii.,  Ciithbcrt,  Ga. 
"Owens,  John  W.,  Jtnienborougli,  Ark.. 
Owens,  J.  P.,  Scottdjili',  Pa. 
•Oznnin,  Andrew,  Baldwin,  Mich. 
Packard,  Edson,  Beti/onia,  Mich. 
•Paddison,  A.  H.,  Biirfjaw,  N.  C. 
Pagf,  M.  A.,  (.larnott,  Kans. 
Paily,  J.  D.,  iJelniont,  Pa. 
Paine,  C.  S.,  East  Bethel,  Vt. 
"Paine,  Mi.ssM.  E.,  Koyalston,  Ma-s. 
Paintin,  John  Tlionia!»,  Coral  ville,  Iowa. 
'Palla,  Joseph,  Marshall,  Cal. 
"Palmer,  A.  H.,  Montague,  Tex. 
•Palmer,  C.  L.,  Baker  City,  Oregon. 
"Palmer,  L.  D.,  Yankton,  Uak. 
"Palmer,  Marcns  N.,  Clearwater,  Nehr. 
Palmer,  T.  S.,  Berkeley,  Cal. 
Palton,  R.  W.,  Lewiston,  Pa. 
•Pardee,  J.  E.,  Qnincy,  Cal. 
Parish,  John  H.,  Allen,  Mich. 
Park,  June  B.,  Irvine,  Ky. 
'Parker,  Asa  A.,  Ontonagon,  Mich. 
Parker,  A.K.,  Hillstlale,  W.  Va. 
"Parker,  C.G.,  Monnt  Vornon,Tes. 
•Parker,  E.  E.,  Verndale,  Minn. 
•Parker,  G.  A.,  Halifax,  Mass. 
Parker,  G.  8.,  Barboursville,  Va. 
Parker,  John  D  ,  Fort  Riley,  Kans. 
Parker, T.  W.,  GriggHville,Ill. 
Parkhurst,  A.L.,  San  Jo8d,Cal. 
Parmelee,  P.  W.,  Burton,  Ohio. 
Parrish,  Stephen  U.,  Richmond,  Ky. 
•Parrish,  T.  .1.,  Gainesville,  Tex. 
'Parrott,  J.  M.,  Orchard,  Colo. 
Parsons,  E.  A.,  Towanda,  Pa. 
Parsons,  Newell  A.,  Enfield,  Conn. 


Pasehall,  S.  Edward,  Doylestown,  Pa. 
Patcbin,  M.  B.,  New  London,  Wis. 
"Patterson,  C.  II.,  Oak  Lodge,  Choctaw 

Nation,  Ind.T. 
Patterson,  I.  H.,  Peteruburgb,  V«. 
Patterson,  Jas.  Y.,  Martin's  Ferry,  Ohio. 
Patterson,  T.  H.,  Pine  River,  Wis. 
Patterson,  Wni.  1).,  East  Wheatland,  111. 
"Pattison,  R.,  Wall  Lake,  Iowa. 
Pattoii,  Jas.  A.,  Juda,  Wis. 
I'atton,  J.  Holmes,  Brownsville,  Pa. 
Patto!i,T.  B..  Altooiia,  Pa. 
Paul, Geo.  H.,  Milwaukee,  Wis. 
Paul,  Norman,  Woodstock,  Vt. 
Paxton.J.  T.,  Lick  Run,Va. 
"Payne,  E.  (!.,  De  Soto,  Iowa. 
Payne,  Rolit.T.,  Warm  Springs,  Va. 
Pay  ton,  James  N.,  New  Albany,  III. 
•Peabody,  Mrs.  A.  L.,  l)env(!r,  Colo. 
Peak,  Leonard  G.,  Bedford,  K v. 
Peako,  J.  Warren,  Ionia,  Mich. 
Pearce,  H.  C,  Trenton,  TtMin. 
Pearson,  J.  G.,  Gordon,  Ga. 
Pearson,  ,1.  W.,  Newton,  Mass. 
Pease,  Henry  A.,  Edgartown,  Mass. 
Peck,  J.  B.,  Hampton,  Iowa. 
Peckhani,  Byron  J.,  Westerly,  R.  T. 
Peckhani,  John  J.,  Newport,  R.  I. 
Peebler,  Wm.  M.,  Hardy,  Nebr. 
•Peebles,  Josephine,  Harvel,  III. 
"Peek,  William  L.,  Couyers,  Ga. 
Pelton,  Edward  D.,  Euclid,  Ohio. 
*Pembaugh,Geo.  C,  Wintield,  Kans. 
•Penbentry,  E.  R.,  Houghton,  Mich. 
"Pender,  Drew  D.,  Groesbcck,  Tex. 
Pendleton,  Wm.,  Floyd  C.  H.,Va. 
Pepper,  John,  Boscobel,  Wis. 
Percy,  W.  C,  jr..  Black  Hawk,  La. 
"Perkins,  C.  G.,  Onawa,  Iowa. 
Perkins,  Daniel  W.,  Ogniiqnit,  Me. 
Perkins,  Geo.  H  ,  Burlington,  Vt. 
Perkins,  1. 0.,  Auburn,  Ky. 
Perry,  Geo.  B.,  Brooklyn,  Pa. 
Perry,  J.  A.,  Bay  Ridge,  N.  Y. 
Pertwee,  James,  Chelmsford,  England. 
Peter         Robert,  Lexington,  Ky. 
Petornian,L.,  Clear  Spring,  Md. 
Peters,  Edw.  T.,  Washington,  D.  C. 
"Peters,  Thos.,  Mokelnmne  Hill,  Cal. 
Peters,  W.  F.,  Dublin,  Va. 
•Pettigrew,  Geo.  F.,  Cabool,Mo. 
Pettitt, W.J.,'  Benzonia,  Mich. 
Peury,  Thomas,  Glenwood,  Mo. 
Phelps,  Albert  H.,  West  Pawlet,Vt. 
"Phelps.  C,  Mississippi  City,  Misa. 


380 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW  IN   AMERICA. 


■i  1 


E' 


in 


in  s 


li^: 


\-^'^t- 


•I'bolpH,  D.  It.,  Sanborn,  lown. 

PbelpH,  Uitli)li,Ji-.,  Detroit,  Miub. 

•PbillipH,  U.  L.,  Uctbany,  Mo. 

•Pblegan,  A.  M.,  Hodio,  Ciil. 

Pickering,  Dr.  CbarloH,  liuHton,  Mow). 

*Pickort.  Jobn,  8»int  Cburlca,  Minn. 

Pioning,  A.,  Manitowoc,  WiH. 

•Pierce,  David,  KeanTort,  N.  C. 

"Pierce,  Jennie  U.,  Eiizabetb,  Colo. 

Pierce,  J.  B.,  Westmoreland,  Kans. 

"Pierce  &  Co.,  MosHrs.,  liock  Kaiiids,  Iowa. 

•Pioraon.M.  S.,  Emory,  Tex. 

Pike,  Hon.  Nicolas,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 

Pilbcam,  James  M.,  Nasbville,  Micb. 

Pilkington,  D.  W.,  Wickbam,  Now  Brnus- 
wick,  Canada. 

Pindar,  L.O.,  Hickman,  Ky. 

Piper,  N.  U.,  Kenton,  Obio. 

"Pipkin,  W.  H.,  Sprintjlield,  Mo. 

Pitkin,  Mrs.  William,  Rocbestor,  N.  Y. 

Pitt,  C,  Adtlaide,  Sontb  Anstralia. 

Pitt,  Jobn,  Adelaide,  Sontb  Anstralia. 

Pitzer,  Jobn  H., Covington,  Va. 

Place,  F.  S.,  Alfred  Centre,  N.  Y. 

Piatt,  Frank  S.,Ncw  Haven,  Conn. 

Playford,  Hon.  T.,  Adelaide,  Soutb  Aus- 
tralia. 

Plumb,  C.  S.,  Geneva,  N.  Y. 

Plumb,  George,  Fairport,  N.  Y. 

•Plumbe,  Edward  O.,  Hull,  Iowa. 

"Plummer,  E.  J.,  Hanford,  Cal. 

Plnmmer,  Gordon,  Brookline,  Mass. 

•Poindexter,  P.  E.,  Dillon,  Mont. 

•Polley8,J.W.,  Wells,  Minn. 

Pomeroy,  Jas.  T.,  Robinson,  Kans. 

•Ponder,  W.  F.,  Smolley,  Ala. 

Ponton,  William  IL,  Belleville,  Ontario, 
Canada. 

"Poore,  J.,  Golden  City,  Mo. 

Porter,  E.  W.,Marj'8ville,  Obio. 

"Porter,  James  H.,  Conway,  S.  C. 

Porter,  William  A.,  Alpbaretta,  Ga. 

Porter,  W.C,  Clinton,  Ky. 

Post,  William  P.,  Middlotown,  Conn. 

Postmasters  at  27ti  localities  (see  Distri- 
bution by  States). 

"Potter,  Guy  R.,  Granada,  Colo. 

Pott«r,  Minor  R.,  Wellston,  Obio. 

Powel,  Samuel  P.,  Roger8^'ille,  Tenn. 

Powell,  C.  II.,  Goocbland  C.  H.,  Va. 

Powell,  George  T. ,  Gbcnt,  N.  Y. 

Powell,  Irvin  P.,  Montgomery  City,  Mo. 

•Powell,  R.  H., Troup, Tex. 

Powers,  Frank  M.,  Angola,  lud. 

"Powers,  S.,  Lawtey,  Pla. 


Pratber,  H.  P.,  Oreoncastif.  I'a. 

i'ratt.  Rev.  George  B.,  Oak  Park,  111. 

Pratt,  W.  II.,  Davenjiort,  Iowa. 

"Preudergast,  J.  B.,  Webster,  Dak. 

Prescott,  George  R.,  Gait,  Ontario,  Can- 
ada. 

•Preston,  J.  M.,  Madison,  Dak. 

Preston,  R.  H.,  Woodbury,  Tenn. 

•price,  I.  C,  Fort  Lewis,  Colo, 

Price,  M.  A.,  Gilberton,  .Sontb  Australia. 

Pringle,H.N.,  Tbetford.Vt. 

Professor  of  Botany  and  Forestry,  Agri- 
cultural College,  Micbigan. 

Prout,S.  C.Prout.Obio. 

•Prouty,  R.  1).,  Sbelby,  Iowa. 

Prudden,  S.  C,  Eatonlim,  Ga. 

Pruett,  M.  E.,  Midway.  Ala. 

•Pryor,  Bennett  A.,  Colusa,  Cal. 

•Putter,  F.  L.,  Bird  Island,  Minn. 

Pugb,  Mary  E.,  Broadway,  Va. 

•Ptvgmiro,  V.  M.,  Saint  Cbarles,  Idabo. 

Purdie,  H.  A.,  Boston,  Mass. 

•Purinton,  Prof.  G.  D..  Fuyettoville,  Ark. 

Pursell,  H.  D.,  Wasbington  C.  H.,Obio. 

Putzell.  C.  L.,  Martinsville,  Va. 

Quellin,  E.  R.,  Clayton,  Ala. 

Quick,  II.  C,  Sbiraz  Vineyard,  Mardou, 
Soutb  Australia. 

Quiniby,  1.  W,,  Lancaster,  N.  H. 

"Qninn,  Bernard,  Bingbain  (Janyon,  Utab. 

"Raber,  A.  S.,  Wiota,  Iowa. 

Radcliffe,  J.  F.,  Herscy,  Micb. 

•Radford,  J.  W.,  Ponca,  Nobr. 

Ragan,  W.  H.,Grofincastle,  Ind. 

Ragland,  N.  H.,  Appomattox  C.  H.,Va. 

"Ragsdale,  George  H.,  Gaiuf-sville,  Tex. 

"Rain,  Mr.,  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa. 

•Rttiney,  R.  T.,  Brown ville,  Nebr. 

Ranille,  Prof.  E.  H.,  Jackson,  Tenn. 

•Rankin,  B.  J.,  Dorrance,  Kans. 

Rankin,  James  E.,  Elk  Rapids,  Micb. 

Rankin,  William  W.,  Lock  Haven,  Pa. 

Rardin,  J.  C,  Catlettsbnrgb,  Ky. 

Ratekin,  J.  R.,Sbenandoab,  Iowa. 

Ratbvon,  Dr.  S.  S.,  Lancaster,  Pa. 

Ratlitf,  Josepb  C,  Ricbmond,  Ind. 

•Ratlirt",  R.  L.,  Popbirville,  Miss. 

Rattigan,  P.  A.,  Barnbart's  Mills,  Pa. 

Ray,  C.  W.,  Sbaron,  Pa. 

Raymond,  C.  L  ,  West  Brigbton,  N.  Y. 

•Rea,  T.  W.,  Cedarville,  Kans. 

•Ream,  James  S.,  Greeuridge,  Mo. 

Roarden,  Goo.,  Sbawneetown,  HI. 

Redding,  R.  J.,  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Redliold,  S.  D.,  Vinton,  Iowa. 


LIST    OF   CONTRinUTORS. 


381 


*R«'«linoii,  N.,  L«'  MttFH,  lowii. 

HiMl|)utli,(it>(>.,  Martin,  Midi. 

R(H'«1,  A.  L.,  Ceiitro  Linlo,  N.  Y. 

Ro(>il,  CtirtiH,  MeniiHliii,  Win. 

Reeil,  1).  W.,  Wmikmi,  lowii. 

Recti,  Lloyd,  Clurksbnrgli,  W.  Vu. 

R(mh1,  P.  A.,  Tyr<.np,Pu. 

*Rceiiier,  F.  M.,  I)o(lj;o  City,  Kans. 

•Rec8e,  L.  E.,  Smith  Centre,  Kuns. 

R00VO8,  C,  Gilbert-street,  Norwood,  Sontli 

Australia. 
R00VO8,  Enipson,  Mount  Heallliy,  Ohio. 
Reid,  J.  Henderson,  JackHboronjjh,  Tenii. 
•Reid,  Marshall,  Eel  River, N.  li., Canada. 
*Rcimon,  Olof,  Marno,  I(»wa. 
Rcnshaw,  Dr.  S.,  Sugar  Orove,  Ohio. 
Rontch,D.  S.,  Shephordstown,  W.  Va. 
Respess,  A.  C,  Maysville,  Ky. 
•Rottig.  J.  F.,  Baird,  Tox, 
*Reverchon,  Jiilion,  Dallas,  Tex. 
•RcvUl,  A.  J.,  Litchfield,  Minn. 
"Reynolds, E.,  Franklin,  Tex. 
Reynolds,  E.  L.,  Westvillo,  Ind. 
Reynolds,  Jesse,  Poplar  Bluff,  Mo. 
•Reynolds,  M.  C,  Ava,  Mo. 
Reynolds,  P.  C,  Rochester,  N.  Y. 
•Reynolds,  VV.T.,  Russell ville,  Ark. 
Rhines,  Wallace  D.,Con8tantia,  N.  Y. 
Rhoados,  Mary  E.,  Coalville,  Utah. 
Rhoads,  Sam'l  N.,  Haddonficld,  N.  J. 
Rhodes,  Col.  William,  Quebec,  Canada. 
•Rice,  IL,  Albion,  Nobr. 
•Rico,T.O.,  Clinton,  Miss. 
Rich,  F.  B.,  South  Richland,  N.  Y. 
Richards,  E.  E.,  Farmington,  Me. 
Richards,  E.  II.,  Wobnm,  Mass. 
Richards,  J.  L..  Buchanan,  Mich. 
Richards,  Thos.,  Stanford,  Ky. 
Riehards,  W.  W.,  Solon,  Ohio. 
•Richardson,  A.  P.,  Charleston,  Ark. 
Richardson,  Dr.  1).  .\.,  Osceola,  Ark. 
Richardson,  Goo.,  Fort  Howard,  Wis. 
Richardson,  II.,  Janesvillo,  Wis. 
Richardson,  Jenncss,  Rutland,  Vt. 
Richardson,,!.  II.,  Quincy,  III. 
•Richardson,  J.N. ,  Richtield,  Minn. 
Richmond,  E.  D.,  Hart,  Mich. 
•Richmond,  Joseph,  Elliott,  111. 
•Riddell,  Sam'l  T.,  Fernaudina,  Fla. 
Ridgwfty,  Robert,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Riedy,  M.,  Kewaunee,  Wis. 
Rigg,  Samuel  E.,  Beatrice,  Nebr. 
•Riggs,J.H.,  Marshall,  Tex. 
*Rigney,L.  R.,  Steilacoom,  Wash. 
Eile^,  Prof.  C.  V.,  Wosbington,  D.  C. 


Ringlc,  v.,  Wausaii,  Wis. 
•Ripply,  (>.  B.,  Ainsworth,  Nebr. 
•Risediirpb,  I).  E.,  Snyder, Colo. 
Rising,  D.  ('.,  Wetinore,  Kans. 
•Risley,  Samuel,  West  Plains,  Mo. 
Ritenour,  Wm.  H.,  Harrisonbnrgli,  Va. 
RittenhouHe,C.  Augustus,  Collegoville,Pu. 
Ritzmau,  Jacob, Osieola  Mills,  Pa. 
Roach,  F.  P.,  f)ceana,  W.  Va. 
•Roach,  J.  J.,  Camden,  Ala. 
Robbins,  Mont.,  Statesville,  N.  C. 
'Itoberson,  Victor,  Fort  Snelling,  Minn. 
Roberts,  A.  C,  Plainwell,  Mich. 
•Roberts,  A.  P.,  Sioux  Rapids,  Iowa. 
Roberts,  Geo.  A.,  Sln'lbyville,  111. 
Roberts,  Prof.  I.  P.,  Ithaca,  N.  Y. 
Roberts,  S.,  England. 
•Roberts,  Thos.,  Green  Cove  Springs,  Fla. 
Roberts,  Dr.  Thos.  S.,  Minneapulis,  Minn. 
•Robertson,  Douglas,  Blanchard,  Dak. 
Robertson,  G.  Douglas,  Cldoride,  N.  Mex. 
Robertson,  J;is.  T.,  Culpeper,  Va. 
•Robie,  H.  P.,  Rush  City,  Minn. 
Robie,  Reuben  E.,  Ibfth,  N.  Y. 
Robinson,  F.  D.,  Friar's  Point,  Miss. 
Robinson, John  F., Vineyard  Haven,  Mass. 
•Robinson,  Rix  M.,  Millviow,  Fla. 
Robinson,  Russell,  Richmond,  Va. 
R()bison,J.  A.,  Albion,  Pa. 
Robson,  Prof.  John  W.,  Abilene.  Kans. 
•Robj-,  C.  W.,  Portland,  Oregon. 
Rochester,  J.  G.,  Marion,  Ky. 
Rockwell,  C.  B.,  Hamilton,  111. 
•Roddeuberg,  S.  A.,  Cairo,  CJa. 
Rodoback,  L.  B.,  Cedar  Vallev,  Utah. 
Rodgers,  James,  Mt.  Vernon,  Ohio. 
•Rodgers,  J.  W.,  Glyiulon,  Minn. 
Rodgers,  R.  S.,  Trenton,  Ga. 
Rodman,  Dr.  Hugh  D.,  New  Haven,  Ky. 
Roessiug,  W.  P.,  Butler,  Pa. 
•Rogers,  L.  M.,  Refugio,  Tex. 
Rogers,  P.  J.,  Piedmont,  W.  Va. 
Rogers,  Thomas,  Dodgcville,  Wis. 
Roll.T,  M.  H.,  Circleville,  Kans. 
Roloson   J.  P.,  West  Berlin,  Ohio. 
Roo.scvelt,  IIo.i.  Robt.  B.,  New  Y'ork,  N.  Y 
Rorick,  J.  T.,  Lad  Axe,  Mich 
Roriden,  Willard,  Farmington,  Mo. 
Rose,  J.  M.,  Abingdon,  Va. 
Ross,  F.  A.,  Tuscumbia,  Ala. 
•Ross,  Newell  A.,  Princeton,  Minn. 
Ross,  S.  R.,  Portsmouth,  Ohio. 
Ross,  ThouLis  C,  Fairfield,  Iowa. 
Roth,  Elizabeth,  Georgetown,  Ohio. 
1  Roush,  Jacob,  Mason,  W.  Va. 


382 


TIIK    KNUL18I1   Sl'AUUOW   IN    AMICUICA. 


RoiiHW'aii,  A.,  Wilk(!NlHir(MiK)i,  N.  C 
*Uoni>HriMi,  M.  C,  Uouhxiuii,  '.tnk. 
Itoiitli,  H.  C,  l>itntlriil}r«,  Tumi. 
l£o>«,  .I.H.,  Ly<.iiH,  N.  Y. 
Kiirker,  l*.  II.,  JavktMiiivillt',  III. 
Riidiill,  John,  (iiiwkr,  Sniitli  Aiistrsiliii. 
'Uiidoliili,  ().  A.,C'uiitoii,  Uiik. 
Itiitly,  J.  A.,  I'rovidoncu,  Ky. 
Riioto,  Th(!o.  W.,  Diiliiuiiio,  lown. 
'Uiinyon,  Alex.,  tSliollNbnr^li,    Inwii. 
UiiH-sull,  Col.  Cliuiiipiuii,  Uoiiiroril,  E.vsux, 

Engluixl. 
Uniuiell,  Eilwiinl,  Sidiu-y,  Oliict. 
KiiHM>ll,  JiiH.  J.,MtiHcutin«,  Io\ru. 
Kiisttull,  J.  A.,  Ciiiitrovillo,  Miuli. 
U11H80II,  J.  II.,Contrcvill»',Tciin. 
*Uiis8oll,  J.S.,  Moiintnln  lloiiu',  Ark. 
UufWtill,  M  K.,  CiirioUtun,  Uii. 
RiiHsell,  M.T.,  Billings,  Mo. 
*Rn88eII,  Z.  T.,  Cartliiigc,  Mo. 
'Ruth,  J.,  LiiiiHiug,  Iowa. 
•Ruthcrfortl,  E.  P., Clurksville, Tix. 
Rntter,  M.  A.,  Mi'verstlulo,  Pa. 
•Ryan,  .lolm,  Marion,  Dak. 
'Rynn,  M.  W.,  Modlonl,  Wis. 
*8.'vtt'ord,  E.,  Magnolia,  Mib,. 
Sago,  E.  T.,  Agency,  Iowa. 
Sago,  John  H.,  Portland,  ('onn. 
•St.  John,  Alice  A.,  Park  City,  Mont. 
St.  John,  Samuel  P.,  Utica,  Mich. 
•Sale,  R.  R.,  Coloua  Station.  III. 
"Salisbury,  Mary,  llcacoo,  Iowa. 
Salom,  M.,  North  Adelaide,  8.  Australia. 
Sampson,  F.  A.,  Sodalia,  Mo. 
•Sampson,  L.  E.,  Tacoma,  Wash. 
Sanborn,  I.  W.,  Lyndonvillo,  Vt. 
Sanders,  W.  W.,  Ashland  City,  Tonn. 
•Sandifud,  L.  O.,  Fairlield,  Tex. 
Sandlin,  J.  M.,  Moulton,  Ala. 
Sapwell,  B.  B.,  England. 
•Sarrett,  H.  J.,  Utica,  Miss. 
•Sater,  George  R.,  Oak  Valley,  Kans. 
•Sattorthwait,  S.  C,  Aiken,  8.  C. 
Sauudors,  John,  Mexico,  Mo. 
Saunders,  William,  Washington,  D.  C. 
Saunders,  W.  E..  London,  Out.,  Canada. 
•Sawyer,  W.  H.,  Bayborongh,  N.  C. 
Sayre,  8.  B.,  Elizabeth,  W.  Va. 
Scarce,  J.  B.,  Gilbert  on,  South  Australia. 
•Scheen,  II.  P.,  Sparta,  La. 
Scherracrhorn,  O.  T.,  Cairo,  N.  Y. 
Schindler,  Oswald,  Galveston,  Tex. 
•Schlichter,  J.  B.,  Sterling,  Kans. 
Schmiok,  C.  N.,  Leetonia,  Ohio. 
Schoenau.W.  A.,  Mildmay,  Ont.,  Canada. 


•Schoolcy,  .Sauiuel  W.,  Cozad,  Nebr. 
•Hchringer,  A.,  Fair  Play,  Colo. 
Srhroeder,  James,  Gnttonberg,  Iowa. 
'Schrooten,  John,  Nurlh  Star,  Minn. 
Schult/.e,  W.C,  Reynold8ville,Pa. 
Srhnmachfr,  Ferdinand,  Akron,  Ohio. 
'Scliweigor,  Thomas,  Glcnwood,  Minn. 
•ScoHehl,  L.,  Wostside,  Iowa. 
Scot-Skirving,  R.,  Edinburgh,  Scotland. 
Scott,  Jas.  N.,  Maiden,  \V.  Va. 
Scott,  J.G.,  Westlield,  Mass. 
•Hcotf,  Kennedy,  Rio,  Wis. 
•Scott,  0.  L.,  Silver  City,  N.  Mex. 
Scott,  S.  H.,  Chanutc,  Kans. 
Scott,  Dr.  S.  M.,  Terra  AUa,  W.  Va. 
•Seott,  W.  F.,  Mapleton,  Iowa. 
Scol.t,  W.  L.,  Ottawa,  Ontario,  Canada. 
Seott,  W.T.,  Murray,  Ky. 
Scruggs,  A.T.,  luka.  Miss. 
•Sengos,  J.  IT.,  Oilman,  Iowa. 
•Seaman,  J.  W.,  Loveland,  Colo. 
Seaver,  F.  W.,  Aaron,  Ind. 
•Seavey,  Stanton  D.,Mora,  Minn. 
Soeland,  N.  P.,  Gaines  Station,  Mich. 
•Solby,  John  W.,  El  Dorado  Springs,  Mo. 
Seliger,  Mrs.  W.,  Hartford,  Conn. 
•Seligman,  A.,  Santa  F<S,  N.  Mcx. 
*8t^lover,  George  H.,  Lake  City,  MinD. 
"Selvig,  O.,  Willmar,  Minn. 
Setzer,  F.  M.,  Albany,  Mo. 
•Sewall,  J.  A.,  Boulder,  Colo. 
Sewell,  T.  M.,New  Athens,  Ohio. 
•Seymour,  F.  A.,  Monroeville,  Ala. 
'Shacklelbrd.F.  A.,  Warsaw,  Va. 
Shaiie.J.S.,  McConnellsburgh,  Pa. 
Shafor,  L.  W..  Glen  Rock,  Pa. 
Shale,  J.  B.,  McKeesport,  Po. 
•Shailenberger,  A.  C,  Osceola,  Nebr. 
•Shallenberger,  Eugene,  Bradshaw,  Nebr. 
•Slianibu.iigh,  J.  II.,  La  Grande,  Oregon. 
Shank,  J.  II.,  Hickory,  W.  Va. 
•Shannon,  Elmer  8.,  Bivyard,  Iowa. 
•Shannon,  F.  P.,  Carbon,  Wyo. 
Shannon,  H.  C,  Erie,  Pa. 
Sharp,  A.  H.,  Nashville,  Tenn. 
Sharp,  Dr.  A.  P.,  Baltimore,  Md. 
Sharp,  F.  C,  Oconto,  Wis. 
Sharp,  Kate  Dooris,  London,  Ohio. 
"Sharp,  W.T.,  Brooklyn,  Iowa. 
Sbarpless.  Philip,  West  Chester,  Pa. 
Shatto,  Jos.  M.,  Duncannou,  Pa. 
•Shaver,  R.  B.,  Menio,  Iowa. 
Shaw,  Andrew,  Huron.  Mich. 
Shaw,  Charles  H.,  West  Berlin,  Ohio. 
•Shaw.C.G.,  Vermillion,  Dak. 


'Si 

Shl 

•Sif 

•SI 

Hhj 

Kill 

Shj 

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•8J 

•Sll 

Shj 

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ShJ 

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•SB 


I  «i  I 


LIST   OF   CONTHIIUnORS. 


383 


*8linw,  I.  \ViIiH>n,  Millodgoville,  Pa. 
8haw,  Will.  H.,  Hniilt  iU«  Hto.  Murio,  Miuli. 
•Shawliiin,  W.T.,  Cnrlotoii,  N«br. 
•Sliayer,  0.  (J.,  Carvoii  City,  Colo. 
SUeild,  K.  M.,  Yorktown,  Vi». 
Hliuldoii,  A.C.,  Now  IIuviMi,  Conn. 
Shull,  W.  M.,  Jr.,  KliKiibiahtown.Teiin. 
8hulloy,Uoorgu  M.,  Kuiihim  City,  Mo. 
'SkulHteii,  I.,  FuriiierMvillo,  La. 
*Sbeltou,  W.  H.,  Maiden,  Mo. 
Hhely,  Do  Witt  C,  NicholoHvllle,  Ky. 
Shophcrd,  J.N.,  Herryvillo,  Va. 
Hiiepley,  Henry,  Novadu,  Mo, 
'Sherman,  Dun.  J.,  Anhtabula,  Ohio. 
'Sherwood,  Andrew  T.,  Bismarck,  Duk. 
•Shiekley,  V.  C,  Geneva,  Nebr. 
ShieldH,  8.  W.,  MorriHtown,  Tenn. 
'Shields,  William,  Auntln,  Mo. 
'Sliier,  John,  Piocho,  Nev. 
Shinier,  Dr.  Henry,  Mount  Carroll,  111. 
Shircliff,  C.TI.,  Solon,  lowo. 
Shirley,  M.  A.,  Logan,  Utah. 
'Shoemaker,  A.  H.,  Decatur,  Tex. 
Shoemaker,  ThomaH  H,,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Shoft'ner,  M.  M.,  Company's  Shops,  N.  C. 
Short,  C.  W.,  Greenville,  Kj-. 
'Short,  W.O.,  Pottorville,  Kans. 
Showaitor,  John  A.,  Latrobe,  Pa. 
•Showeli,  M.  P.,  Kimberly,  Minn. 
Shower,  Adam,  Manchester,  Md. 
Shroyer,  Thomas,  Preston,  Ohio.      ^ 
*8hrum,  W.F.,  Gilmer,  Tex, 
Shryock,  Thomas  W.,  Louisville,  Nebr. 
'Shufeldt,  Dr.  R.  W.,  Cheyenne,  Wyo. 
Shuford,  Fannie,  O.vforJ,  Ala. 
iShurter,  Jos.  W.,  Gansevoort,  N.  Y. 
Shutz,  Jus.,  Romney,  W.  Va.  , 

Sibbald,  George,  Aberdeen,  Ohio. 
Sieg,  W.  H.  H.,  Steelton,  Pa. 
'Sigler,  John  A.,  Hii.rold,  Dak. 
Silcott,  U.  A.,  Youngsvillo,  Ohio. 
'Simms,  Rufus  B.,  Blountsvillo,  Ala. 
Simmons,  C.  C,  Chariton,  Iowa. 
'Simmons,  M.  D.,  Harrisburgh,  Ark. 
Simon,  J.  H.,  Hartford,  Wis. 
'Simonds,  S.  C,  Hudson,  Wis. 
Simpson,  £,  W.,  Ripley,  Miss. 
Simpson,  J.T.,  Loudon,  Tenn, 
Simpson,  Robert,  Wheeling,  W.  Va. 
•Singleton,  B.  D.,  College  Mound,  Mo. 
'Sisson,  Nathaniel,  Wray,  Colo. 
Skavleui,  H.  L.,  Jauesville,  Wis. 
'Skeen,  R.  J.,  Nemaha  City,  Nebr. 
Skinner,  F.  G.,  Hamilton  County,  QW\Ot 
SUdP,  SMsha,  ^ooierset.  Mass, 


Sluter,  II.  II.,  KiiKliiiid. 
Slater,  II.  N.,  Knglaiid. 
Sledge,  W.  T.,  Lawrencevillo,  Vik. 
'Sloan,  ('.  U.,  Ileppiior,  Oregon, 
S|ocnmb,  D.  M.,  Hernando,  Miss. 
Slyer,  J.  P.,  Moorelleld,  W.  Va. 
Small,  II.  B.,  Ottawa,  Ontario,  Cuiiodu. 
Smead,  S.  M.,  Fond  du  Luc,  Wis. 
'Smethers,  W.  R.,  Starkville,  Colo. 
Smeycb,  Daniel,  Lancaster,  Pa. 
'Smiley,  A,  R.,  Skowhegan,  Me. 
Smith,  A.  H.,  Guyandotte,  W.  Va. 
Smith,  A.  J.,  Amherst,  Wis. 
Smith,  A.  J.,  Gurrettsville,  Ohio. 
Smith,  B.  B.,  Chillicothe,  Mo. 
Smith,  B.  v.,  Lawrence,  Kans. 
Smith,  Kvcrett,  Portland,  Mo. 
Smith,  E.  C,  Ravcnswood,  W.  Va. 
"Smith,  K.  R.,  Le  Sueur,  Minn. 
Smith,  Dr.  F.  S.,West  Hartford,  Conn. 
'Smith,  F.  C,  Kellerton,  Iowa. 
Smith,  F.  S.,  Saginaw,  Mich. 
Smith,  0.,  Cadiz,  Ky. 
Smith,  G.  A.  B.,  Wetumpka,  Ala. 
Smith,  Henry  A.,  Spencer,  W.Va. 
Smith,  Henry  E.,  Brownsville,  Ky. 
Smith,  Herbert  C,  West  Union,  Ohio. 
•Smith,  H.  G.,  jr.,  Denver,  Colo. 
'Smith,  James  D.,  Dallas,  Oregon. 
Smith,  Jesse  F.,  Suffleld,  Conn. 
'Smith,  Dr.  Joel  W,,  Charles  City,  Iowa. 
'Smith,  John  J.,  Orovillo,  Cal. 
Smith,  J.  B,,  Fayetteville,  N.  C. 
Smith,  L.  E.,  Middlebourne,  W.  Va. 
Smith,  L.  H.,  Strathroy,  Ontario,  Canada. 
Smith,  L.  R.,  New  Cumberland,  W.Va. 
'Sinith,N.A.,Neilly,Ga. 
Smith,  O.  C,  North  Adams,  Mich. 
'Smith,  P.  A.,  Navasota,  Tex. 
'Smith,  Dr.  Q.  C,  Austin,  Tex. 
'Smith,  R.  H.,  Edwards,  Miss. 
'Smith,  Sherod,  Homerville,  Qa. 
'Smith,  S.  E.,  Witcherville,  Ark. 
•Smith,  Tenny,  Grand  Junction,  Iowa. 
'Smith,  Wa.sh.  E.,  Pnrdy,  Mo. 
'Smith,  William  J.,  Eureka,  Nev. 
Smith,  William  R.,  Washiugton.  D.  C. 
•Smith,  W.  Egbert,  Butte  City,  Mont. 
Smither,  Herbert  L.,  Saluda,  Va. 
Snead.  N.  C,  Gaflfney,  S.  C. 
'SneJl,  C.W.,  Oconee,  Ga. 
'Suoddy,  John,  Big  Spring,  Tex. 
Snodgrass,  A.,  Scottsborongb,  Ala. 
Snow,  B.,  Kalamazoo,  Mich. 
Snow,  Edward,  Boonville,  N.  Y. 


384 


TUK    KNGL1811    arAUKOW    IN    AMKItlCA. 


r 


1  r '- 


Snow.O.C.  Pimii  Yiiii.N.  Y. 
Hnow,  H.  M.,  CVntrttI,  Mo. 
"Hnydor,  A.  C,  Cheyfiiiio  City,  Wyo. 
Siiydor,  CharlcM  VV.,  HikIndii,  N.  Y. 
Snyder,  CInreiico,  Uacinc,  Win. 
Suydor,  IlarriHon,  Kockwood,  Pu. 
Snyder,  II.,  KnirHeld,  Utiili. 
•Snyder,  John  J.,  Murphy's,  Cnl. 
SollxMK,  Mrs.  L.  S.,  Suleni,  Ohio. 
Solly,  (JeorKu  A.,  SpringHold,  Musw. 
•Solomon,  M.  K.,  Juft'orsonvillo,  Qa. 
Sonimcr,  Friink,  Dorr,  Midi. 
Soiithall.G.  H.,  Amelia  C.  H.,  Vn. 
SouthgJito,  W.  T.,  OoUoKc  Hill,  Ohio. 
Southwell,  T.,  England. 
South -.vorth,  lia  (1.,  Schuylor'H  Lake,  N.  Y. 
SoworH,  A.  J.,  Hedford,  Iowa. 
Sparks,  A.  A.,  Mount  Vernon,  Ind. 
Sparks,  J,,  Vanceburgh,  Ky. 
Spearman,  J.  P.,  Papillion,  Nobr. 
Spoor,  Ileury,  Butler,  Mo. 
"Speir,  E.  W.,  Orlando,  Fla. 
Sponce,  P.  B.,  Newport,  Xy.    . 
Spencer,  George  T.,  Kirkuvillo,  Mo. 
Spencer,  Miss  Letta,  Hudson,  Mich. 
Spencer,  Thomas,  Chariton,  Iowa. 
Spencer,  T.  P.,  Cleveland,  Ohio. 
Spencer,  Walter,  La  Porte,  Pa. 
Spencer,  W.  B.,  Mnrfreesborough,  N.  C. 
•SpUker,  William  G.,  Keatchie,  La. 
Spindler,  V.,  Sonth  Saint  Louis,  Mo. 
Spotts,  Jas.  C,  Tazewell  C.  H.,  Pa. 
Sprague,  M.  A.,  Smef  hport.  Pa. 
Spriggs,  D.  S.,  Caldwell,  Ohio. 
•Sproule,  C.  H.,  Elko,  Nev. 
"Sprout,  J.  H.,  Blue  Earth  City,  Minn. 
•Spnrlock,  James  B.,  Versailles,  Mo. 
St-ocy,  J.  B.,  Pulaski,  Tenn. 
Stattbrd, Pleasant,  Sovierville,  Tenn. 
Stalker,  John  D.,  Ilartsville,  Tenn. 
Stamper,  I.  J.,  Ducktown,  Tenn. 
'Stanles,  S.  K.,  Nortliville,Dak. 
Stark,  C.  A.,  Belaloo,  Wirrabara,  South 

Australia. 
•Stark,  H.,  Trinidad,  Colo. 
Stark,  W.  B.,  Agricultural  College,  Miss. 
Sturnea,  Hugh  N.,  Marietta,  Ga. 
State  Agricultural  Dept.,  Auburn,  Ala. 
Stamill,  P.  W.,  Rockingham,  N.  C. 
Stearns,  Dan  C,  Berea,  Ohio. 
•Stearns,  H.  K.,  Mapcs,  Dak. 
Stebblns,  Charles  D.,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 
*Steoir,  A.  E.,  Hamilton,  Tex. 
Steele,  F.  K.,  Annapolis,  Md. 
8  teele,  John  H.,  Pottstown,  Pa. 


Steele,  L.  A.,Collamor,  Ohio. 
•Steele,  T.  D.,CaH»v.:'e,  Mo. 
StiTle,  W.  A.,Jr.,Canidi-n,Tenu. 
Steere,  J.  B.,  Ann  Arbor,  Mich. 
Steinbeck,  Will,  Hollister,  Cut. 
Stephens,  J.  E.,  Homer,  (in. 
Sti^phens,  J.  G.,  Stnniirdsville,  V». 
Stephenson,  C.  V.,  Wyoming,  Ohio. 
Stephenson,  William,  Loviugston,  Va. 
Sterling,  Dr.  E.,  Clorelai  d,  Ohio. 
Sterm,  E.,  Jelterson,  Tex. 
•Stern,  J.  T.,  Logan,  Iowa. 
Storrett,  Mrs.  P.,  Pleasant  Grove,  Utah. 
•Stetson,  Ben,  Plainviow,  Nebr. 
Stevens, Sidney,  North  Ogden,  Utah. 
•Stevenson,  E.,  Bristol,  Dak. 
Stevenson,  Henry,  Norwich,  England. 
•Stevenson,  W.  B.,  Mnnvel,  Dnk. 
Stevenson,  W.  J.,Oshaw;i,  Out.,  Canada. 
Stewart,  Alonzo  H..  Washington,  D.  C. 
♦Stewart,  C.  W.,  Alma,  Nebr. 
Stewart,  Henry,  Hackensack,  N,  J. 
Stewart,  Henry  L., Middle  Haddam,  Conn. 
Stewart,  John,  Woodstock,  N.  B,  Canada. 
•Stewart,  T.  J.,  Newberry,  Mich. 
Stewart,  W.  A.,  Lawrencebnrgh,  Tenn. 
•Stewart,  W  ii.,  VVoodville,  Tex, 
Stickney,  Dr.  P.  L.  B.,  Springtield,  Mass. 
•Stiles,  Dr.  E.  P.,  Austin.  Tex. 
•Stinson,  J.M.,  Bobbin,  Tex. 
Stiver,  Poti  r,  Lapeer,  Mich. 
•Slock,  J(din,  Finh  Haven,  Idaho. 
Stockton,  J.  B.,  Toronto,  Kans. 
Stoddard,  Mrs.  G..S.  F., South  Woodstock, 

Conn. 
Stoddard,  W,  L.,  Evart.  Mich. 
•Stokes,  T.  J.,  Macon,  Miss. 
Stolworthy,  George,  Franklin  Falls,  N.  H. 
Stone,  D.  1).,  Oswego,  N.  Y. 
Stone,  S.  L.  P.,  Urbana,  Ohio. 
Stone,  WitnuM-,  Germantowu,  Pa. 
SlorniM,  Edm.  B.,  Berrien  Springs,  Mich. 
Story,  C.  A.,  Tecnmseli,  Mich. 
Stouf,  W.  L.,  Albany,  Ky. 
Stont,  J  11.,  Decaturville,  Tenn. 
Stranahan,  J.  J.,  Chagrin  Falls,  Ohio. 
Strange,  John  Q.,  Athens,  Tenn. 
Stratford,  William  R.,  Vevay,  Ind. 
•Stratton,  N.  L.,  Uvalde,  Tex. 
Stratton.  W.  W.,  Ashley,  Ohio. 
Street,  D.  T.,  Savannah,  Tenn. 
Street,  George  IL,  Malta,  Ohio. 
•Strceter,  A.  T.,  Calumet,  Mich. 
•Streiff,  Joseph,  Oakdale,  Minn. 
Strickland,  H,L.,  Owcnsville,  Ind. 


LIST  OF  C0NTBIBUT0R8. 


385 


Striokler,  M.,  Bridgewater,  V*. 
fitrider,  J.  H.,  Halltown,  W.  Va. 
Strode,  Dr.  W.  8.,  Baraadotte,  111. 
'Strong,  £,  A.,  Dusbore,  Pa. 
'Strong,  Harry  fi.,  Clay  Center,  Nebr. 
Strout,  Noyes  E.,  Bedford,  lud. 
'Stubba,  T.  B..  Baldwyn,  Miss. 
'Stutman,  S.  B.,  Windoin,  Minn. 
'Suddatb,  E.,  Natobitocbes,  La. 
Sugg,  Jaa.  T.,  Snow  Hill,  N.  C. 
Soils,  Harry  H.,  East  Liverpool,  Obio. 
Suliot,  Jas.  W.,  Saleui,  Obio. 
Sullivan,  Mrs.  C         Louisa,  Ky. 
•Sullivan,  C.  M.,  Athol,  Dak. 
'Sullivan,  J.,  Asbland,  Wis. 
Swaiin,  George  M.,  Cbatbauj,  N.  J. 
Swallow,  C.  W.,  Tyngsborougb,  Mass. 
Swan,  Jobn,  Allegbeny,  Pa. 
Swan,  Jobn  M.,  Jr.,  Newport,  B.  I. 
Swaney,  Rev.  F.  L,  Wiutersville,  Obio. 
Swartz,  W.  T.,  Hagerstown,  Md. 
Swayslaud,  Oeorge,  Brigbton,  England. 
Sweaney,  P.  C,  Larkiu,  Kans. 
Swearingen,  O.  V.,  Sidney,  Iowa. 
'Sweet,  D.  E.,  Pipestone,  Minn. 
'Sweet,  Eli,  Millersbnrgb,  Iowa. 
'Sweet,  George  A.,  Granby,  Mo. 
Sweetland,  L.  B.,  Hamlin,  W.  Va. 
"Sweetser,  Andrew  J.,  Cavonr,  Dak. 
Sweiland,  B.  L.,  Mount  Vernon,  Obio. 
Swetland,  J.  C,  Sparta,  Obio. 
Swift,  F.  J.  C,  Falmoutb,  Mass. 
'Swiggett,  A.,  Towanda,  Kans. 
Swint,  William,  Booneville,  Ind. 
'Taber,  George  F.,  Cbaska,  Minn. 
•Tabor,  Jobn  Q.,  Kryau,  Tex. 
'Taggart,  J.  H.,  Ynuin,  Ariz. 
Talmadge,  W.  G.,  Hartford,  Conn. 
Tatem,  C.E.,  Columbia,  N.C. 
'Taylor,  C.  E.,  Brouson,  Fla. 
'1    "lor,  C.  N.,  Meckling,  Dak. 
'Taylor,  E.  A.,  Beloit,  Runs. 
'Taylor,  F.  H.  G.,  Lake  Providence,  La. 
Taylor,  Hawkins,  Wasbiugton,  D.  C. 
Taylor,  H.  F.,  Fulton,  Ky. 
Taylor,  I.  A.,  Oxford,  N.  C. 
Taylor,  Jobn  S.,  Cumberland  C.  H.,  Va. 
Taylor,  J.  £.,  Greenville,  Micb. 
Taylor,  J.  N.,  Lynobburgb,  Tenn. 
Taylor,  J  P.,  Du  Bois,  Pa. 
Taylor,  J.  B.,  New  Kent  C.  H.,  Va. 
'Taylor,  S.  W.,  Inka,  Kans. 
Taylor,  W.  J.,  Greensbnrgb,  Ky. 
Teasdale,  Jobn,  Potosi,  Mo 
Telgheder,  Henry,  Mount  Airy,  Obio. 

8404— Bull.  1 25 


'Tennly,  J.  F.,  Federal  Point,  Fla. 
Tereus,  N.  H.,  Misbicott,  Wis. 
Terrell,  Jobn  Allen,  Bloomfleld,  Ky. 
Teulon,  Jas.  A.,  Bradford,  Pa. 
Tevis,  A.  B.,  Home,  Ind. 
Tbalaker,  H.,  Petersburgb,  W.  Va. 
'Tbigpen,  C.  D.,  Sun  Hill,  Ga. 
*Tbigi>euu,  James  A.,  Wadley,  Oa. 
Tbistle,  George  P.,  GrauUville,  Md. 
*Tbomarrou,  M.  E.,  Yadkinville,  N.  C. 
'Tbomas,  G.  W.,  Canton,  Miss. 
Tboinas,  Jobn  J.,  Grantsville,  W.  Va. 
Tbomas,  J.  D.,  Jefferson,  N.  C. 
Tbomas,  N.  O.,  Erin,  Teun. 
Tbomlinson,  J.  B,.  Mount  Pleasant,  8.  C. 
Thompson,  Eniest  E.,  Toronto.  Canada. 
'Tbonipsou,  Jay,  Gold  Hill,  Colo. 
Thompson,  J.  J.,  Lake  City,  Fla., 
rbompson,  J.  L.,  Bedwood  Falls,  Minn. 
'Thompson,  J.  M.,  Thatcher,  Colo. 
Thompson,  M.  S.,  Coudersport,  Pa. 
Thompson,  Bobt.  J.,  Holman's Mills, N.  C. 
Thompson,  8.  T.,  Pocahontas,  Ark. 
Thompson,  Waldo,  Lynn,  Mass. 
'Thompson,  William,  Hallock,  Minn. 
Thompson,  W.  F.,  Happy  Valley,  8.  Ans. 
'Thomson,  Matt,  Alma,  Kans. 
Thomson,  Wm.,  jr..  Granite  City,  Utah. 
Thorn,  Z.  E.,  Elizabeth,  W.  Va. 
Thornton,  W.  P.,  Cuckoo,  Va. 
Thurston,  W.  J.  Y.,  Clayton,  N.  C. 
Tibbits,  F.  L.,  Grand  Bapids,  Wis. 
Tillman,  Walter,  La  Crosse,  Wis. 
'Tiusley,  A.  D.,  Sibley,  Iowa. 
Tisdall,  C.  J.,  Cbarlincb,  Ont.,  Canada. 
'Titoomb,  George  H.,  Waterville,  Kans. 
Toadvin,  E.  Stanley,  Salisbury,  Md. 
Todd,  Sereno  Edwards,  Orange,  N.  J. 
'Tobim,  Joseph  W.,  Dadeville,  Mo. 
ToUiver,  J.  B.,  Lebanon,  Tenn. 
Tolmau,  Jobn  B.,  Lynu,  Mass. 
Tomlinson,  H.  E.,  Clariuda,  Iowa. 
ToniliuHon,  J.,  Sbelton,  Conn. 
•Tomliuson,  L.  G.,  Hampton,  Ark. 
Tomlinson,  Thomas,  Tate  Springs,  Tenn. 
Tompkins,  W.  H.,  Altoona,  Iowa. 
'Toplelf,  Joseph  J.,  Longmont,  Colo. 
Townsen,  Lebanab,  Apollo,  Pa. 
Townsend,  B.  C,  Bay  Bidge,  N.  Y. 
Tracy,  C.  O.,  Taftsville,  Vt. 
Trappmann,  C.  M.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Trask,  B.  8.,  White  Cloud,  Micb. 
Traveller,  Cornelius,  Bicbmond,  Utah. 
'Traynor,  L.  J.,  Scotia,  Nebr. 
Treat,  Willard  E.,  East  Hartford,  Conn. 


1: 


386 


THE   ENGLISH   SPARROW   IN   AMLRICA. 


■1 


il 


fi 

T    '   ■  '•^. 

,j  ^' 

Trevett,  Wesley,  Highlaiul,  Kana. 

•Trimble,  N.  C,  Rusk,  Tex. 

•Trippe,  T.  M,,  Ilowardsville,  Colo. 

Tristram,  Rev.  Canou  Henry  Baker,  Hart- 
lepooi,  Durham,  Englaud. 

Trombley,  Jerome,  Petersbnrgb,  Mich. 

Troop,  Prof.  James,  La  Fayette,  lud. 

Trotter,  Charles  P.,  Milltown,  Ind. 

•Trovis,  T.  D.,  Holdrege,  Nebr. 

Tubbs,  William,  Mouticello,  Miun. 

Tucker,  C.  D.,  Kockville,  Coun. 

Tucker,  R.  C,  Burning  Springs,  W.  Va. 

Turner,  E.  W.,  Newton  Falls,  Ohio. 

•Turner,  B.  E.,  Statesborough,  Ga. 

Turner,  Prof.  J.  B.,  Jacksonville,  111. 

Turner,  Jas.  R.,  Poplar  Grove,  Ark. 

Tusk,  John  W.,  Bardwell,  Ky. 

Tuttle,  Mary  E.,  West  Windsor,  Mich. 

•Twamley,  Fred,  Minto,  Dak. 

•Tweedy,  John,  Aurora,  Nebr. 

Tyhurst,  Margaret  A.,  Huntingdon,  Pa. 

Tyler,  A.  L.,  Anniston,  Ala. 

•Tyler,  V.  L.,  Brookhaven,  Miss. 

•Tyuer,  E.  8.,  Plant  City,  Fla.       ""'"''i 

•Uflford,  George  M.,  Wa  Keeney,  Kaus. 

•Uluier,  P.,  Houma,  La. 

•Underbill,  Pr.  C.  B.,  Salida,  Colo. 

Urlwin,  William,  Salisbury,  South  Aus- 
tralia. 

Vail,  David  A.,  Atlantioville,  N.  Y. 

Van  De  Casteele,  Edw.,  De  Pere,  Wis. 

•Vandegaer,  J.  B.,  Many,  La. 

•Vanderhoop,  Wm.  A.,  Gay  Head,  Mass. 

•Vandiver,  R.  K.,  Eaton,  N.  Mex.  ,    '    \ 

Van  Wye,  G.  P.,  Warren,  Ohio,     '■'•^';.''' 

•Van  Zant,  J.  P.,  Edmonton,  Ky.  '^"■' 

Varjohar,  H.  H.,  Reading,  Ohio.     '  '['f .[ 

Varner,  C.  P.,  Senatobia,  Miss.  '     ' 

Varner,  John  A.  R  ,  Lexington,  Va. 

•Venable,  McD.  R.,  San  Luis  Obispo,  Cal. 

Verbeek,  William,  Holland,  Mich. 

Viallon,  P.  L.,  Bayou  Goula,  La.    '"'J'^'"' 

Vincent,  F.  P.,  Cottage  City,  Mass. 

Vogdes,  Lieut.  A.W.,  Fortress  Monroe,  Va. 

•Vogt,  J.  E.,  Le  Mars,  Iowa. 

Vogt,  Louis  O.,  Salem,  111. 

Voigt,  Herman,  Sau  Francisco,  Cal. 

Volkeuing,  H.,  Lenzburgh,  HI. 

•Voorhees,  A.  W.,  Eckley,  Colo. 

Voorhees,  David  C,  Blawenburgh,  N.J. 

VoorheiSjWm.  Q.,  South  Frankfort,  Mich. 

•Voss,  John  E.,  Cottondale,  Fla. 

Waalkeft,  Martin,  Muskegon,  Blich. 

•Wade,  Henry  C,  Backusburgh,  Ky. 

Wade,  Joseph  M.,  Boston,  Mass. 


Wadsworth,  Daniel  8.,  Hartford,  Conn. 
"Wagner,  Flora  Z.,  Crandon,  Dak. 
Wagner,  P.  T.,  Calera,  Ala. 
Wagner,  Silas  A.,  Elk  Lick,  Pa. 
WagstaflF,  W.  E.,  Cottam,  Out.,  Canada. 
•Waito,  D.  B.,  Spriugwater,  N.  Y. 
•Wakefield,  John  W.,  Apalachlcola,  Fla. 
Walden,  C.  J.,  Fayette,  Mo. 
Walden,  W.  E.,  Watervliet,  Mich. 
•Waldrou,  E,  H.,  Henry,  Dnk. 
Walker.Arthur,  Hitchcock,  Tex.  "  •«'• 
•Walker,  B.F.,  Dutch  Flat,  CaL  ' 

Walker,  C.  H.,  Frostburgh.  Md. 
•Walker,  H.  N.,  Butler  Centre-.  lown. 
•Walker,  Dr.  James  R.,  Excelsj.r,  Minn. 
Walker,  Dr.  R.  L.,  Mansfield,  Pa. 
•Walker,  R.  T.,  jr.,  Trinty, Tex. 
Walker,  Thomas,  Rawdon,  Ont.,  Canada. 

•  Wa  ker,Thowas  W.,  Croydon,  Utah. 
•Walker,  William,  Scandiii,  Kans. 
Wall,  A.  A.,  Vernon,  Ala. 
•Wallace,  Henry  C.  Alta,  Utah. 
Wallace,  J.  K.  P.,  Anderson ville,  Tenn. 
Wallace,  J.  S.,  Brunswick,  Mo. 
•Wallace,  R.  B.,  Thomson,  Minn. 
Walsh,  J.  F.,  Humboldt,  Nebr. 
•Walters,  Samuel,  Rocky  Comfort,  Ark. 
Walton, J.  A.,Germantown,Ky.    ''i}>'' 
Walton,  V.  E.,  Byron,  Ga. 
•Walworth,  Cyrus  M.,  Loup  City,  Nebr. 
•Ward,  A.  J.,  Beaumont,  Tex. 

•Ward,  A.  L.,  Fairmont,  Minn. 
•Ward,  George  W.,  Prattv  ille,  Ala. 
Ward,  Horace,  Clarendon,  Ark. 
•'■  "ard,  S.  M.,  Georgetown,  S.  C. 
Ward,  Thomas,  Montrose,  Iowa. 
Warder,  R.  H.,  North  Bend,  Ohio. 
Ware,  Walter.  Boyne  City,  Mich. 
•Warner,  A.  B.,  White  Rock,  Kans. 
•Warner, G.  8.,  Coal  Creek.  Colo. 
Warren,  Dr.  B.  H.,  West  Chester,  Pa. 
•Warren,  J.  L.,  Clear  Lake,  Wis;  •'"''  = 
Warren,  Col.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Warson,  Ed.  L.,  Hillsborough,  Ohio. 

•  Warson,  Samuel,  East  Snrry,  Me. 
Warwick,  G.  W.,  Smith  ville,  Ga. 
•Wasser,  E.  A.,  Girard,  Kans. 
Watkins,  Albert,  Lincoln,  Nebr. 
Watkins,  Z.  S.,  Ooletewah,  Tenn. 
Watlington ,  Thomas  H. ,  Stony  Point,  Ind. 
•Watson,  E.  R.,  Kearney,  Nebr. 
•Watson,  Harrie  A.,  Wolsey,  Dak. 
Watson,  J.  E.,  Fulton,  Mo. 

•V/^- cson,  L.  F.,  Watseka,  111. 
Watson,  Mary  A. ,  Kenansville,  N.  C. 


,..,1.' 


LIST   OP   CONTRIBUTORS. 


387 


"Watson,  Will  W.,  Fairbury,  Nebr. 
•Watson,  W.  I..  Blandville,  Ky.  ' 

Watts, George, Perry, Ohio,        tr,iiiirt*<   < 
Watts,  8.  Rm  Union,  W.  Va.        w-fr'Hnu 
Weathers,  E.  W.,  Elktou,  Ky.    lu'.)  .1  i» 
Weaver,A.  B.,Clearfleld,Pa.     .U.-'c 
Weaver,  W.  C,  Front  Roj  il,  Va. 
•Weaver,  W.  F.,  Will's  Point,  Tex. 
Webb,  A.  H  ,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Webb,  Charles  W.,  Anderson  C.  H.,  8.  C. 
Weber,  Dr.  William,  Evansville,  Ind. 
Webster,  F.  M.,  La  Fayette,  Ind. 
Webster,  Fred.  S.,  Washington,  D.C. 
Webster,  Jabe?.,  Centralis,  III. 
Webster,  W.  F.,  Oihkosh,  Wis.  '-  ,J /i:(iiV/  ; 
Weeks,  Rev.  Leroy  T. ,  Osborne,  Knns. 
*Weeni8,  John  A. ,  Flora,  Ala. 
•Wegener,  H.F.,  Denver,  Colo.!  .iil^hV/ 
Weir, Robert  C,  Manassas,  Va.         ir ff*  . 
Weisbrod.A.W-.Oshkosh.Wis.        ■<''"  . 
Welch,  Ben  M.,  New  Martinsville,  W.  Va. 
"Welch,  Noah,  Glasco,  Kaus. 
•Welch, T.  J., Welch,  N. C.         ,:niil» O'f 
Wells, Oliver.  Marshtield, Mo.    .(injliv/// 
Welman,Z.  L.,Stonghton,  Wis.       'drff 
Welsh,  F.  R.,  Philadelphia,  Pa.         ■/>".'  - 
•Wendel,  George,  Andnbon,  Minn. 
Wentzell,  C.  B.,  Harper's  Ferry,  W.  Va. 

•  Westcott,  W.  F.,  Diineansby,  Miss. 
•West, D.C, Perry, Iowa.  ,j.,..„,t,  .,' 
West, D.L  .McMillan, Mich,  .vliinn/* 
•West,  E.  E.,  Quitman,  Miss.  Jiti  nxui'I 
•West,  William,  Chehalis,  Wash.  ' «i<'  / " 
Westbrook,  M.  H. ,  Lyons,  Iowa.  '"  '" 
•Westbrook,  W,  H.,  Pine  Bluff,  Ark. 

•  Westergren,  Charles,  Marine  Mills,  Minn. 
Westwood,  Herbert  W.,  Pennington, N.  J. 
Wetraore,  E.  P.,  Oxford,  Ohio.        \r.n<  t 
Whaling,  O.  M..  Milltowu,  Dak.       nx-V 

"Wheat,  B.  P. ,  Le wisville.  Ark.        f 

Wheaton,  Dr.  J.  M.,  Columbns,  Ohio. 

•  Whedon,  F.  L. ,  York,  Nebr. 
Wheeler,  Leonard  W.,  Westford,  Mass. 
•Wheeler,  Willard  A.,  Atkinson,  Nebr. 
•Wbeelock,  L.  L.,  Owatonna,  Mino. 
Wherritt,  W.  H.,  Lancaster,  Ky.      ;:f>iA 
Whitaker,  Thomas  H.,  La  Grange,  6a. 

Whitaker,T.L.,Entteld,N.C.       

White,  A.  C,  Jefferson,  Ohio.    ..L  .ai';»X* 
•White,  C.  W.,  Greeley,  Colo. 

White,  Frank,  Murfrcesborongh,  Teun. 
•White,  G.  C,  Carson  City,  Nev. 
White,  G.  H.,  Southampton,  N.  Y. 
White,  H.G.,  Taunton,  Mass. 
•White,  J.  H.  C,  Corpus  Christi,  Tex. 


•White,  L.  W.,  Woodbine,  Iowa. 
While,  Wm.  8.,  Winchester,  Va. 
Whitehead,  C.  B., Bradford,  Pa, 
Whitehead,  C.  C,  Tobinsport,  Ind. 
Whitehead,  Jos.  W.,  Fairfax  C.  H,,  Va.  ' 
Whitehead,  Hon.  Tliomas,  Richmond,  Va. 
Whitford,.IoLM  D.,  Now  Berne,  N,C. 
Whitlook,  R.  A.,  Jonesville,  S.  C. 
•Whitney, T.,  Billings,  Mont. 
"Whitney,  Wm.,  Cawker  City,  Kans. 
Whittaker,  J.  8.,  Corydon,  Iowa, 
Whittemore,  James  O.,  Fairfield,  Me.     ^ 
•Whittemore,  Jno,  A.,  Kiugstree,  8.  C. 
•Whittlesey,  L,  C,  Hemphill,  Tox. 
•Wicker8ham,R.  J.,  Lebanon,  Mo.  ' 

Wickson,  E.  J.,  San  Francisco,  Cal. 
Widby,  J.  R.,  Lenoir,  N.  C. 
Widmann,  Otto,  Saint  Louis,  Mo.    mlV/f 
Widrayer,  J.  R.,  Glendi  ve,  Mont.  "'' 

Widoe,  John  F,,  Hart,  Mich.  ' 

"Wielaud,  J,  Leon;  Beaver  Brails,  Minn. 
Wiestling,  Eva  Ross,  Middletown,  Pa, 
•Wilbur,  D,  B.,  Cnmiugs,  Dak. 
Wilcox,  Geo.,  Lower  Milcbani,  S.  Aus. 
"Wilder,  George,  Huron,  Dak. 
"Wilds,  W.  H.,  Tuscah.o8»,  Ala.      a»^V/^  ♦ 
"Wilkinson,  N.  B.,  La  Moure,  Dak. 
Willard,  Jesse,  England,  •  ' . 

Willet,  Prof,  J,  E,,  Macon,  Ga,        -ii^i?/" 
Wilk'tt,  J.  M.,  Moulton,  lowii.  '  * 

Willey,  Dennis  F.,  Charlestown,  Ind.   '* 
Williams,  A.  Lee,  Onosso,  Mich.  '•' 

Williams,  A.  N.,  Parkersbnrgh,  W.  Va. 
"Williams,  Charles  B.,  Marvin,  Dak, 
"Williams,  Edwin,  Peterson,  Utah.        '^ 
Williams,  Jas.  B.,  Now  York,  N.  Y. 
Williams,  James  E.,  New  Bethlehem,  Pa. 
Williams,  J.,  Morgan,  Utah. 
Williaius,  J.  B.,  Toronto,  Out.,  Canada. 
Williams,  J.  H.,  Craig,  Mo. 
Williams,  Orrawell,  Jnab,  Utah.  ff 

"Williams,  O.  K.,  Waynesboro,  Miss. 
"Williams,  R.W.,  Indian  Springs,  Mo. 
Williams,  Si  j  E.,  Ireland,  Ind.      .'•""  « 
Williams,  T.  C,  Raleigh,  N.  C.        i-^'V/ 
Williams,  T.S.,  Dnpont,  Ind,         .»'.wW 
"Williams,  Wallace,  J,,  Nevada  City,  Cal. 
"Williams,  W,  M.,  Fresno  City,  Cal, 
•Williamson,  Gibson,  Oak  Point,  N.  B., 

Canada. 
Williamson,  Robt.,  Troy,  III. 
Willingham,  Jno.  A.,  Scbreo,  Ky. 
Willis,  A.,  England. 
•Willis,  Walter  D.,  Livingston,  Tex. 
Willison,  A.,  Cumberland,  Md. 


,;lil 


388 


THE    ENGLISH    SPABBOW   IN  AMEBICA. 


•Wills,  O.  B.,  Anetod.W.  Va. 
Wills,  W.  H.,  Amherst  C.  H.,  Va. 
Wilson,  A.  H.,  Logan,  Ohio. 
•Wilson,  B.  C,  Wahpeton,  Dak. 
Wilson,  Chas.  C,  Sterling,  Nebr. 
•Wilson,  C.  B.,  Buena  Vista,  Colo. 
Wilson,  C.  M.,  Tefiuniseh,  Nebr. 
•Wilson,  D.  W.,  Solomon  City,  Kans. 
•Wilson,  E.  A.,  Gabion,  Tex. 
•Wilson,  B.C.,  Clay  Centre,  Kans. 
•Wilson,  F.  E.,  David  City,  Nebr. 
Wilson,  Hugh,  New  Wilmington,  Pa. 
•Wilson,  John,  Daphne,  Ala. 
•Wilson,  Joseph  E.,  Hays  City,  Kans. 
Wilson,  J.  Hamer,  Cape  May,  N.  J. 
•Wilson,  S.  Otho,  Vineyard,  N.  C. 
•Wilson,  S.  v.,  Colfax,  Iowa. 
Wilson,  W.  A.,  Cross  Plains,  Ala. 
Wine,  E.  T.,  Free  Hill,  Tenn. 
•Winfree,  J.  O.,  Leesville,  La. 
Wing,  Minerva  E.,  Charlotte,  Vt. 
•Winn,  J.  W.,  Jetmore,  Kans. 
Wintle,  Ernest  D.,  Montreal,  Q.,  Canada. 
Wirts,  Stiles  H.,  Coultersville,  HI. 
Wise,  J.  N.,  Plattsmouth,  Nebr. 
•Wisecarver,  J.  F.,  McMinuville,  Oregon. 
Wiseman,  J.  J.,  Nunica,  Mich. 
•Wiser,  S.L.,  Central  City,  Nebr. 
Wister,  William  Botch,  Germantown,  Pa. 
•Witt,  A.  B.,  Conway,  Ark. 
•Witters,  George  S.,  Ida  Grove,  Iowa. 
Wolcott,  Grove  H.,  Jackson,  Mich. 
Wolf,  S.B.,  Williamsport,  Md. 
Wood,  A.  H.,  Painted  Post,  N.  Y. 
Wood,  Buena  V.,  Bock  Hill,  S.  C. 
Wood,  Chas.  W.  Burlington,  Wis. 
•Wood,  C.  E.,  Marble  Bock,  Iowa. 
•Wood,  C.  H.,  Moss  Point,  Miss. 
•Wood,  Frank  E.,  Bipley,  Mich. 
Wood,  Ira  B.,  Huntington,  W.  Va. 
Wood,  Bev.  John  George,  Belvedere,  Lon- 

don,  England. 
•Wood,  Julia  A.  A.,  Sauk  Bapids,  Minn. 
Wood,  J.  W.,  Marshall,  Mich. 
Wood,  M.  L.,  Garden  City,  N.  Y. 
Wood,  Norman  A.,  Saline,  Mich. 
•Wood,  William,  Townsend,  ^ont. 
•Woodall,  W.H.,  Huntflville,  Tex. 
Woodbnm,  John  M.,  Newville,  Pa. 


•Woodbury,  Ed.  D.,  Fort  Union,  N.  Mex. 
•Woods,  J.  F.,  Schuyler,  Nebr. 
Woodward,  George  W.,  Shelby,  Mich. 
Woodworth,  Elihu,  Kentville,  Nova  Soo< 

tia,  Canada. 
Work,  H.  F.,  New  Washington,  Ind. 
Worthen,  Charles  K.,  Warsaw,  HI. 
Worthington,  W.  W.,  Shelter  Island,  N.  Y. 
Wright,  B.  W.,  Marquette,  Mich. 
Wright,  Abel  A.,  Griffin,  Ga. 
Wright,  A.  S.,  Woodstock,  111, 
Wright,  C.  A.,  Tecumseh,  Mich. 
Wright,  Prof.  Elizur,  Medford,  Mass. 
•Wright,  F.  W.,  Livingston,  Mont. 
Wright,  M.  D.,  Aurora  Springs,  Mo. 
Wright,  N.  W.,  Farmland,  Ind. 
Wright,  B.  A.,  Louisburgh,  Kans, 
Wright,  E.  G.,  Waynesborough,  Va. 
•Wright,  William  A.,  Liukville,  Oregon. 
Wright,  W.A.,  Burlington,  Ind. 
•Wright,  W.L.,  Port  Eads,  La. 
Wright,  W.  B.,  Lewiston,  Me. 
Wyckoff,  George,  Mears,  Mich. 
WyckoflF,  George  A.,  Bevip,  Ohio. 
Wylie,  Henry  H.,  Kent  City,  Mich. 
"Wylie,  S.,  Winnsborough,  La. 
Wyman,  Henry  S.,  Morenci,  Mich. 
Wyman,  L.  E.,  Sycamore,  111. 
•Wyman,  O.  B.,  Viroqua,  Wis. 
Wynkoop,  W.  C,  Denver,  Colo. 
•Yaunly,  Alma  N.,  Stockton,  Utah. 
Yenowine,  Edwin,  Edwardsville,  Ind. 
'Yoakum,  F.L.,  Tyler,  Tex. 
•Yoden,  £.  M.,  Hutchinson,  Kans. 
•York,  J.  E.,  Caddoa,  Colo. 
Young,  C.  F.,  Columbia,  Pa. 
Young,  D.  S.,  Winona,  Miss. 
Young,  Dr.  Frank,  Weymouth,  Ohio. 
•Young,  F.  W.,  Fort  Stockton,  Tex. 
•Young,  John  B.,  Hempstead,  Tex. 
Young,  M.  A.,  Hollidaysburgh,  Pa. 
Young,  Dr.  Kawlings,  Corinth,  Miss. 
•Young.  B.L.,  Fairfield,  N.C. 
Young,  S.W.,  Spring  Hill,  Kans. 
Youngblood,  J.  N.,  Chester  C.  H.,  S.  C. 
Zellars,  Simeon,  Palmetto,  Ga. 
Zevely,  Van  A.,  Cairo,  W.  Va. 
Zillier,  Carl,  Sheboygan,  Wis. 
*Zorn,  J.,  jr.,  Seguin,  Tex. 


I N  ID  :e  X 


Abundance  of  birds  dnring  migration,  97. 
Aeanthit  litutria,  80, 263. 
Accidental  tranaportation,  23, 309. 
AeeipiUr  eooperi,  32. 

vtlox,  32. 
Acer,  146. 

Acl(nowle<lgniente,  0,  10. 
AeHdidcg,  131. 
Acts  relating  to  sparrows  in  tbe  United  States, 

1P/-173.  ^ 

Actual  increase,  20. 

AMca,  sparrows  in,  302.  ' ' 

Agtlaiut  phoenieeut,  80, 266. 
Ailantlias  worms,  306. 
Alabama,  no  sparrow  law  in,  loT. 
Alaska,  no  sparrow  law  in,  167. 
Albinism,  albinos,  31. 
Algeria,  House  Sparrow  in,  302. 

Spanish  Sparrow  in,  302. 
Amarantbua  seeds,  311,  328.  ' 

Ambrona  artemUia^/olia,  146. 
American  Naturalist,  extracts  from,'  304,  305. 
American  Ornithologists'  Union,  11,  304,  315-318. 

Verdict  of,  315-318. 
Amount  of  grain  consumed  in  France,  302. 
AmpeliM  cedronim,  80,  270,  272,  280. 
Ammodramut  tandwiehentii  tavanna,  80, 270, 280, 

323. 
AmpelopiU  veitchii,  41. 
Ancients,  Sparrow  known  to  the,  301. 
Angleworms,  202,     (See  Earthworm.) 
Anitoplia  frueticola,  305. 
AnUopteryx  (PaUaerita)  vemata,  109,  110, 128, 129, 

130,  131,  132,  285,  286,  291,  292,  293,  295,  299,  300. 

301. 
Annual  increase.  29. 
Ant,  black,  296. 

red.  102,  291. 
Ants,  102,  112,  113,  114,  US,  128,  130,  138,  140,  141, 
142,  287,  291,  295,  318. 
winged,  102,  130.  140,  291. 
Ants'  eggs  eaten,  102. 
Antiopa  butterfly,  201. 
Antrottomua  voe\fentt,  disappearence  of,  283. 
Apple,  pecked  by  Sparrow  (figure),  58. 
Apple  buds  and  blossoms  plucked,  45,  46,  «7, 240i 

241,  242. 
Apple  buds  in  stomachs,  242. 
Apple  pulp  in  stomacbs,  145. 
Apple  pollen  eaten,  344. 
Apple  seeds  not  eaten,  57-58. 


Apple-tree  worms,  102. 

Apple-trees  and  cankerworms,  109,  liO. 

Apples  attacked  in  America,  43,  54,  67,  58,  59,  244, 

247,  248,  249,  250. 

Australia,  349,  351. 

Aphides,  102,  125,  129,  130,  289,  206,  328,  333,  345, 

347,  348. 

Aphodiui  fimelariu*,  112, 116. 

granariiu,  112, 116. 

sp..  Ill,  116,296. 

Appa-atus  for  Sparrow-catching,  183, 191. 

Apricots,  in  America,  48, 244. 

In  Australia,  349, 350, 351, 352, 353. 

Apricot  buds  and  blossoms  plucked,  45, 241, 351. 

Arachnids,  120, 121, 204. 

Arctiitts,  112. 

Area  occupied  in  the  United  States  and  Canada, 

26-27. 

Aristotle  mentions  tbe  Sparrow,  301. 

Arizona,  no  sparrow  law  in,  167. 

Arkansas  bird  law,  167. 

Arkansas  goldfinch,  8u. 

Army  worm,  99,  102,  128,  129, 130, 131, 287, 288,289, 

290,  294, 205. 

Fall,  118. 

Arsenic,  174, 175, 177, 233, 235, 238, 349, 351. 

Arseniate  of  soda,  174, 177. 

-* 

Arsenions  oxide,  174. 
Arsonite  of  cnlcium,  174, 177. 

of  copper,  174, 178. 
Artichoke,  40, 66. 

Atriplex patulum,  seeds  eaten,  305. 
Attachment  to  young,  193. 

Attacks,  made  in  squads,  04,  266-267,269,270,271, 
276,277,279,280,281,282. 
Unprovoked,  92-94, 97, 263, 264. 
Australia,  Sparrow  in,  302-303, 320, 318-357. 
Grapes  damaged  in,  55-56. 
Poison  used  in,  132-133. 
Abxiliary  barrel,  164. 
Avena  tativa,  146. 
Bagworra,  102, 121, 131, 324-325. 
Bags  torn  from  grapes,  54, 323-324. 
Baltimore  Oriole,  60, 80. 81, 108-109, 265, 268, 269,-/7I, 
272,  273, 274, 275, 278, 282, 28,3, 324-325. 
Eats  cherries  and  peas,  60, 
Eats  hairy  caterpillars,  108-109. 
Bank  Swallow,  80. 

Barley,  in  America,  68,  72, 73,  74,  253,  265, 266, 2S0, 
2U0. 
Id  Australia,  340. 

.389 


11 


390 


INDEX. 


Barley,  in  England,  330,  344, 345. 

Barn  Martin,  1:82. 

Barn  Swallow,  ?0,  86,  89,  262, 266, 271, 272, 276, 1:77, 

278, 282, 283. 
Bartlett  pears,  55,  S8. 
BikIh  raten,  242. 
BeaoB,  48,  2S0, 344. 

Shootg  outon,  250. 
Beu-binl,  Uee-iuarliu,80, 205,  271. 
BetM'jiller  in  Sparrow's  nt'st,  320. 
Betjf  in  Rtomacli  of  yonig,  145. 
Bee  ',  102, 114,  lli<,  135, 138, 140, 141,  289. 
Beps  and  t;rapeg,  49-50,  55,  ?46. 
Beus  injure  fruit,  50. 
Beet,  loavpB  ontfn,  48, 63,  C4. 

Seed  enten,  48, 04,  65,  ?44.        "'"  "''"     '  '^ 
Sproute  entcin,  245, 248, 250. 
beetle,  olni-leaf,  130, 293, 2G8. 
Ooldsmith,  102,285. 
Tiger,  102, 130, 295. 
Beetles,  102, 103,  124, 129, 135,  137, 139, 286,  290, 293, 

290,  297,  299,  305,  325,  331,  337,  314,  345,  347. 
Bcneflt'inl  and  inJiirlouH  birds,  81,  327,334. 
Bonertcial  and  injurious  inseotH,  101,  121,  287,  291. 
Beneficial  insrcts  in  stomaclis,  134,  135,  136,  137, 

138,139,140,141,142. 
Bergerie,  Rougier  do  la,  302. 
Bermuda,  birds  expelled  from,  283. 

Sparrow  in,  283. 
Berries,  57, 60, 244, 24.5, 247, 248, 249, 251, 345. 
Bewick's  Wren,  80,  264,  270. 
Bibliography,  outline  of,  301-304. 
Bindweed,  blaok  or  corn,  343,  345.    " 

Seed  eaten,  67, 343, 345.  """'" 
Bird  laws  in  the  United  Stati's,  167-173. 
Bird  protection  in  England,  334. 
Birds,  incities,99, 100.  -r^n.... 

Killed  by  Spairows,  84,86,87,88,  90,  Oi;  63, 

94,  95,  270,  270,  279,  :;83,  307,  339. 
List  of  thosH  molested,  80. 
Preying  on  Sp.irrows,  150.  '    •"'"'*■ 

Birds  of  prey,  beneficial,  327. 
Bitter-sweet  beirios  and  thru8nes,.273,, 
Bitterweed  seed,  144, 14C. 
Black  ant,  296. 
Blackbeiries,  48,  55,  50,  57,  246, 248,  219,  327. 
Black-billed  Cuckoo,  108-109. 
Blackbird,  Boat-tailed,  92. 

Crow,  32, 80,  92,  267.  268, 269,  271,  276. 
English  (. If cn(Ja).  335. 
Red-winged,  80, 2(;0. 
Blackbirds,  70,  74,  76,  77,  80,  246,  254, 262,  265,  278, 

279,282,290-291,335. 
B'nckbirds  and  army-worms,  290-291. 
Blackbirds  and  corn,  254. 
Blackbirds  and  cutworms,  290-261. 
Blackbirds  and  fruit,  246. 
Blackbirds  and  rice,  76,  77. 
Blackbirds  protected  in  England,  335. 
Black-capped  Titmouse,  80. 
Black-caps  (raspbeiTies),  57. 
Black  ('berries,  249. 
Black  baw,  146. 

Black  Martin,  80, 84, 261, 269, 278. 
Blades  of  grass  in  stomachs,  144, 312, 325. 
Blight  and  Sparrows,  334-335. 


i-l>»ll<f>* 
...  ')•!  'Ultl  Jfl: 


■noAhavy  k 


132,  287,  289, 


Blixzard  of  March,  1S88, 33. 

Blossoraa  and  buds  destroyed,  40,  42-48,  240-243, 
244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 310, 311, 312, 325, 327, 
328. 
Blow-flies,  109,  USrllO. 
Blue-backed  Swallow  (^Tree  Swallow),  80. 
Bluebird.  80,81,82-87,88,91,  93,94,  96,  97,  126,261, 
202,  264,  265,  266,  267, 268,  269,  270,  271,  272,  273, 
274, 275,  276, 277,  278,  279,  280, 281,  282,  283, 297. 
320,  327. 
Eggs  destroyed,  83. 
Food  of,  126, 290-291,  320. 
N^ustlings  killed,  84, 03. 
Robbed  of  food,  94,  297. 
Summary  of  evidence,  82-83. 
Bluebird,  Western,  80. 
Bluebottle  flies,  112, 118,  138,  345. 
Bluejay,  Jay,  31,  32,80,  233,234,  264,  265,267.  263, 

209,271,272,277,282. 
Boat-tailed  Blackbird,  92. 
Bobolink,  70,80,95,280. 
Bomare,  Valmont  de,  302. 
Borers,  102. 
Bot-fiieH,  bots,  102, 128,  129,  130,  131, 

294, 299. 
Bounties,  amount  paid  in  Michigan,  162-163. 

By  towns,  235, 238, 230.      .  ^ .    ., .   ,     , 
Cost  of,  154-164.  '■    ,.      ,', 

In  Australia,  349,  350.  ,   ,    .,j,,, 

InEngl.ind,98,:i03,348. 
In  Germany,  321. 

In  Michigan,  30, 150, 102-163, 235, 23.6. 
In  Montana.  161-162. 
In  Ohio,  150. 

Not  expedient,  30, 153-164. 
Bounties  and  taxation,  100. 
Bounty-law, an  ideal,  \hh.      .    ,,.  ,.   . 
Bounty-laws,  objections  to,  tS8-16l. 
Box-elder  buds,  44. 
Box-inliabiters,  82-88. 
Boxes  lor  nests,  removed,  30. 
Brachytnyrex  heeri,  113,116. 
Bread,  rice,  etc.,  in  crops,  136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141. 
143, 144, 145.  ,,  ^  ^„.,.,j    >,  ^,r.n,^i,„ji. 

Breeding  age,  28, 30, 311.       „,     .,.^..  „',„.,^^,:^^,^ 
Breeding  season,  27.  ,   ,^,,v,v^.„^  ,„-,t«^,-,„  ... 

Breeding  in  winter,  238.  ,  < 

Brewer-Coues  controversy,  303. 
Biitish  estimate  of  Sparrows,  39.  .^ 

British  evidence,  330-348.  ..wM^sdl  Ii' '     ' 

Bronzy  cutworm,  102,  286.  '  ^^,  ' 

Broods,  late  and  early,  27, 30, 238., , '    "  '. 

Number   and  size  of,  27,  29-30,  232,  233, 
234,  238,  317,  342. 
Brown  Tlnwsber  or  Tlinish,  80, 266, 278, 280, 
Brown  Towhee,  80. 
Brxichua  pisi,  128. 
Buckwheat,  68,  77,  255,  256, 257, 258. 
Buds,  40,  42-43, 45, 240-243,  244,  246, 246,  247,  249,  250, 
251,296,310  311,312,325,327,326. 
Partial  list  of  those  eaten,  45. 
Buds  and  blossoms,  40, 42-48, 240-243, 244,  245,  246 
247,249,  250,251,  296,310,  311,312,325,327. 
Buds  and  insects,  42-43, 242. 
Buffalo-moth,  102. 
Bngs,  102, 135, 139, 142, 287, 288, 296, 297. 


■>lr»<(fe 


MT  \V".»  m5».\>«  tv 


INDEX. 


391 


BuDtiog,  Indigo,  274, 

BuutiDg.  Painted  —  Painted  Fincb,  q.  v. 

Butcher-bird,  31,  276. 

Buttercup,  seed  eaten,  343. 

Butterflies,  09,  102.  1U3,  129,  130,  131,  285,  280,  288, 

201,  294,  209,  300,  301, 145. 
Butterfly,  Antiopa,  201. 

Cabbage,  102,  130,  131,  288.  294,  300,  301, 

335. 
Turnus,  102, 291. 

Vanessa,  102.  to;  i  «<•  ■■ 

Yellow,  102.  .«,,^i,,^J^•i 

Butterfly  larviu,  102, 288, 299. 
Cabbage,  beads  pecked,  248. 

Leaves  eaten,  48, 61,  63,  249,  251, 252, 344. 

349. 
Plants  enteu,  63, 249,  251, 2,52, 344. 
Seed  eaten,  48, 64, 65, 244, 245,  247, 249. 
Cabbage  butterfly,  102,  130,  131,  288,  294,  300,  301, 

335. 
Cabbage  motb,  102,  207, 315. 

(Cabbage  worm  or  laterpillar,  99,  102, 128, 129, 130, 
131,  285,  280,  287,  288,  289,  290,  292,  207, 
299,300,344.  ,.,•■,■,, 

California,  no  sparrow  law  iu,  107.  ,  . ,  . , , 

Caloptenui  bivittatu», 'i'19.  ,  „,       i   ■    , 

Jcre»(ioJi»,  111,  110. 
femurrubium,  119, 127, 301,  313, 329. 
spretits,  110. 

sp..  Ill,  114. 119.      5,.    _„.    ,„,,,„,, 
Canada  Tree  Sparrow,  192. 
Canadian  area  occupied  by  Sparrow,  26. 
Canadian  climate,  33, 308. 
Canary,  Wild,  80, 265. 

Canker-worm,  99, 102, 109-110, 121-122. 128, 129, 130, 
131, 132, 263,  285,  286,  291,  292,  293. 
295,  299,. ■(00,301,  317. 
Spring,  121-122. 
Canker-worm  motb  eaten  by  Robin.  110. 
Canker-worms  and  ('liippiug  Sparrow,  263. 
Canker-worms  exterminate  tliemselves,  110. 
Canker-worms,  work  of,  109-110. 
Capo  of  Good  Hope,  Sparrows  at,  335.    ., 
Carofiido',  102, 127.  300,  328.  ■....!■■ 

Carabidlarvic,  102.291.  '■.'."        -     .  '  ',, 

Caradrina  eubicularig,  342. 
Cardinal  Grosbeak,  Cardinal,  80, 268, 280. 
CardinaliH  canlinalis, S0,2GS,2e0.  ,. 

Carex  seeds,  312.  •..•-.■■.. 

Carolina  Dove,  280.  ,  f..-.i.,> 

Carolina  Wren,  80, 276. 277. 280. 
Carpodacut  frontalis.  80, 262. 

puipureus,  80,  263,  270, 270, 280. 
CaiTot,  seed  ealen,  65. 

Sprouts  eaten,  49, 64, 245. 
Catawba  grape,  324. ' 

Catbird,  80, 264, 205, 266, 2«8,  209.  272,  273,  274,  275, 
276, 278, 279-280, 281. 283. 
rood  of,  126. 
Mobbed,  278. 
Catching  Sparrows,  178-191. 
Caterpillar,  fall,  102. 

Grape-vine,  102,287. 
Tent,  102, 129, 131, 288, 300.    - 
Tree,  102, 287. 
White,  129, 290. 


Caterpillars,  96,  102,  124, 128, 129, 130, 131, 135, 139, 
142,  284,  285,  287, 288,  289,  290,  291,  293,  294, 297,  299, 
300,  300,  308, 330,  331,  332,  333,  334, 335, 330, 337,  338, 
330,340,342,344,345,347. 
Caterpillars,  hairy,  99,  107-109,  129,  130,  280.  290, 
292, 205. 
Smooth,  99, 102, 13!,  285, 280. 
In  atomRcbs, '  11, 114, 118, 141. 
Killed  by  rain,  108. 
■  ^  i^»j      Protected  by  Sparrow,  107-110. 
Catkins  ef  poplar  eaten,  41. 
Cats,  effect  of,  ou  birds,  31, 93, 238. 
Killed  by  poison.  352. 
Mobbed  by  Sparrows,  273, 277. 
Cat-tailed  millet,  252. 
Cauliflower,  49,  63,  249,  344.  349. 
Cecropia  moth,  291. 
Cedar  berries  eaten,  25C. 
Cedar-bird,  Cherrybird,  80, 270, 272, 280. 
Cedar  trees,  injured  by  filth,  241. 

Barked  by  Sparrows,  147. 
Cerambycid  beetle  in  Cuckoo's  stomach,  123. 
Ccratxit  avium,  146. 
CerastiKin  trivinle,3i3. 
Cereals,  number  of  reports  ou,  68. 
Cereals  in  stomachs,  134, 133, 136, 137, 138,  139,  140, 

141, 142, 143, 144, 145. 146. 
Chcttocnema  denticnlata,  112, 113, 114, 11,5. 117. 
Ch(rtuia  pelagica,  80, 278, 282. 
Chaffinch  destroyed  iu  England,  333, 343. 
Change  in  nesting  habits,  24. 
Change  of  public  opinion,  35. 
Chats,  274. 

Checks  on  increase,  in  America,  31-40, 232,  ?j3,  234, 
235,  236, 237, 238. 239. 
In  Europe,  97-C8. 
Chelidon  enithrogaster,  80,  86,89,262,266,271,272, 

275,  277, 278, 282,  283. 
Chcnopoditim  album,  343. 

bonus  henricui,  343. 
Chcnopodiuni  seeds,  3!!,  343. 
Cherries,  40, 48,  .54,  .5.5,  56,  57,  59,  214,  245,  246,  247, 
218, 219,  2.50,  251,  252,  349,  351,  353. 
Choke,  249. 
Wild,  4H,  249. 
Choirie.s  and  insects,  250. 
Cherrybird,  (Jedar-bird,  80,  270,  272,  280. 
Chirry-buds  and  blossoins,  45,46,56,146.242,243. 
Clierry-bud.-(  inclosing  insects.  43. 
Cherry-tree  worms,  102.  •    ...  .^  .  ■ .  ,,        .,  -j 

Cliewink,  80. 

Chickadee,  Black-capped,  80. 
Chickadees,  80, 152-153,  287,  271 . 
Chicken-corn,  75. 

Chickens  and  Sparrows,  81, 140, 256.  277. 
Chickens,  mobbed.  277. 
Chickweed.  305,343. 
Chimney  Swift  or  Swallow.  SO,  27S,  282. 
Chinch-bug,  102, 129, 131, 288. 
Chipping  Sparrow,  Chippy,  80,  81,  87,  93,  95,  262, 
263,  264, 205, 200,  267, 209, 270, 271,  272, 277,  278, 
279, 280, 282, 283, 300,  309, 327. 
Eggs  destroyed,  271. 
Kestliugs  killed,  93. 
Chloride  of  mercury,  177. 
Choke-cherry  eaten.  249. 


I 


mi 


392 


INDEX. 


Ohordtit**  virginiantu,  283. 

Cbovy,  342. 

Chryaomellda,  lit,  117, 2SA. 

Cicada  $eptemd«eim,  102,129,130,288,288,289,201, 

297,290. 
Cicada,  seventeen-year,  102,  129,  130,  288, 288, 280, 
291,297,299. 
Kind  not  ipeclfled,  09, 102, 129, 283, 290, 208. 
Oieindela,  102, 130, 29S. 
Circnlar  of  American  OmithologistH'  Union,  315- 

316. 
Circulars  of  Department  of  Agrica'tnre,  197-198. 
Cistern  water  tooled,  148. 
Clear-winced  flies,  102, 294. 
Cliif  Swallow,  80.  88,  89,  262,  268,  272,273,274-273, 

276, 282, 288, 307, 327. 
Climate  and  increase,  32-34, 308. 
Climate  of  Canada,  308. 
Clinton  crape,  324. 
Clivieola  riparia,  60. 
Clover,  red,  146. 

Whits,  146. 
Clover  seed,  66, 68, 144, 145, 257, 311, 325, 328. 
Coeeido!,  298. 
CoeettMUMte,  102,201. 
Coeeyztu  amerieaniu,  80, 108-109, 123, 324-325. 

erythrophthalmiu,  108-109. 
Cockchafer,  342. 

Cocoons  of  codling-moth,  319-320. 
Codllng-raoth,  102, 129, 131, 289, 290, 299, 300, 310-320. 
Codling-moth  and  Blnebird,  320. 
Codling-worm,  102, 120, 131, 289. 
Colaptet  auratut,  80, 269, 281, 282. 
Oolatpit  brunnea,  117. 

eottipennU,  117. 
(topida.  Ill,  113, 117. 
Cold,  effects  of,  32-33, 308. 
Coleoptera  (beetles),  102,  103,  116-118,120,121,127, 

129, 286, 289, 290  293, 296, 297, 299, 311, 328, 331. 
Collector's  gnns,  104. 
Colorado  bird-law,  187. 

Combnstion,  spontaneous,  148.  '       ' 

Common  Sparrow,  80, 88, 269. 
Concord  grape,  51, 53, 55. 
Connecticut  bird-law,  168. 
Contents  of  Sparrows  stomnchs,  100-101,  111,  123- 

125, 133-146, 296,  304, 311-314, 318,  320,  321-323, 325, 

328-329,  331,  335,  336,  337,  342,  344-345, 347. 
Continuous  egg-laying,  28. 
Contoptu  vireni,  80, 277. 
Contributors,  list  of,  358-388. 
Convolvulus  seeds,  312. 
Cooper's  Hawk,  32. 

Com,  Maize,  48,  61,  62, 64,  66, 68,  72, 74, 75, 77, 134, 

■  '  135, 130, 137,  138,  139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 

145, 146,  244,  246,  248, 249, 253,  '254, 255, 256, 

250, 312,  322,  325,  344.  345. 

Xnmber  of  reports  on,  68. 

In  the  milk,  green,  48,  61,  62,  64, 66, 75, 244, 

249, 325. 
Sprouts  eaten,  48, 62. 
Com  (grain)  in  England,  330, 336, 337, 339, 340, 341, 

34«,  345, 347. 
Corn-silk  eaten,  62, 64. 

Com  insects  (i.  e.,  grain  insects),  not  eaten,  848. 
Com -bind  weed,  343, 345. 


Cornices  protect«d  by  netting,  36, 

Cornell's  Fancy  (apples).  57. 

Ccrroaive  sablimate,  175, 177. 

Cumu»  amerieanu$,  80, 95, 283. 

Cosv  of  bounties,  151-164. 

Csst  of  poison,  175. 

Cost  of  rabbit  extermination  in  Anstrklis,  3S8. 

Cottonwood  buds,  44. 

Cotton.worm,  nottoucbed,128, 120, 131, 287, 291,299. 

Coues-Brewer  controversy,  303. 

Cowbird,  Cow-blackbird,  246. 

Orambut  eitltntUtu.  345. 

vulgieagellu*,  118. 
Crested  Flycatcher,  Great,  80, 266, 277. 
Crickets,  102, 128, 287, 300. 
Crocus  eaten,  344. 
Croton-bugs,  306. 
Crow  attacked,  80, 95, 283. 
Crow  Blackbird,  32, 80, 02, 267, 268, 269, 271. 278. 
Cuckoo,  Black-billed,  108-100. 

Yellowbilled,  80, 108-109, 324-325. 
Food  of,  12.1, 292. 
Cucumber  blossoms  eatnn,  64. 
Curcalio«,  102,  111,  131, 288, 328. 
Currant  buds  and  blossoms,  45, 46, 47, 242, 243. 
Carraut-motb,  102. 

Currants,  48, 56, 59, 245, 246, 248, 249, 251, 312. 
Curr.int-wurm,  102, 130, 131, 292, 295, 298, 301. 
Cutworm,  Itroniy,  102, 280. 

Cutworms,  102,  112,  113,  114,  129.  131,140,142,264, 
280, 286, 287, 290, 207. 
Stolen  from  Robin,  264, 286. 
Cyanide  of  potassium,  175. 
CyanocUta  criMtata,  31-32,80,233,234,264,265,  267, 

268,269,271,272,277,282. 
Cynipidee,  116. 

Daddy  long-legs  (7\'f)ula),'338,345. 
Dakota,  no  sparrow  law  in,  168. 
Dandelion  seed  eaten,  343. 
Dangerous  poisons,  175. 
Data,  methods  of  collecting,  11-12. 
Dead  insects  eaten.  132, 298. 
Delaware  bird-law,  168. 
Delaware  giupes,  53,54,55. 

Dendroica  cntiva.  80, 81, 270, 272, 279.  280,  282,  283, 
387. 
eoronata,  80, 283. 
Depredations  in  England,  308, 309, 330-348. 
Destruction  of  Sparrows  by  poison,  174-178. 
Destruction  of  Sparrows'  nests,  eggs,  and  young, 

37,151,180,234,237. 
Diffusion,  method  of,  93-26. 
Diplotaxis,  m,  IW- 
Diptera,  118, 120, 128, 818, 329. 
Dipterous  pupic,  313, 329. 
Disappearance  of  Night-hawk  and  Whippoorwill, 

283. 
Disappearance  of  Passenger  Pigeon,  283. 
Disappearance  of  Span-worms,  109-110. 
Disease  among  caterpillars,  109-110. 
Disease  among  Sparrows,  31. 
Dissection  of  stomachs,  100-101,  105-106,  111-115, 

123-125, 126, 1-27, 129, 130, 131, 133-146, 242, 243. 

287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 293, 295, 29C,  297, 298, 299, 

311-314, 318, 320, 321-323, 32S,  328-829, 331, 335, 

336, 337, 338, 344-S45,  347. 


Dil 
Dil 

dJ 

Di| 


INDEX. 


393 


DiBMction  of  •tomaoba,  eyidenc«  derived  from, 
100-101. 
Methode  of,  321. 
DiHectionB,  showing  many  ineeota,  828-32i),  331, 

3.-)6, 337, 338,344-345. 
allowing  few  inbecta,  127, 120, 131, 301, 206, 298, 

299, 318, 320, 325,  331,  335  347. 
'ibowin)r  no  inaecta.  126,127,129,130,287,288, 

289, 290, 291, 383, 295, 280. 297, 321-328. 
Tablea  of,  133-140, 811-314, 321-323, 344-845. 
Dietribntion,  by  SUtea,  199-232. 
Distribution  in  America,  308.  (Map  at  end  of  Vol. ) 
District  of  Columbia  bird-law,  168. 
Diurnal  lepidoptera,  130. 
Dolichonyx  oryzivorut,  76, 80, 95, 280. 
Domesticated  doves  or  pi  .eons,  81, 95, 234, 364, 266. 
Dove,  Carolina  or  M3umlng,  280. 
Downy  Woodpecker,  80, 266. 269, 272,  274,  275,  277, 

279. 
Dragon-flies,  102. 

Drains  cbolced  with  nests,  147-148, 352. 
Dry  peas  eaten,  60. 

J>ryobatei  pubescent,  80. 2M,2ISa,  272,  274,  275,  277, 
279. 
viltonu.  80, 266. 
Dung-beetles.  116, 135, 137. 
Dnng-iusects,  102, 116, 135, 137. 
Dutchess  grapes,  injured  by  birds,  53. 
Early  colonioa  in  America,  21. 
Early  history  at  Saint  Louis,  191-192. 
Early  importations,  316-317. 
Earthworms,  86, 94, 102, 26t,  375, 292, 298. 

Stolen  from  Robin,  86, 94, 264, 275. 
Earwigs,  331, 347. 
Eave  Martin  (European),  283. 
Eave  Swallow  (=:  Cliflf  Swallow),  88,  88,  262, 271, 

278, 28i. 
Eave  troughs  filled  with  nests,  148,  352. 
Echinocyttet  lobatut,  298. 
Eetopitte*  migratoriiu,  283. 
Edges  of  grain  fleida  suffer  most,  179, 256, 257, 258, 

260,310,338. 
EffecU  of  climate,  32-34, 232-233, 234, 236-237, 239. 
Effects  of  continued  shooting,  37. 
Effects  of  legislation,  36. 
Effects  of  storms,  33-34, 232-233, 234, 236-237. 
Effects  of  temperature,  32-33, 236, 233. 
Effects  on  birds  in  Canada,  309. 
Effects  on  birds  in  England,  330,  332,  333, 335, 336, 

837,338,339,840,346,348. 
Effects  on  insects,  98-133. 
Effectaon  native  birds,  78-79, 82-93,260-283,317,320. 

Amount  and  character  of  evidence,  78-79. 

Synopsis  of  evidence,  79. 

Bluebird,  82-87. 

Chipping  Sparrow,  93. 

House  Wren,  87-88. 

Martins,  82-87. 

Mockingbird,  91. 

Robin,  90-91. 

Swallows,  89-90. 

Vireos,  92. 
Egg-laying,  continnona,  28. 
Eggs  of  insects  eaten,  102, 130, 285, 292, 295, 300. 
Eggs  of  native  birds  deatroyed,  83, 84, 90, 104, 271, 
377,270. 


Eggs  of  Sparrow: 
Bounty  on,  161. 
Description  of,  161. 

Deatroyed  by  native  birds,  274, 275, 282. 
If  ethods  of  destroying,  165. 
Number  laid,  27,41,161. 
Eggs  anJ  young  destroyed,  37, 151, 180, 284, 237. 
Egyptian  rice,  74,  75. 
Elderben:')8,  311, 328. 
Elm  buds  and  bloaaoms,  44,  45,  46,  47,48,  242,  243, 

328. 
Elm-ieaf  beetle  (Oaltruea),  not  destroyed,  121, 122, 

130,293,298,  324. 
Elms  stripped   by   canker-worms   and  tussock 

moth,  108, 109-110. 
Elm-tree  worms,  297, 300. 
Empidonax  minimut,  80, 269. 
Enemies,  natural,  31-32, 97-98. 
England,  food  of  Sparrows  in,  325, 328-329, 330-832, 
335,  336, 337, 338,  342,  344-345,  347,  348. 
HabiU  of  Sparrows  in,  97-98,  308,  309» 
330-348. 
English  farmers'  opinions,  39, 40, 308. 
English  ivy,  41, 42, 240. 
English  peas,  243, 247. 
English  Skylarks  pull  grain,  341. 
English  Sparrow,  figure  of,  16. 

The  name  a  misnomer,  17. 
Ennomot  eubtignaria,  109, 125, 130, 131, 294. 

Replaced  by  Orgyia,  121. 
Ephemerce,  130, 286, 293, 297. 
Epidemics  unknown,  31. 
EpUaehna  borealU,  130, 298. 
Eragrottii,  seeds  eaten,  304. 
Ermine  moth,  345. 
£rj/«liron«ura,  112, 113, 118. 
Euchittus,  118. 
European  Blackbird,  335. 
European  Chaffinch,  333, 343. 
European  Greenfinch,  343. 
European  Martins,  98, 330, 332, 333, 335^  330, 337, 338,. 

339,340,346. 
European  Skylark,  341. 
European  Starling,  333. 
European  Swallow,  335. 

European  Tree  Sparrow,  at  Saint  Louis,  191-194. 
European  Thrusbes,  335. 
Evergreens  ii^ured,  41, 45,  241, 243. 
Evidence,  excluded,  12. 

In  deWil,  197-357. 
Samples  of,  how  selected,  13. 
Summaries  of,  17-149. 
Summaries,  misleading,  13.  '    • 

Evidence  veriu*  opinion,  12-13, 99. 
Examination  of  stomachs.    (See  Dissection.) 
Experimento  with  grain,  spoiled,  252, 253, 254, 318, 

320. 
Experiments  with  poisons,  174-178. 
Explanation  of  omissions,  12, 199. 
Explanations  relating  to  evidence,  197- 100. 
Extension  into  country,  24-26. 
Extermination,  recommendations  for,  151-153. 
Extermination  of  span-worms  in  Philadelphia,  109, 
Eztraota,  from  American  Naturalist,  304-305. 
From  Science,  805. 
From  Forest  and  Stream,  305-318. 


II,  1  ; 
'I 

1)1' 


394 


INDEX. 


I 
1 


■ 


Iflirv  t****!   tw*r»'*'  • 


ll  i  I 


Extracts  fTotn  newRpapen,  318-310, 
From  |>uiioillcalii,  Sl^^ii. 
Faleo  colttmbatiut,  32, 309. 

tparveriiu,  3'.',  3U0. 
Falcons,  no». 
Fall  ni'tny-worm,  118, 
Fall  caturpillar,  102. 
Fill  WKbworm,  100,  102,  107,  118,  128, 129,130,131, 

'J80,  288, 207,  'i'iS,  324-326. 
Fecundity,  2ft-2U. 
Field,  the  American,  D. 
Field  com,  02,74-76,  253, 254,  255,  250,  269l 
Field  iniiatnrd,  343. 
Field  Sparrow,  80, 267, 270. 
Fig  buds  or  blossonts,  vS. 
Figitince,  116. 
Figs,  in  Araericn,  48,  50. 

In  Australia,  340,  350,  351,  852. 
In  Xew  Zealand,  32U. 
Filth,  iujuiy  by, 30, 4U, 41, 140-147, 240, 241, 242, 243. 
Finch,  Grass,  80,  270.  .^ 

House,  80,  2ii2. 
I>ninted,  80, 26i,  280. 
Purple,  80, 2(!;t,  270, 276, 280. 
Western  House,  89. 
Yellow,  267. 
Finches,  80, 152-153, 269, 281.        .i..n-ii..i'.  .uK 

Food  of,  323. 
Fines,  for  bird-killing,  167-173.  ii  »  .  .^i,, 

For  nost-robbiug,  167-173. 
Fin-leavod  ivy,  42. 
Fire-arms,  forbidden  in  cities,  37. 

Suggestions  as  to  use  of,  152, 104-165. 
Fislier  on  Poisons,  174-178.  ,  ,i^..,>  .. 

Finx,  Hax-»eed,  49,  tW,  6C,  250.        .-: "    • 
Flea-beetles,  112,  IKl,  lU,  117, 134,  138,  139,  140, 141, 

142,143. 
Flea-bugs,  102. 

Flemish  Beauty  pear,  blossoms  plucked,  46. 
Flicker,  Yellow-shafted,  80, 269, 281. 
Flies,  clear-winged,  102, 294- 
Horse,  102, 129, 289. 
House,  102, 299.  li.LWrt 

Ichneumon,  102,294,300.    :..t.  .it 
Stable,  102. 

Kinds  not  speciBod,  102, 103, 128, 120, 130,138 
285,  287,  291,  292, 293,  295, 290. 
FlnrcMt  Prevost,  302. 
Florida,  no  span-ow  law  in,  188. 
Flower-bfds  destroyed,  249.  , 

Flower-seed  eaten,  48, 65, 128, 245.         », 
Flowers  eaten,  65. 

Flycatcher,  Great  Crested,  80, 266, 277. 
Least,  80, 269. 
Tyrant  (=Kingbird), 269. 
Flycatchers,  kinds  not  speoifled,  80,  88,  263,  269, 

271,  275,  280. 
Foliage,  injury  to,  40, 41, 42, 146, 240-243. 
Food,  Sparrows  used  for,  38-39, 182, 319. 
Food  of  Bluebird,  126. 
Food  of  Catbird,  126. 
Food  of  native  birds,  09, 304, 323. 
Food  of  Robin,  126.  .,r      ;:r 

Food  of  Sparrow:  ...  i,  m.n^  hJdj  i.'/-l 

As  shown  by  dissection,  206, 331-338,  326,  338, 
329, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 342, 344-945, 347. 


Food  of  Spariow: 

By  months,  344-345. 
In  winter,  32-35. 
Seasonal  variation  in,  124-185. 
Tables  of,  133-146. 
Food  of  young  8p<«rrows,  3U5, 330, 331, 335,  336, 337, 

338,  340,  342-343,  344-343, 347. 
Food-habtts  of  Sparrows  in  England,  330-848. 
Food-supply  and  in  urease,  32-35. 
Forbes  on  food  of  native  birds,  99, 304. 
t'ore$t  and  Stream,  extracts  from,  305-318 
Formulii!  tor  poisons,  174-175. 
fornncidie,  118. 
Formtlhia  viri<ii$iiima,  44.  ■ 
Foul  ci.><tern  water,  148. 
Fowler's  solution  (of  arsenic),  174, 177. 
Fowls,  killed  by  poisoned  wheat,  332. 
Fox-tail  grass  (Helaria),  fi7, 145. 
France  Sparrows  in,  302 
Freeziii,  of  Sparrows,  32-;i3, 233, 234, 238, 239. 
Frost  grapes,  eaten,  55. 
t-iultbuds,   injury   to,  40,  42-48,  240,241  242,243, 

320,  347. 
Fruits,  iuj'    j  to,  by  Sparrows,  42,  43,48-60,24;)- 
252,  265,  310. 
By  wasps  and  bees,  49-50. 
List  of  those  injured,  48. 
Fruit-seed  in  stomachs,  136,  137,  138,  139, 140, 141, 

142, 143, 145. 
Galeoscnples  earnlinen*is,SO.  126,  264,  265,266,268, 

260, 272,  273, 274,  275,  276,  278,  279-280,  281, 283. 
Oaleruea  calmariensiK,  121-122. 

xanthomelaena,  '30,293,298,324. 

Garden  corn,  02, 243,  248, 2-19 —  ■•  - 

Garden  pea,  148.  -.-i.  ......,.»/   ,-, 

Garden  seeds,  injury  to,  61-66,  243-251. 
List  of  those  injured,  48. 
Scratched  up,  64. 
Garden  vegetables,  injury  to,  00-64, 243  -252. 
Gas-lamps,  nests  iu,  147. 
Gastrophllus  larvw,  132. 
Gentry  on  Hcmse  Spariow, 303. 
Geographical  distiibutiou,  23, 199-232,  302-303. 
In  America,  199-232,  and  map  at  end  of  vol- 
uuie. 
Geometrld  larvae,  100. 128, 131, 311, 328. 
Georgia, no  spairow  law  iu,  168. 
Germany, Sparrows  in, 97-98. 
Gnats,  102,  287. 

Golden-crowned  Kinglet.  80,94,263,267. 
Golden-winged  Woodpecker,  80, 269, 281, 282. 
Goldfinch,  80,  81,  88,  91,  263,  285,  267, 270, 271,  274, 
275,276,277,278,  280,281. 
Arkansas,  80. 
Goldsmith  beetle,  102,  285. 
Gooseberries,  48, 57,  2^7,  2»9, 251, 844. 
Gooseberry  buds  and  blossoms,  46,  243,  828,  334, 

344,  347. 
Gooseberry  caterpillar  or  worm,  334, 339. 
Goosefoot,  343. 

Crackle,  Purple,  32, 80,  92,  267, 268, 260,  271, 276. 
Grackles,  kind  not  specified,  80, 279, 281. 
Grain,  experiments  with,  spoiled,  262, 253, 294,  318, 
820. 
Tn  America,  68-78, 262-S60. 
In  Australia,  348, 349, 350,  351. 


IMDLX. 


395 


Oraiu— Coutinued. 

In  EugUuil,  30S,  33U-3i8. 

In  tbtt  milk,  310,  330,  337.  347. 

lu  Ibu  HUok,  253,  254,  25S,  2M,  257,  258,  25U, 

260. 
Injury  to,  fl8-78, 252-200. 
KimU  iDJiir«(1,68. 

LiHt  ul'  StateH  rupurliug  ti''*»ite*t  lo»8,6i). 
Ntiiiil)er  of  repni'tH  on,  68. 
Grain-curD  trnuaport  Spiirrowg,  178,  309. 
Grnin-flnliU,  cdgeH  ii^un-d  most,  170, 256,  257, 25H, 

260,  319,  338. 
Grapes,  liaK"  torn  from,  M,  .123-324. 

Buds  and  blossoms  of,  plucked,  45,  46,  47, 

'46,240,241,243,325,327. 
In  Australia,  53, 340, 350, 351, 352, 353. 
In  Califoruia,  40. 
In  Xew  Zcalaiul,  320. 
lujury  to,  48,  49-50,  57,  5S,  59,  244,  245, 246, 
247,  248,  249,  250,  251,  252,  320, 323,  327, 349, 
330,  351,  .3.52, 353. 
Kinds  of,  most  injured,  54,  55. 
List  of  States  reporting  most  damage  to, 
*,„  53. 

Seeds  aud  pulp  of,  takuu,  51, 53,  55, 243, 248. 
Wild,  53,  250. 
Grapes  and  bees  or  wasps,  49-50, 55. 
Grapes  and  niitivK  birds,  49,  270. 
Grape-viufiiiUMpillar,  102, :' ,7.  ,,   ,  ,,  , 

Grape-viiio.s,  etl'ttts  upon,  41,  42,  43.  -    ■ 

Grass  iu  Sparrows'  storaauUs,  144, 312, 325. 
Grass-bird,  80. 
Grass  Finch,  80, 270. 

Grasshoppers,  78,  09,  102,  103,  127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 

132, 134, 141,  142, 143,  285, 28G,  287,  288,  289,  200,  292, 

293,  29!i,  290, 297,  299,  300,  301,  304,  306,  310,  312, 313, 

328,  32!),  347. 

Grass  seed,  consumption  of,  64,  65,  66-68,  76,  253, 

257. 

In  stoniucbs,  134,  135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 

140, 141, 1 1?,  143, 144, 145, 146,  311, 312, 

322,325.  ;■  ,V--,-,  ■'••.,' 

Graybird,  271. 

Great  Carolina  Wren,  277. 

Great  Crested  Flycatcher,  80,  266,  277. 

Great  Northern  Shrike,  31, 150,233,238. 

Greeuiinck  (European),  343. 

Greeulets  (=Vireos),  280.  ^  ..,•.. 

Green  vegetables  destroyed,  61-64. 

Grosbeak,  Cardinal,  80, 268,  280. 

Rose-breasted, 323.     ,.   .„r,„. 

Grosbeaks,  80,  266, 268, 280,  323. 
Food  of,  323. 

Ground  bird,  271. 

Ground  .sparrow,  80. 

Ground  squirrels,  161-162. 

Grubs  or  larvaj,  43. 78, 102,103, 12i>,  130, 135, 285, 286, 
287,  288,  289,  200,  292,  293,  294, 
295,296,297,298,299. 
Ii)  peach  bads,  43. 

Grub-worms  in  crop,  78. 

Oryllotalpa,  113, 119.  j 

Gun,  restriction  by,  37-40.  .  ,,,■,,.,-• 

Gnns  for  Sparrow  shooting,  104. 

Gutters  choked  by  neata,  147-148, 3S2. 

Sabia  ludoeiciana,  323. 


Habit  of  iusect-eatiug,  98-90. 

Habits  of  Eurupuon  True  Sparrow,  102. 

lUbits  of  Uituae  Sparrow  iu  £ugland,308, 309, 330- 

348. 

IlabltH  i>f  insects  concerned,  1)5-120. 

Hail  storms,  etreclH  of,  234,  237. 

Hair  Sparrow.    (Hte  Chipping  Sparrow.) 

Hair-wor^is,  345. 

H'liry  caterpillars  and  Sparrows,  99, 107-109, 129, 
130,  286, 290, 202,  295,  SOfl. 

Hairy  caterpillarN  and  native  birds,  108-109. 

Hairy  Woodpecker,  80,  266. 

Hairy  worms,  100, 122, 130, 290. 

TlahetHi.  114,  115. 

Ilallica  afflnit  303. 

naMi;inj;worMi  (A';i»»mo»),294. 

Harmle.is  Knelisb  birds.  331. 

nar]ialii«  vaganii,  102,300. 

Uaiporhiinrhu*  rti/ug,»\  266,  278,  280. 

Haw,  bliicl<,  1)0. 

liiuls  and  blossoms  of,  144,  325. 

Hawk,  Cooper's,  32.  ■*»• 

Pigeon,  32,  309. 

SUar))shinned,  32.  "> 

Sparrow,  32,  150,  309.  .;('.. 

Hawks,  kind  not  specifled,  309.  ,■>..■.!  rjj 

HlmIki'S  injured  by  flltb,  41,  243. 

lli'lix  iilln-nata,  in  Cuckoo's  stomach,  123. 

Heniipleru,  112, 120,  289,  290. 

Hemp,  hemp-seed,  49,  65,  248. 

Hens  attacked  by  Sparrows,  81, 149, 276, 277. 

Hen  and  chickens  driven  from  food,  149. 


.1 


;I 


.-t 


.i.»i- 


•!. 


-(^  )jt. 


.t..:I 


Herbemont  nia])e,  324. 

Hermit  Thrush,  80,273. 

Hessian-liy,  not  attacked,  288. 

Heteroptern,  113,  114,  118,121. 

Hexapuda,  120. 

Iligh-holdiT  (=  Golden-winged  Woodpecker),  282. 

Hill  on  Sparrow-catching,  178-191. 

riirutido  inbica,  330,332,  333,  335,336,337,338,339 

340,  346. 
H()adlp.\'s  work,  U.  ....  .^    ..... 

Homopteia,  112, 118.  ..r.i^r'..;,      {' 

Honey-bee8,49-50,  102,  289.  •■m  •  !•    '/  !  .1 

Honeysuckle,  berries  eaten,  250.         '    '  ' "  '       t 
Hornets  and  grapes,  49.  it 

Horse-chestnut,  defoliated  by  Orgyia,  108. 
Hor.se-dr()ppin;:8,  importance  of,  to  Sp.irrows,34, 

104. 
Horse-llies,  102, 129, 289.      ^!i  r  <  i.  >;.tj. »  «'!' 
House  Finch,  80, 262.  i 

Western,  89. 
nou8e(lies,102, 113,110,130,  209.        .- .DcT 
House  Martin,  207,  270, 271,  272.  -■'■ 

ti,f  ;•  I-  European,  08,330,  332,333,  335,336, 

"  .  '    >  337,  338,  330,  340,  346. 

House  Sparrow  =Euglish  Sparrow,  17. 

European,    at  Saint  Louis,   Mo. 

191-194. 
Indian,  303. 
House  (Chipping)  Sparrow.  93,  264. 
House  Swallow,  266. 
House  Wren,  80, 82, 83,  85, 87-88, 93, 96, 07,  262, 263, 

264, 286, 266, 207, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 

277,  278,  280, 282,  283,  300,  327. 
Hummingbird,  Ruby-throated,  60, 95,  277. 


896 


INDEX. 


Haogarian  kt«m,  78. 

UyUupU  amtrieatM,  11$. 

Uymenopten,  Ul,  112,  US,  114,  115-116,  120,  121, 

138,  139,  Hi),  141, 142. 
Hyphaniria  eunta  {textoru  100,  1U3,  107, 112,  114, 
118,  121,  120,  1^8,  129,  130,  131,  280, 
288.  297.  298.  824-325. 
ttxtor  {eunta),  In  Cuckoo'^  stomacb. 
123 
2*Unu  galbula,  80,  81,  108-109,  205,  208,  209,  271, 
272, 273, 274, 27^  278, 282, 283, 324-325. 
ipuHus,  80, 83, 268, 278, 280. 
Ichneumonids,  112, 114, 116, 136, 141. 
Ichneumon  fliei,  102, 204,  300. 
Id»ho,  no  iparrow  law  in,  168. 
Ideal  bounty-law.  155. 
Illinois  bird-law,  108. 
Importation,  17-21, 310-317. 

Direct  from  Europe,  19. 
Tables  of,  19-21. 
Inch-worm  (Ueasuriog-worm),  295. 
Increaae,  actual  and  theoretical,  20. 
Annual,  20. 
Checks  on.  31-41. 
Rapidity  of,  29-30. 
Kate  of,  27-31,  232,  233,  234,  235,  236,  237, 

238,239. 
Relation  of  climate  to,  32-34. 
Relation  of  food  to,  33-35, 
Increase  and  public  opinion,  35. 
Increase  and  stoniis.  33, 34. 
Increase  of  native  birds  explained.  96. 
Incubation,  period  of,  27. 
Indiana  bird-law,  168. 

Indian  com,  68, 74, 312, 322, 325.     (,S'e4  Com. ) 
Indian  House  Sparrow,  303. 
Indian  Territory,  no  Bparrow  law  in,  168. 
Indifferent  insects  In  stomachs,  135.  138,  139.  140. 

141, 142, 143. 
Indigo  Bird  or  Bunting,  80,  274. 
Inexpediency  of  boonties,  153-164. 
Ii^uries.  miscellaneons.  146-149. 
Ii^nrious  and  beneficial  insects,  101. 287, 291. 
Ii^urioas  insects  in  atomachs,  134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 

139. 140, 141. 142. 143. 
Injury  by  filth,  86. 40, 41. 146-147,  240.  241,  242, 243. 
Iqjury  to  bads  and  blossoms,  40-48, 240-243. 
To  foliage,  40, 41, 42. 146. 240-243. 
To  fruito,  42. 43, 48-  60, 243-252, 255, 310. 
To  garden  seeds,  48. 64-66, 243-251. 
To  grain,  68-78,  170,  252-260,  300,  31^  319, 

320,330-348,349.350.351. 
To  trees  and  vines.  40-48, 240-243. 
To  vegetables.  48-49, 60-64, 243-252. 
Insect  contents  of  stomachs,  111-115.  123-128,  134. 
135,  136,  137.  138.  139.  140,  141.  142.  143,  144, 145, 
305. 
Insect  defoliators  of  shade-trees,  324. 325. 
Insect  diet  of  yonng,  09.  103,  104,  132,  817.  320.  331, 

335, 336. 337, 338, 340, 342. 345, 347. 
Insect  eggs  eaten.  102, 130, 285, 202.  295. 
Insect  food  of  Sparrow,  98-133, 256, 310. 
General  summary  of  evidence.  98-100. 
Percentage  in  stomachs  examined,  104. 
Seasonal  variation  in.  105-1^^4. 
Table  showing  variation  io,  106. 


InMotivorous  birds.  43, 8u,  348. 

Iniectivorous  habiU.  43.  98-183,  255.  286,  283-.301 

803.  JHM.  317. 849. 
Inaeets,  bonefloial  and  lAjorious,  99. 101, 287. 201. 

Comparative  abundance  of.  at  different 

seasons,  105. 
In  Australia,  349 
In  buds  and  blossoms,  42-43. 299. 
In  cherries,  250. 
In  England,  330-348. 
In  wheat,  102 

List  of  those  said  to  be  eaten  by  Spar- 
rows, 102. 
Stolon  from  Bluebirds.  94. 
Supposed  destruction  of.  78. 
Introduction  to  America,  17. 
Investigation  in  South  Australia.  303. 
Iowa  bird-law.  168. 
Israella  grape,  53. 
Ivy.  English,  41, 42,  240. 

Fin-leaved,  42. 
Japan  plum  (Io<juat),  50. 
Japanese  Jessamine,  buds  eaten,  44. 
Jay,  Blue-Jay,  31-32,  80,  233,  234.  264.  265,  267. 268, 

269, 271.  272.  277, 282. 
Jug  Swallow  (  =  Cliff  Swallow).  88. 
Juncos.  80, 262, 269. 270. 
June-bug,  102. 
Kansas  bird  law,  168-169. 
Katydid,  102, 119.131,300.  •        . 

Kentucky  bird  law.  160.  --     •■     ''■'■■'.: 

Kekuka  Lake  vineyards.  52. 
Kingbird.  80. 92. 94.  265,  268.  269.  271,  275,  276,  277. 

278. 281. 
Kinglet,  Golden-crowned,  80.  94, 2C3. 267. 
KingleU,  152, 153. 

Knot-grass.  343, 345.  ^ 

Laco-wing  flies,  300. 
Lachno$tema/utca,  112, 113, 114, 116 
Lady-birds  (Epilachna),  298. 
Lady -bugs  (Coccinnellidce),  102. 291. 
Laniui  borealit,  31.  233, 238, 276. 
Laphygmafnigiperda,  114, 115. 118. 
Lark.  M.adow.  80, 274, 277. 

Shore,  80. 
LarvB)  or  grubs,  102. 103, 129  130.  285,  286.287.  288, 

289, 290, 292, 293, 294, 205, 296, 297,  298, 299. 
Lawn-grass,  seed  and  shoots  eaten,  67. 
Laws,  now  in  force  lu  ITnited  States.  167-173. 
Repealed.  236. 
Repeal  of.  advocated,  150. 
Leaf-hoppors.  113, 1 18, 138, 142. 
Leaf-rollers,  102, 129. 280. 295. 
Least  Flycatcher.  Least  Pewee,  80, 269. 
Leaves,  of  trees  and  vines  plucked,  41, 42, 46, 145. 

Of  vegetables  injured,  48, 61, 62, 63,^. 
Leeanium  hemitphcericum,  130, 298. 
Legislation,  affecting  Sparrows  in  ITnited  States, 
150-151, 167-173. 
Effects  of,  36. 

Recommendations  for,  150-104. 
Snmmary  of,  150-151, 
Lepidoptera,  118. 120, 121. 128, 130, 306. 
Lepidopterons  larvm,  329. 
Lettace,  plants  or  leaves  destroyed,  48, 61, 68, 64, 
245,246,248,250,336. 


INDEX. 


397 


Lettu  ce  wed  Mten,  40,  M.  09, 00, 24S,  340, 249, 250. 

Lllao  bu  w  or  bloaaoois,  45, 47. 

Llm«-be»u,  140. 

Llunnt,  80. 

LIntner  un  oaterptlUr  protection,  107-110. 

XtopiM,  113, 117. 

LUtof: 

Coiitrlbutom,  398-388. 

FruitH  injured,  48. 

Oarden  itneds  injured,  48. 

OraiD8  injured,  08. 

InaectH  Haid  to  Ite  eaten,  102. 

Native  bird*  molested,  80. 

Places  wbere  Sparrows  were  introduced,  10- 

21. 
States  Infested  by  Sparrows,  20. 
States  reporting  most  injury  to  fruits  and 

vegetables,  48. 
States  reporting  most  ii^iiry  to  grain,  88. 
States  reporting  most  injury  to  grapes,  53. 
Vegetables  injured,  48. 
Weed-seeds  eaten  (in  England),  343. 
Locust,  seventeen-year  (Cicada), 286. 
Lomutidft,  119, 131. 
Locust-'eaves  picked  off,  41. 
Locusts  (grasshoppers).  111,  114, 115, 119, 127, 132. 
Loonsts,  kind  not  specified,  102, 131, 132, 288, 297, 

298. 
London  purple,  174, 177, 178. 
Longicom  beetles,  1 13, 117. 
Loquats,  59,  ,149,  351,  353. 
Louisiana  bird-taw,  169. 
Lucerne  damaged,  349. 
Luna  moth,  102, 291-  ,  ,  , 

£yeo«a«cu(eUa(a,  112, 120. 
Maggots,  102, 119, 131, 299. 
Maine  bird-law,  109. 

Maize,  Com,  injury  to.  68, 72,  74-75,  244,  253,  254, 
255,  256,  259,  312,  322, 325,  344,  345. 
Number  of  reports  on,  68. 
Man,  Increase  checked  by,  35-40. 
Mangel-wurzel,  leaves  eaten,  344. 
Map.    See  end  of  volume. 

Maples,  buds  and  blossoms  eaten,  44, 45, 146,  241, 
242,243,311,328. 
Leaves  picked  off,  41, 290. 
Ruined  by  filth,  41. 
Maple-moth,  290. 
Maple- worm,  129, 290. 
Market,  Sparrows  in,  39, 819. 
Mariin,  Barn,  282. 

Bee  (= Kingbird),  80, 265,271. 

Black,  80,  84, 261, 269, 278. 

Eave  or  Winiow,  283. 

Enropean,  98, 283, 330, 332, 333, 33S,  336, 337, 

338, 339,  340,  346. 
House,  267, 270, 271, 272. 
Purple,  80,  82-87,00, 193-194,281,262,  264, 
266, 266, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 
281. 
Summer,  267. 
Martins,  kind  not  specified,  80, 81, 82, 87, 88, 93, 261, 
262,  263,  265,  266,  267,  269,  270,  271,  272, 273,  274, 
376, 277,  278,  280,  281.  282,  286,  320. 


Martins,  ueats  and  egics  destroyed,  83,  84, 86, 194, 
333. 
Nestlings  killed.  84,86. 
Sparrows  and  their  young  and  eggs  de. 
stroyed  by,  274. 
Martins  and  Sparrows  in  England,  330,  332,  333, 

336,  336,  337,  338,  330,  340,  346. 
Maryland,  no  sparrow  law  In,  169. 
Massachusetts  bird-law,  160. 
Mauritius,  Sparrows  Intniduced  at,  386. 
May-beetles,  May-bugs,  103,  115.135,136,138,141, 

288,  300. 
May-Hies,  102, 130, 142, 2(«6, 293, 297. 
Maynanl  on  food  of  Sparrows,  321-323. 
Meadow  grasshoppers,  119, 133. 
Meatlow  Lark,  80, 374, 377. 
Measuring-worms,  span-worms,  99,  100,  102,  109, 

110, 128, 139, 13C,  131, 132,  285,  386,  391,  292,  293,  294, 

295, 297,  300,  301,  311,  317,  328. 
Meusiirlng-worni  moth.  102, 203. 
Megatcopi  ano,  32. 

Melanerpet  erylhroeephalut,  80, 264, 265,  282. 
Melanoput  /tmurrubrum.  129,  389. 
Melon  bugs,  102,129,389. 
ileloipUa  /atciata,  80, 81 ,  94,  264, 267, 270, 272, 278, 

279, 280, 283,  295,  323. 
J/crtda  v»jiratoria,m,  86, 88, 90-91, 93-94, 95, 97, 108- 

100, 120, 262, 263,  264,  265,  266,  267, 268, 2B9, 27U,  271, 

272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279,  280. 281, 282, 297, 

305,300,324-325. 
Mespilii.s,  59. 

Meteomt  hi/pha)Urice,  325. 
Methods  uf  catching  Sparrows,  183-191. 
Methods  of  collecting  information,  11-12. 
Methods  of  diffuHiun  of  Sparrows,  23-26. 
Methods  of  examining  stomachs,  321. 
Methods  of  restriction  recommended.  150-166, 174- 

178,  354-357. 
Michigan  bounty  act,  162-163, 169-170. 
Migrating  Thrush  (=Robin),  268. 
Migration,  abundance  of  birds  during,  97. 
Migration  of  European  Tree  Sparrow,  341. 
Migration  of  House  Sparrow,  not  known,  341. 
Millers  or  moths.  103, 103. 129, 130, 131, 138, 14l'.  285, 

286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291,  292, 294, 295. 297, 299, 300. 
Millet,  68,  75, 70, 253, 254, 255. 
Pearl,  75. 
Russian,  75, 76. 
Millo  maize,  68, 75, 76, 253. 
Miiniit  polyghttoi,  80, 81, 88, 91-92, 261, 261, 266,  266, 

268,269,272,270,280. 
Miner's  seedling  (grape),  55. 
Minnesota,  no  sparrow  law  in,  170. 
Minnesota  winters,  33. 
Miscellaneous  injuries,  146-149. 
Mississippi  bird-law,  170. 
Missouri  bird-law,  170. 

Mobbing  native  birds,  93-94, 273, 276, 277, 278, 279. 
Mocking-bird,  80, 81,  88, 91-92, 261, 264, 265, 266, 208, 
269, 272, 276, 280. 
Nestlings  killed,  91. 
Mole-cricket,  113, 119, 140. 
Molestation  of  other  birds,  78-98, 260-283, 330, 332, 

333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. 
Monomorium  pkaraonii,  113, 115, 116. 


398 


INDEX. 


} 


MuiitHim  bird'luw,  17U. 

Montana  boiint.v  Inw  on  pralrio-doKS  anil  tcrnund- 

H<|uli'ii'U,  101-162. 
Momiiiitoei),  10'.',  2V0. 
Moth.  liiilTalo.  lO'J. 

Cubliagp,  102,597. 
CnnkiTwonii,  110. 
Oi-  opla,  201. 
r.iuiii.  inj,  2fll. 
MotliM  or  iiilllKrn.  102.  lOt),  120, 130, 131, 138,  U1,28S, 
2Hrt,  287,  2«H,  28lt.  280,  291 ,  292,  204,  295,  207, 299, 
300. 
Kaii'n  after  Hhi^fiu);,  131. 
MuiirnlnK  Dovr,  "80. 
MouH«-uar  olilckwt'i'd,  343. 
Mini  Swallow  (   -  (;lltl'Swanow),  80,273,274. 
Miill>irrii'H,  48,250. 
Miillrln.  120. 

Miiltipllralion.     (See  TncreMe. ) 
iluica  iurmr,  112,  118-119. 
tUitiieiilica,  113, 119, 
J/i(«n(/(r,  102, 128,291. 
Miistanl,  49,  249. 

FIclil,  343. 
Mutilated  or  drad  innectH  eaten,  131, 132. 
MijiarehuM  criniUm,  80  260,277. 
ityrmicidd',  110. 
Myrtle  Warbler,  80, 283. 

Killed  by  Spariow,  283. 
ilyzine  Gcinela.  Ill,  113, 114,  115. 
Native  birds,  efTettg on,  78-98, 179, 260-283, 309, 317, 
320. 
Eueoiirageraent  of,  153-153. 
Food  of,  09, 323. 
Killid  by  Sparrows,  84,  86.  87,  88,  90,91,93,04, 

95,  270,  276, 279,  283,  207, 3;i9. 
List  of  those  molested,  80. 
Neglected,  100. 
Native  sparrows,  80,  90,  323. 
Natural  checks,  in  America,  31-35 
lu  Europe,  97,  98. 
Natural  enemies,  31-32,  97-98. 
Nebraska  bird-law,  170. 
Nectar  from  blossoms,  314  (foot-note). 
Nectarines  in  Australia,  34U,  351. 
Negative  eTidence,  on  bird-molestation,  80-87. 
On  bud-destruction,  42-43. 
On  fruit  destrurlion,  49-.'Jl. 
On  grain  destruction,  77-78. 
Neglect  of  native  birds,  100. 
Xephclodet  vii>lang,  102,  286. 
Nestin;.;  boxes  removed,  36. 
Nestin^babits,  rhangu  in,  24. 
Nesting  places,  scarcity  of,  34, 95. 
Nesting  rubbish  chokes  gutters,  spouts,  etc.,  147- 

148,  352. 
Nestlingsof  native  birds,  killed  by  Sparrows,  84, 

86, 87,  88,  90,  91,  93,  276,  279. 
NeatlingB  of  Sparrow,  killed  by  native  birds,  274, 
282. 
Food  of,  103,  104,  124,  125,  128,  129,  132, 
287,  289,  200,  291.  292,  293,  295,  296,  297, 
299,  300,  305,  331,  337,  338,340,342,344, 
345. 
Stomach,  contents  of,  103-104, 124. 
Nestlings  in  Angast,  237. 


Nest*  (if  native  birds  at  Cleveland,  Ohio,  277. 
Nests  of  Sparrow,  in  gaslamp*,  147. 

In  gutters,  sponti,  etc  ,  147-148. 
In  trees,  24. 
Nestsand  eggs,  deHtruction  of,  36,  37,  BH,  41, 105. 
Nets  and  tlieir  use,  151,  165,  18,1-191. 
Nettiug,  over  fruit  iind  vegetables.  47,  65. 
Netting  Sparrows,  178-191. 
Xeuroptera,  119, 120,  "^SO. 
Nevada  bird  law,  170-171. 
New  Tlanipshire  bird-law,  171, 
New  .Icrsey  bird-law,  171. 
New  Mexico,  no  sparrow  law  In,  171. 
New  York  bird  law,  171 

New  Zealand,  lialills  of  Sparrow    iii,  302-303,  320, 
857. 
Poison  used  in,  1.S2. 
New-sown  grain  damaged,  'J.m,  2.'>0. 
Newspapers,  extracts  from,  318-319. 
yezara  hilarit,  123. 
N'iagara  grape  iuiured  by  birds,  S3. 
Xiglit-hawk,  disappearance  of,  283. 
\octuidai,  112,  297. 
yoctuidlarvie,  113, 114, 115, 131. 
Noise  of  I'll   Sparrow,  149. 
N'tmpareil,  tainted  Fincb,  80,  264,  280. 
North  Carolina,  no  sparrow  law  in.  111. 
Northern  Sbrii.e,  Butclier  Bird,  31,  233,  288,  276. 
Norton  grape,  324. 
Notes  of  the  Sparrow,  149. 
Noxious  inriects  in  Sparrows'  stomachs,  134, 135, 

136, 137. 138,  139,  140, 141, 142, 143. 
Noxious  and  innoxious  insects,  121. 
Number  of  broods  and  young  reared  by  Sparrow, 

27. 192,  193. 
Number  of  eggs  laid  by  Sparrow,  27, 193. 
Nuthatch,  'Wliite-bellied,  80. 
Nuthatches,  80,  152-1,53,  279. 
Nuttall  Ornithological  Club,  303-304. 
Xux  rnmiea,  174, 177,  350. 

O.  ts,  injury  to,  68, 71,  72, 73-74,  77, 134, 135,  136, 137, 
138,  139.  140,  141,  142,  143,144,  145,  146,  253, 
254,  255, 256,  257,  258,  3.i9,  260. 

In  stomachs,  134,  135  136,  137,  138,  130,  140, 
141, 142,  143,  H4,  145, 146. 

Number  of  reports  on,  68. 
Objections  to  bounties,  158-161. 
Observation,  data  derived  from,  101. 
(Edipoda  Carolina,  127, 301, 313,  329. 
Official  Sparrow  killers,  150, 151-152. 
Ohio,  bounty-law-  in,  150. 171-172. 

Estimated  cost  of  exterminating  Sparrows, 
in,  154-161. 

Estimated  number  of  Sparrows  in,  154. 
Old-fleld  Sparrow,  279. 
Olives  injured,  349. 
Omissions  explained,  12,  lOU. 
Opinion  u«r«i<»  evidence,  12-13, 199. 
Orange  buds  and  blossoms  injured,  45, 47. 
Orange  peel  in  stomach,  145. 
Orchard  Oriole,  80,  83, 268, 278, 280. 
Oregon,  no  sparrow  law  In,  172. 
Organized  attacks  on  native  birds,  86-87. 
Orgyia  leucoitigma,  100,  102,  107,  109, 121,  125-128, 
129, 130, 131, 291, 292, 203, 204,  324-325. 


INDKX. 


3D» 


Orygia  Irueoiliffmar  eplacet  Knnomot  •nd  PaUila- 

crita.  1U9, 121. 
OrlKliiiil  U'Hlhiiony  tii  ilftai!,  108-301. 
Oriole,  llammorn,  80.  fl,  lliH-loi).  Mi,  26H,-i«W,  371, 
272,  as,  274,  275, 278,  Mi,  28a,  .•IJ4-.TJ3. 
Orchard,  8t),  8:1,  268,  278,  280. 
Orioles,  kluil  not  opoclHeil,  80,  263,  26fi,  26«,  207,  208, 

26l»,  270,  273,  274, 275, 279,  282,  283. 
OrioleH  A^'il  KcnpoH.  324. 
OruaiiiunUl  tree*  or  rluft  iD,|urfMl,  40, 41, 42. 
OniitboloKiHtv'  Union,  American,  11,304. 
Urtli<i|it»TH,  102, 110, 120, 121, 127, 2M. 
(Hocorii  alprttrit.  HO. 
Outlinu  of  Spaniiw  liiBtory,  301-304. 
Owl,  Mottled  or  Sortecli, 32,  ir.0, 2i«. 
Painted  Finch  (Nonpareil),  8ii,  28^280. 
I'uiriuK  of  young  Sparrows,  28. 
Pale- (lowered  perHiraria,  343 
Paleacrita  lernata,  99, 102, 100, 110, 121-122, 120, 12H, 
;2»,  130,  131,  132,  28.^  288,291, 
292,  293,  29i5,  290,  300,301. 
Replaced  by  Onjyia,  121-122. 
Panieum  languitifum.  304. 
Papei  haiiH  and  K>>ip*''*>  ^\  323-324. 
Papiliii  liirnui,  102,  291. 
Par.isites  of  caterpillars,  109-110. 
Para:titos  of  Sparrows,  31.  .--i-i  ..  i  >•,• 

Paris  green,  174, 178.  '•  >"  'ii  .'>fi  ..li-r-.! 

Parknian's  Wren, 80.  LCI  I.I   "inl 

Parsnips  damaged,  40, 84.  ',,,,tr[0< 

Panu  alriei  piUui,  80.  «"•(■»;'. 

Passenger  I'lgeon,  di.tn])pearance  of,  283.        '.-  '• 
Paiier  domiitieut,  tignre  of,  16.  Ii^tn'  ■;( 

Mipctniolentit,  3ii2,  .■i'.ii--:i 

indie  w, 303.  ..liji.u;-  <\l  .ii'  'ti'ii-  t'.i 

montanut,  in  Saint  Lonii,  Mo.,  10, 191-194. 
Migrant  in  Europe,  Oil. 
Patterina  cirit,  80,264,280.  u.  4.  >-  < 

ci/anea,  80, 274.  '.     •  '   -  ■  '"     " 

Peaceful  relations  with  native  birds,  85,  Hf,,  91,  90, 

268, 267, 268,  273, 274, 275,  278,  270,  280,  283. 
Peacb  buds  or  blossouts  destroyed,  44-4!^  40,  47, 

193,240,241,242,325,327. 
Pencil  buds  with  grubs  in  them,  43. 
Peaches,  injury  10, 48,  r>S,  244, 219, 270,  349, 353. 
Pear  buds  or  blossoms,  destroyed,  43.  45-46,  144. 
146,  240,    241,  242,  299, 
•  Bi;t  at*  Tf-I  ,»i.l  ,.J  .       318, 32.1,  327. 

With  insecU,  43, 290. 
Pearl  millet,  75. 
Pears,  injury  to,  48, 54,  55,  58-50,  80,  247,  248,249, 

270,  349,  351,  352. 
Peas, blossoms  eaten,  48, 61, 04, 247, 351,        •<;  »i''l 
Dry,  eaten,  60.  -fyl-ihull 

English,  eaten,  '/45.  '^  .iitUoIl 

Found  In  Sparrows'  crops,  61. 
Green, eaten,  48,54,61,62, 65, 1?4, 244, 245, 246, 

248,  249,  230. 
In  Australia,  349,  353. 
In  England,  330, 331,  332, 330, 339,  340, 344, 345, 

347. 
Sweet,  64. 

Vines  eaten,  48, 61, 63, 6>,  146, 245, 250, 251. 
Pennsylvania  Sparrow  law,  172 . 
Pepper,  49. 

Blossoms  of,  64. 


209,  270,  271,  272,  274, 
I  .t(r>  'in  iii.K  flir'l 


I'erot'utagu  of  aniiniil  matter  in  (nm\  of  uostliug 

Sparrows,  103,  124. 
Perueni.tge  of  liio'ct  fond    In    stomachs    exum- 

ini'd,    10<>,   104,   124,  304,  306,  335,  330,  337,  .33X,  :H2, 

346,  347. 
Percentage  of  Insect  food   In    young  Sparrows, 

103, 124,  306. 
Percentage  of  insectiviirous  .S]iRrrowi,  314 
Percentnge  of  stouiacliH  containing   Insects,  314, 

328-329. 
Perlo<I  of  Incubation,  27. 
Perl(HlicalH,  extracts  from,  318-324. 
Perlids.  11,'i,  119. 
Persicaria,  paleHowored,  343. 
I'erMimmoii  trees,  insects  eaten  from, 297. 
Petitions,  230. 
Petrochelithn  liiiiifroni,  80,88,  89,202,288,272,273, 

174,  275,  270,  2HJ,  -JKi,  307,  327. 
Pewee,  Plnebe,  80   "S,  268,  209,  270,  271,  272,  274. 

27C,  277, 282, 2&'i,  809. 
Pewei-,  Least,  80,  200. 
Wood,  80,  277. 
Phatfolut  hinaUii,  148. 
PhlfHiii  pralenn;  140. 
Phiebe,  P.  wee,  80,  88,  208, 

278,  277,  282.  283,  309. 
Phosphorized  wheat,  350. 
Phosphorus,  175,  340. 
Phyllopertha  hortieola,  342. 
Phytonomut,  117. 
Pieris  rapa;  294. 

Larva  of,  131,  288,  300.        "     '       '"''^ 
Pigeon,  domesticated,  attacked,  81, 05, 284, 28't. 

Feeding  on  iirmy  ■  worms, 
etc.,  290-291. 
Passenger  or  Wild,  disappearance  of,  283. 
Pigeon  grass,  304. 
Pigeon  Hawk,  32, 309. 
Pine,  buds  caton,  241. 
Pines  in,iured  by  llltli,  11,  241 
VipUii  erythropMlialinut,  80. 
Pimim  tativum,  146.  '-  ■  '*  ■'  ''■ 

Plantain  seeds  eaten,  345. 

Plant  lice,  102, 129, 130,  289,  290,  328,  345, 347,  348. 
Plum  blossoms  without  insects,  40. 
Plum  buds  and  blossoms,  45,  40,  146,  242,243,320, 

325,327.  ^ 

Plum  curculio,  102, 131, 288.       '^"''^  '^ 
Plum,  Japan,  59. 
Plums  eaten,  48,  54,  60,  57, 58, 244, 248, 249, 349, 350, 

.151,352.       --••  •;-  -'■'  ''.,,"•-:'  , 

1  oditiii,  118. 

Poison,  administered  Improperly,  38. 

Cost  of,  175. 

Danger  of,  to  native  birds.  239. 

Destruction  by,  37, 38, 181, 105, 174-178,  233, 
234, 235, 230, 238,  239, 324,  349,  350, 351,  352, 
357. 

Suggestions  and  precautlons'as  to,  151, 
165, 175-176. 

Use  of,  forbidden  in  cities,  37. 

Use  of,  in  winter  advocated,  38. 

Used  in  Australia,  132, 340, 350, 351. 302, 357. 

Used  in  England,  230. 
Poisoned  grain,  cost  of,  175. 
Poisoned  water,  349, 350. 


•f 


400 


INDEX. 


J 


I 


Poisoned  wheat  in  Australia,  132-138. 
Poisons,  forninl»  for  preparation  of,  174-17&. 
Pollen  eatun,  344. 
PtHygonUm  avieukire,  343. 

eonvohndu*,  343, 349. 
lapatkifolium,  343. 
Polygonnm  seeds  eaten,  87, 304, 312, 343, 345. 
Pooealei  gramineut,  80, 270. 
Poplar  buds  and  catkins,  44. 
Potato  beetle,  Potato  bug,  102, 129, 130, 28«,  293. 
PotenWXa,  beetle  found  on,  117. 
Poultry  robbed  of  food,  149. 
Prairie-dogs,  bounty  on,  161-162. 
Precautions  in  use  of  poison,  175-176. 
Prefatory  letter,  9. 
Premiums,  advocated,  153, 238. 
By  clubs,  166. 
In  Australia,  849, 350. 
In  England,  239, 251-252, 260. 
In  Germany,  302, 321. 
Prfivost,  M.  Florent,  302. 
Prizes  for  Sparrow-killing,  153. 
Progne  $ubi§,  80,  82-87,  96, 193-194, 261, 262, 264, 265, 

266, 269,  270, 272, 275,  276, 278, 279, 280,  281. 
Proportion  of  animal  fodd  in  Sparrows'  stomachs, 

120. 
Proportions  of  different  foods  in  Sparrows'  stom- 
achs, 124. 
Protection  of  caterpillars  by  Sparrows,  107-110. 
Protective  laws,  150-151. 

Repeal  of,  35-36, 150-151. 
Prunes  destroyed,  244. 
Pruntu  domettiea,  146. 
Prussia,  premiums  in,  302. 
P»0(.  •,114,115,119, 140. 
Pub      opinion,  change  of,  35. 
Publications,  extracts  from  various,  324-357. 

Partial  list  of,  301-304. 
Published  testimony,  3CI-357. 
American,  304-329. 
Foreign,  330-357. 
Purple  Finch,  80, 263, 270, 276, 280. 

Mobbed  by  Sparrows,  276; 
Purple  Grackle,  32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276. 
Purple  Martin,  80,  82-87,  96, 193-194,  261,  262, 264, 

205, 266, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281. 
Pyralids,  118. 

Pyranga  (see  Tanager),  80. 
Pyrgita  [Patter]  domettiea,  305. 
Pyrin  communit,  146. 
Quarrels,  unprovoked,  92-94, 97, 263, 264. 
Quince  buds  and  blossoms  destroyed,  45, 46, 242. 
QuUcalw  quitoula,  32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276. 
Rabbits  in  Kew  South  Wales,  353. 
Badish,  beds  destroyed,  336. 

Leaves  and  sprouts  eaten,  48, 63, 250, 344. 
Seed  eaten,  48, 65, 246, 247. 
Wild,  343. 
Ra2-weed  seed  eaten,  250. 
Range  of  Sparrow  in  America,  199-232. 
Rape-seed  eaten,  65. 
Baphanv*  raphc.nittrum,  343. 
Rapidity  of  increase,  29-30. 
Raspberries  eaten,  48,  M,  55, 56, 57,  69,  70,  245,  246, 

247,248.249,251,327. 
Raspberry  buds  destroyed,  46. 


Rate  of  increase,  27-31,  282,  233,  234,  235,  236,  237, 

238, 339. 
Rate  of  spread,  26-27, 191-192. 
liecommentlatiuus,  fur  legislation,  150-164. 
To  the  people,  164-166. 
Red  ants,  102, 291. 
Redblrd,  80, 264, 265, 266, 280. 
Red  clover,  146. 
Redeyed  "Vireo,  80, 265, 269. 
Redheaded  Woodpecker, 80, 264, 265, 282. 
Red  Jnne  apple,  67. 
Red  maggot  on  grain,  348. 
Redpoll,  80, 263. 
Red  spider,  345. 

Red  squirrel  mobbed  by  Sparrows,  273. 
Redstart,  80. 

Rod-winged  Blackbird,  80, 266. 
Hegulut  satrapa,  80, 94, 263, 267. 
Relation  to  canker-worms,  109-110. 
Relation  to  caterpillars,  107-109. 
Relation  to  iusecU,  98-133, 283-301. 
Relation  to  native  birds,  78-98, 260-283. 
Relation  to  span-worms,  109-110. 
Removal  of  nesting  lioxes,  36. 
Repeal  of  protective  laws,  35-36, 150. 
Replacement  of  Ennomot  and  Paleaerita  by  Or- 

gy'ia,  121-122. 
Replacement  of  smooth  worms  by  hairy  caterpil- 
lars, 121-122. 
Replacement  of  Sparrows  by  native  birds,  152-153. 
Report  of  Sparrow  investigation  in  Australia,  348- 

352. 
Resolutions  adopted  in  Australia,  356. 
Restrictiou  and  prevention,  164-166. 
Restriction,  by  shooting,  179, 236. 

By  trap  and  gun,  37-40, 
In  AustralU,  854-367. 
In  England,  334. 
Results  of  dissection,  133-146. 
R6Bum6  of  dissections  in  Europe,  123-125. 
Rewards  for  eggs  and  heads  in  Australia,  349, 350. 
Rhode  Islaiid  sparrow  law,  172. 
Rice,  attacked  in  the  field,  76, 77. 
Eaten  from  stack,  259. 
Injury  to,  68, 76-77, 259. 
Rice,  Egyptian  74,75. 

Wild  (Zizonio),  76. 
Rice,  bread,  etc  ,  in  stomachs,  136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 

141, 143, 144, 145. 
Rice-birds  and  rice,  70, 76, 77. 
Riley  on  insectivorous  habits,  3, 111-132. 
Ripe  cherries  fed  to  young,  66. 
Ripe  pears  eaten,  247, 248. 
Roaches  eaten,  306. 

Robin,  80,  86,  88,  90-91,  93-94,  96,  97,  108-109,  262, 
263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271,  272, 273, 
274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282. 308, 324- 
326. 
Destroys  fruit,  60, 270, 324. 
Eato  hairy  caterpillars,  108-109. 
Eats  moth  of  canker-worm,  110. 
Eggs  and  young  destroyed,  90, 279. 
Food  of.  126. 

Killed  by  Sparrow,  96, 277. 
Robbed  of  iuse'-  and  worms,  86,  M,  264, 278^ 
297, 306. 


INDEX. 


401 


IlobiD,  Wood  ( =  Wood  ThniBb),  278. 

Fomaleum  atonMriwn,  123. 

Kose  apbis,  125. 

Rose-breasted  Grosbeak,  food  of,  323. 

Rose- bng,  102,131. 

Rose-slugs,  103, 125, 128. 

Roosts  and  filtb,  40. 

Roosts  raided  at  night,  36. 

Roagb'Winged  Swallow,  80. 

Roagier  de  la  Bergerie,  302. 

Raby-throated  Hammingbird,  80,  OS,  277. 

Kwnex  eritput,  343. 

Russian  Empire,  Sparrows  in,  23. 

Russian  millet,  79, 76. 

Rye,  injury  to,  68, 74, 253, 254, 256, 260, 330. 

In  Sparrow's  oraw,  74. 
Sagacity  of  Sparrows,  181, 235. 
Saint  Louis,  House  and  TreeSparrows  at,  101-194. 
Salsify,  49, 248, 240. 

Samples  of  evidence,  bow  selected,  13. 
Sand  Swallow  ( =  Bank  Swallow),  80. 
Sap-SDoker,  80. 
Sassafras  seeds  eaten,  250. 
Savanna  Sparrow,  80, 270, 280. 

Food  of,  323. 
SayomU  phaebe,  80, 88, 268,  269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 276, 

277, 282, 283, 300. 
Scale  insects  eaten,  130, 131, 297. 
Scandinavia,  Sparrows  in,  23. 
ScarabiL-idae,  115. 

Scarcity  of  nesting  places,  34.       ' 
Science,  extracts  from,  305. 
SeolHd(e,l]!i. 

Scottish  thistle  in  Van  Dieman's  Land,  308. 
Scratching  up  seed, 64-63,66, 67, 69, 244, 246, 250, 255. 
Screech  Owl,  Mottled  Owl,  32, 150, 238. 
Seasonal  variation  in  food,  124-125. 
Seasonal  variation  in  insect  diet,  103-106. 
Secale  (ereale,  146. 
Seckol  pears,  55. 
Sedge  (Carex),  312. 

Se«d-eaters  sometimes  insectivorous,  99. 
Seed  gardens,  injury  to,  66. 
Seed  oats  ii^ured,  74. 
Seed  pods  eaten,  64. 

Seeds  in  stomachs.    (.S?«e  Stomach  contents.) 
Selandria,  125, 128. 
Setaria  gtattca,  146, 304. 
vertieillata,  305. 
viridig,  304. 
Setaria,  seed  eaten,  67, 76, 145, 146, 304, 305. 
Setophaga  ruticilla,  80. 
Seventeen-year  cicada  or  locust,  130, 280. 
Sharl  flies,  286. 

Shade  trees,  buds  or  blossoms  plucked,  45,  ^41,243. 
Freed  from  worms,  43. 
Leaves  plucked,  42. 
Sbadn  trees  and  their  insect  defoliators,  324, 325. 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  32. 
Shocked  grain  injured,   253,  254, 255, 256, 257, 258. 

269,260. 
Shooting,  allowed  in  city,  38. 
Expense  of,  38. 
On  grain-flelda,  74. 
Restriction  by,  179, 236. 
Sbooting-clubs,  166. 

8104— Bull.  1 26 


Shooting  matches,  166. 

Shoots  of  vegetables,  61, 62, 63, 64, 244, 245, 246, 247, 

249,250,251. 
Shore  Lark,  80. 

Shrike,  Great  Northern,  31, 150, 233, 238, 276. 
Shrikes,  234, 309. 
Sialia  mexicana,  80. 

tialit.  80,81,  82-87,88.  91,93,  94,  96,  97,  126, 
261,262,264,  266,206,  267,268,  269,270,271, 
272, 273, 274,  276, 276,  2T7,  278,  279,  280, 281, 
281,  233,  290-291, 207,  320,  327. 
Sinapis  arventit,  343. 

Singed  insects  eaten,  131, 298.  .     , 

Sitonet  flavegcent,  in. 
.S'i«o  Caroline n»i»,  80, 279. 
Skylark,  English,  34!. 
Slugs  on  roRe-bushes,  102, 125, 126. 
Small  fruits  injured,  48,  56-57, 68. 
Small  grain,  numbci'  of  reports  on,  68. 
Smartweed  (rolyganum),  304. 
Smooth  caterpillars  or  worms,   99,  102,  1?1,  132, 
285, 2gC. 
Replaced  by  hairy  woims,  121-122. 
Snail  in  Cuckoo's  stomach,  123. 
Snails,  scarcity  of,  28o. 
Snapping-bugs  in  Sparrow's  nest,  320. 
Snout-beetles,  111,  112,  ll''-118, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139 

140, 141. 
Snow-birds  {Juneo),  80, 262, 269, 270. 
Solenopgii,  112, 116. 
Song  of  the  Sparrow,  149. 
Song-birds,  effects  upon,  80, 91, 270, 274, 320. 
Song  Sparrow,  efifects  npon,  80, 81, 94, 264, 267, 270, 
272, 278, 279,  280, 283, 295,  323. 
Food  of,  295, 323. 
Killed  by  Paiier,  94. 
Sonnini'a  "Dictionaire, "  extract  from,  301. 
Sorghum,  injury  to,  68, 75-76, 259. 

Varieties  >  f,  75. 
South  Australia,  distribution  of  Spatrow  in,  348. ' 
South  Carolina  bird-law,  172. 
Spanish  Sparrow  in  Africa,  302. 
Span-worms,   measuring-worms,  99,  100,  102,  109, 
110, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 285, 286, 291, 292, 293, 
294,  295,  297,  299,  300,  301,  311,  328. 
Disappearance  of,  from  Philadelphia,  100. 
Replacement  of,  by  Orgyia,  121-122. 
Sparrow,  Canada  Tree,  192. 

Chipping,  80, 81, 87,  93,  93,  262,  263,  264, 
265,280,267,269,2:0,  271,  272,  277,  278, 
279,  280,  282,  283,  306,  309,  327. 
Common,  80, 88, 269. 
Englislt,  the  term  a  misnomer,  17. 
European  Tree,  191-194. 
European  House,  the  proper  name  of 

Pamer  dometticiu,  17. 
Field,  80, 267, 270. 
Ground,  80. 
House  (=  English),  17. 
House  [Chipping],  264. 
Indian  House,  303. 
Native,  80, 90, 276. 
Old-field,  270. 
Savanna,  80, 270, 280, 323. 
Song,  80, 81, 04, 264, 267,  270,  272,  278,270, 
280, 283, 293, 323. 


■■)J 


402 


INDEX. 


|:^; 


Sparrow,  Spaniab,  302. 
Summer,  276. 
Tree,  80, 270, 271,  272, 280. 
Vesper  {-  Graes  Finch),  80, 270. 
Sparrow-clubs,  168, 239, 334. 
Sparrow  Hawk,  32,  ISO,  300. 
Sparrow  hauts,  166, 238. 
Sparrow-huutera  in  Piuaaia,  302. 
Sparrow-killers,  official,  150, 151-152. 
Sparrow-trapping,  178-101. 
Sparrows  as  food,  38-39, 160, 166, 182. 
Sphenophoru*  parvuliu,  112, 113, 114, 117-118. 
robuttut,  118. 
tculptilU,  118. 
13-punctattu,  118. 
zece,  112. 
Sphinx  Carolina,  102. 
Sphyrapicuivariut,  05. 
Spice-wood  seeds  eaten,  250. 
Spiders,  102, 1(3, 112, 120, 129, 130, 138,  139,  285,  201, 

293,  294, 295,  299,  300, 339, 345. 
Spinach,  injured,  40, 01.  ..      ; 

Wild,  343. 
Spinut  pialtria,  89. 

tristii,  80, 81, 88, 01, 263, 265, 267, 270. 271, 274, 
275, 276,  277, 278,  280,  281. 
Spizella  mtmt'icola,  80, 192, 270, 271, 272, 280. 
puHlta,  £0, 270. 

toeialit,  80,  81, 87, 03, 95,  262,  263,  265,  266, 
267,  269, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 279, 280, 282, 
283, 306, 309,  327. 
Spontaneous  combuation  in  neata,  148. 
Sporting  purposes,  Sparrows  for,  178-191. 
Spouts  choked  with  nesting  rubbish,  147-148, 3S2. 
Spread,  into  country,  23-26, 259. 
Manner  of,  18-26. 
Eate  of,  26-27.  - 

Spring  canker-worm,  121-122. 
Sprouting  grain  pulled,  259, 260, 341, 344. 
Sprouts  of  vegetables  eaten,  61, 62, 63, 64, 244,  245, 

246,247,249,250,251. 
Squads  of  Sparrows  attack  other  birds,  80, 87, 94, 

266-267, 269, 270, 271. 276, 277, 279, 280, 281, 282. 
Sqnaah  bloaaoma  destroyed,  61. 
Squash-bug,  102. 
Squirrel  mobbed,  273. 
Stable  flies  eaten,  102. 
Stacked  grain  injured,  69,  70,  71,  72,  253,  254, 255, 

256,257,258.259,260.  ,,      . 

Staphyliuid  beetle,  296.  <^, 

Starling,  European,  333. 
State  laws  on  bird  protection,  167-173. 
States,  distribution  of  Sparrow  in,  190-232. 
States,  list  of  those — 

Occupied  by  Spairow,  26. 
Beportlng  most  injury  to  fruits  and  vegeta- 
bles, 48. 
Reporting  most  injury  to  grain,  68. 
Beportin;;  most  injury  to  grapea,  53. 
Stntuea  defaced  by  filth,  147. 
Stetgulopttry.t;  terripennit,  80. 
Stella,  ia  media,  305,  343. 
Stomach  contents  of  Cuckoo,  123. 
Stomach  contents  of  Sparrows,  100-101,  111,  123- 
125, 133-146, 296, 304,  311-314. 318, 320, 321-323, 325 
328-329, 331, 33S,  336, 337, 342, 344-345, 347. 


Stomach  contents  of  Sparrows— Continued. 
Method  of  determining,  111,  133, 321-322. 
Tables  of,  133-146. 
Stomachs,  number  I'xarained,  100-101. 

With  few  insects,  127,  131,201,206,208, 

209. 
With  many  insects,  328-329, 331, 336,  337 

338,  344-345. 
With  no  insects,   126, 127, 129, 130,  287, 
288,  28'.  290,  291, 203,  295,  296,  297. 
Storms,  effects  of,  32-34, 232-233, 234, 230-237. 
Strawberries,  48,  54,  5.5,  56,  57,  60,63,244,245,246, 

247,  248,  249,  2'*,  251,  327. 
Street  refuse,  importance  of,  to  tho  Sparrow,  34. 
String-beans,  14(. 

Strychnine,  174,  175,  176,   177,   234,  236,  238,  324, 
349,  361,  3.'>2. 
Experiments  with,  176. 
Sturnella  magna,  80,  274,  277. 
Sngarcoru,  62,  249. 
Suggestions  as  to  poisons,  175. 
Sulphur  fumes  at  roosts,  349. 
Summaries  of  evidence,  17-149. 

Why  misleading,  13. 
Summary  of  food  in  England,  345. 
Summary  of  insocta  in  siomacha,  120. 
Summary  of  reports  on  insects,  98-110,  123- 131. 
Summer  Martin,  207. 
Summer  Spairo*    276. 
Summer  Warbler,  282,  283. 
Summer   Yellow-bird   (=  Yellow  Warbler),  270, 

272,279. 
Sunflower,  seed    eaten,  48,  04,  65-66,  245,  247,  248, 
251,  304. 
Wild,  seed  eaten,  66. 
Superabundance  of  nesting  places,  96. 
Swallow,  Bank,  80. 

Barn,  80,  86,  89,  202,  266,  271,  272,  275, 

277,  278,  282,  283. 
Blue-backed  =  Tree  Swallow,  q.  v. 
Chimney  (see  Swi/t),  80,  278. 
Cliff,   80,  88,  89,   262,  268,  272,  273,  274, 

275,  278,  282,  283,  307,  327. 
Eavo  (=Cliff Swallow),  88,  262,  271,  276, 

282. 
European,  335. 

Fork-tailed  (=  Barn  Swallow),  8& 
House,  260. 

Jug  or  Mud  (=Ciiff),  80, 88, 273, 274.. 
Kough-winged,  80. 
Sand  (  =  Bank),80. 
Tree,  80,  82,  84,  85,  88,  88,  90,  96,  97, 262, 

26."),  269,  270. 272,  282, 283,  327. 
Violet-green,  80. 

White-bellied  or  White-brcaated.    (Se« 
Tree.) 
Swallows,  kind  not  apecifled,  80,  81,  86,88,89,00, 
262,  264,  265,  266,  268, 269, 271, 272, 273, 
276,  278,  279, 282,  307. 
Killed  by  Sparrowa,  00, 307. 
Sparrows  killed  by,  282. 
Swede  turnip  buds  destroyed,  344. 
Sweet  apples,  250. 

Sweet  corn,  62, 66, 244, 246, 249, 234, 255. 
Sweet  peas,  49, 64. 
Swift,  Chimney,  80, 27«.  282. 


idi 


INDEX. 


403 


Sycamore  pollen  eaten,  344. 
Synopsis  of  eyideuce  relating  to  native  birds,  261. 
Synopsis  of  replies  relating  to  insectivorous  hab- 
its, 284. 
Synopsis  of  replies  relating  to  trees  and  vines, 

240. 
Synopsis  of  testimony  relating  to  frnlts  and  veg- 
etables, 213-244. 
Synopsis  of  testimony  relating  to  grain  crops,  252. 
Tables  showing — 

Approximate  spread  of  the  Sparrow,  27. 
Cost  of  boantles,  158. 

Distribution  of  Sparrow  in  the  TTnited  States 
and  Canada,  with  dates  of  first  appearance, 
'    199-232. 

Injury  to  bnds  and  blossoms,  45. 
Injury  to  fruits  and  vegetables,  48. 
Injury  to  grain,  68. 

Places  and  dates  of  introduction,  19-21. 
Probable  effects  of  bounties,  157. 
Seasonal  variation  in  insect  diet,  106. 
Stomach  contento,  133-146, 311-314, 322, 344-345. 
'  Theoretical  increase,  29. 
Taehycineta  bkolor,  80,  82,  84.  85,  86,  88,  90,  96, 97, 
262,  205,  269,  270,  272,  282,  283,  307, 
309, 327. 
thalatsina,  80. 
Tanagers,  80, 270. 
Taraxacum  officinale,  3i3. 
Tarentula,  112, 120. 

Taxes  recommended  in  Australia,  352. 
Temperature,  effects  of,  236,  239. 
Tender  shoots  eaten,  244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251. 
Tennessee  bird-law,  172. 
Ten*,  caterpillar,  102, 129, 131, 288, 300. 

i^gs  of,  300. 
Teras  conlaminana,  345. 
Termet  jiavipet,  130,  291. 
Termites,  white-ants,  102, 129, 130, 291, 294. 
Testimony,  amount  of,  12 . 

Methods  of  collecting,  11-12. 
Original,  in  detail,  198-301. 
Published,  American,  304-329. 
Foreign,  330-367. 
Tettta;,  111,119. 
Texas  bird-law,  173. 
Thatched  roofs  destroyed,  148-149, 338. 
Theoretical  increase,  29. 
Thrasher,  Brown,  80,  266,  278, 280. 
TArt^S,  not  eaten,  348. 
Thrush,  Brown,  80, 265, 278, 280. 
Hermit,  80, 273. 
Migrating  (==  Robin),  268. 
Wood,  80, 274, 275. 278. 
Thrashes,  kind  not  specified,  80, 205,  268, 272, 273, 
275, 278, 280, 335. 
Protected  in  England,  335. 
Thryotkorut  ludoviciama,  80,  276, 277, 2C0. 

bewickii,  80,  264,  276. 
Thunder-storms,  effecU  of,  33-34,  232-233,  234, 236- 

237. 
ThyridopUryx,  121, 324-325. 
Tiger  beetle  (Cieindela),  102, 130, 29& 
Timothy,  146, 311, 3:5. 
Tiphia  inomata,  112. 113, 114, 115. 
Tiptda,  338, 345. 


Titmouse,  Black-capped,  80. 

Kind  not  specified,  80,  269. 
Tobacco  seed,  49. 
Tobacco-moth,  129. 
Tobacco- worm,  102,  128,  131. 
Tomato,  injury  U>,  48,  59,  247,  249,  2S1.     i 
Tomtit,  80,  280. 
Towhee,  Chewink,  80. 
Towhee,  Brown,  80. 
Towns  forsaken  by  Sparrows,  70. 
Transportation,  accidental,  in  cars,  23,  309. 
Trapping  Spar  ows,  37-40,  178-191. 
Traps  and  nets,  suggestions  as  to  nse  of,  151,  104- 

165. 
Trap-shooting  with  Sparrows,  178-191. 
Tree  caterpillar,  102,  287. 
Tree  hopper,  140. 

Tree  lice,  102,  299.  , 

Tree  Sparrow,  80,  270,  271,  272,  280. 
Canada,  192. 
European,  191-194. 
Tres  Swallow  (= White- bellied  Swallow),  80,  82, 
84,  85,  86,  88,  90  96,  07,  262,  265, 
269,  270,  272,  282,  283,  327. 
Killed  by  Sparrow,  270. 
Trees,  injury  to,  40-48,  240-243. 
Trifolium  pratente,  146. 

repent,  146. 
Tritieum  vulgare,  \i6. 
Trochilus  eolubrU,  80,  95,  277. 
TfhglodyUi  aedon,  80,  82,  83, 85, 87-88, 93, 96, 97, 262, 
263, 264, 265,  266, 267,  269,  270, 271, 272, 
273, 274, 275, 270, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 
309, 327. 
aedon  parkmannii,  80. 
Tuberose  buds  destroyed,  49, 64. 
Tulips  destroyed,  49, 249. 
Turdtu  aor    latchkct  pallatii,  80, 273. 

TTuMelinut,  80, 274, 275, 278. 
Turnip  leaves  or  sprouts  eaten,  48, 63,  245. 
Turnip  seed  eaten,  48,  64, 65, 244, 245, 246,  247,  248. 
Turnips  pecked,  245.  ■       , 

Tunrns  butterfly,  102,  291. 
Turpentine  as  poison,  319. 
Tussock-moth  (Orgiiia),  100,  102,107-109,  121,  129, 

130,  131,  291,  292,  293,  294,  324-325. 
Tyrannui  tyranmii,  80, 92, 94, 265,  208,  269, 271, 275, 

276,277,278,281. 
Tyrant  Flycatcher  (=Kingbird),  2C9. 
TJlmut  ameri.cantu,  defoliated  by  Orgyia,  108. 
Undetermined  vegetable  matter  in  stomachs,  134, 

135, 1S6, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141. 142, 143, 144, 145. 
Unprovoked  attacks  on   native  birda,  92-94,  97, 

263, 264. 
Unusuftl  nesvs  of  the  Sparrow,  307.  j 

Useful  birds  in  England,  334. 
Utah,  no  sparrow  law  in,  173. 
Ynlmont  de  Bomare,  302. 
Value  of  Sparrows  for  food,  182. 
Van  Dieman's  Land,  .'Scottish  thistle  in,  306,   \ 
Tanetta  antiopa,  102,291. 
Vanessa  butterfly,  102, 291 . 
Vaporor-moth.    (See  Tussock-moth.) 
Vegetables,  injury  to,  60-66, 243-262. 
List  of  those  injured,  48. 
Seed  eaten,  64-66,244-252. 


404 


INDEX. 


^.'1 


Yenango  grape,  05. 

Verbcucum  tkaptut,  130. 

Verbena  hattata,  seeds  of,  io  stomach,  312. 

Verdict  of  American  Ornithologists'  Uoion,  316- 

318. 
Vermont  bird-law,  173. 
Vesper  Sparrow  (=  Grass  Finch),  80, 270. 
Vines,  buds  of,  eaten,  40-42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 243. 
Injury  to,  40-42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 240-213. 
Vineyards  badly  damaged,  51, 54. 
Vineyards  of  Western  New  York,  52-53. 
Violet-green  Swallow,  80. 
Tireo  gilvui,  80, 92, 264, 282.  '  ■ 

noveboraeen^s,  60,92. 
olivaceu$,  80, 265, 269. 
Vireo,  Red-eyed,  80, 265, 269. 

Warbling,  80, 92, 264, 282. 
White-eyed,  80, 92, 
Vircos,  kind  not  specifiod,  80, 81, 88, 92, 270, 327. 

Nestlings  killed,  92. 
Virginia,  no  sparrow  law  in,  173. 
Virginia  Yellow-bird,  283.  < 

Titis,  140. 

Voice  of  English  Sparrow,  149, 192. 
Voice  of  European  Tree  Sparrow,  192. 
Warbler,  Myrlle,  80,  283. 
Summer,  282, 283. 
Yellow,  80, 81,  270, 272,  279,  280,  282,  283, 

327. 
Yellow-rump  (=Myrtle),  80,283. 
Warblers,  kind  not  specified,  80, 262, 263, 264,  ^6, 
267,269,275,281,327. 
In  England,  335,  337. 
Warbling  Vireo,  80, 92, 264, 282. 

Nestlings  killed,  92. 
Wariness.    {See  Sagacity.) 
Washington  Territory,  no  sparrow  law  in,  173. 
Wasps,  49-50, 102. 115-116, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 

141,142,289. 
AVnsps  and  grapes,  49-50. 
Wasps  injure  over-ripe  fi  nit,  49-50.      ^■ 
Water-beetles,  342. 
Water-pipes  choked  with  nests,  148. 
Web  caterjuUars,  126, 308. 

Web-worm,  fall  web-worm,  100,118,123,  128,129, 

130,  286, 288,  297, 298, 324-325. 

Number  eaten  by  Cuckoo,  123. 

Weed  seed,  destruction  of,  52,  65,  66-68,  124,  250, 

2,';3,  311,  312, 322, 325,  328,  .^36,  343,  345. 

In  Sparrows'  stomachs,  52,  136,  137, 

138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 146. 
List  of  kinds  eaten  in  England,  343. 
Weeds,  a  protection  in  vineyards,  52. 
Weevils,  102. 
Western  Bluebird,  80. 
Western  House  Fiuoh,  89. 
West  Virginia  bird-law,  173. 
.Wheat: 

Damaged  by  Sparrow.  69-73,  74,  76,  253, 

254, 255, 258, 257, 258, 239,  260, 32a. 
Distant  from  town,  69. 
Experiments  spoiled,  73. 
I.;und  in  stomachs,  134,  135,  136,  137,  138, 

139, 140, 141. 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. 
In  Aaslralia,  349, 351, 357. 


Wheat; 

In  barns,  71. 

In  England,  330,  331, 332, 336,  337, 339,  840, 

344, 345,  347. 
In  the  milk,  71. 
In  shock,  stack,  and  crib,  69, 70, 71, 72,  253, 

264, 256,  256, 257,  258, 259,  260. 
Late-sown,  69. 
New-sown,  69. 
Number  of  reports  on,  68. 
Scratched  up,  69. 
Wheat,  Clawson,  73. 

Diehl  Mediterranean,  73. 
Martin  Amber,  73. 
Wheat-fields,  edges  damaged,  70, 72. 
Wheat  insects,  102. 
Whippoorwill,  disappearance  of,  283. 
White  of  Selbourne,  333, 346. 
White  ants,  102, 129, 130, 291,  294. 
White  arsenic,  174, 177. 
Whito-belliea  Nuthatch,  80. 
White-bellied  Swallow(=TreeSwallow),  80, 82,84, 
85,  86,  88,  90,  96,  97, 262,  265, 209, 270,  272,  282,  283, 
307,  309,  327. 
White-breasted   Swallow  (  =  White-bellied  Swal- 
low), 309,  327,  307. 
White  cabbage  butterfly,  130. 
White  caterpillar,  129, 290. 
White  clover,  beetles  feeding  on,  117. 

Seed  eaten,  146. 
White  elm,  buds  eaten,  242. 
White-eyed  Vireo,  80, 92. 
White  grubs,  116,280,297. 
White-marked  tussock-moth,  121,  324-325.    {Alio 

see  Tussock-moth.) 
Widmaun  on  European  Sparrows  at  Saint  Louis, 

10, 191-194. 
Wild  Canary  (=Goldflnch),  80,265. 
Wild  cherries,  48. 
Wild  grapes,  55, 250. 
Wild  radish,  343.  .    ;.; 

Wild  rice,  76.  '     .  '■    ■'. 

Wild  spinach,  343. 
Wild  sunflower,  60. 
Willow-moth,  342. 

Window  casings  soiled,  147.  , 

Window  Martin,  European,  283. 
Winged  ants,  i02, 126, 130, 140, 291. 
AViuter-killedSparrow8,32-33, 233, 234, 235, 238, 239. 
Winter  weather,  effects  of,  33, 308. 
Wire-worms,  345. 
Wisconsin  bird-law,  173. 
Wistaria  buds  eaten,  45. 

Woodpecker,  Downy,  80,  266,  269, 272, 274, 275, 277, 
279. 
Golden-winged,  80, 269, 281, 282. 
Hairy,  80, 266. 

Red-beaded,  60, 264, 265, 282. 
Yellow-bellied,  80,  95. 
Woodpeckers,  kind  not  specified,  80,  91,  152-153, 
267, 275. 
Nestlings  killed,  91. 
Wood  Pewee,  80, 277. 
Wood  Pigeon,  harmful  in  England,  336. 
Wood  Robin  (= Wood  Thruab),  27a 


INDEX. 


406 


"Wood  Thrush,  80, 274, 275, 278. 
Worms,  apple-tree,  102. 

Hairy,  100, 130, 290. 
!;indnotHpocifiod,102, 129,284,288, 289,290, 

293,  294,  29,'>,  297,  290,  300,  301. 
SpaiTows  driven  out  by,  308. 
Stolen  from  Bluebird,  94. 
Stolen  from  Robin,  275,  305. 
Wounded  prasshoppors  oaten,  289. 
Wren,  Bewicks,  80, 284, 270. 

Ciirolina,  80,  276,  277,  280. 
Oreal  Carolina,  277. 

House,  80,  82,  83,  85,  87-88, 93,  96,  97,  262,  263, 
264, 205,  266,  267,  269. 270, 271,  272,  273,  274, 
275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 309, 327. 
Parkman's,  80. 
AVrcns,  80, 81, 83, 85, 86, 87-88, 90, 97, 262, 264, 265,207, 
208,  269,  270, 271,  272,  273,  274,  275,  270,  277,  278, 
279,280,281,282. 
Kestlings  attacked,  87. 
Kestlings  killed,  88, 93. 
Wrens  in  England,  335.  ' 

Wyoming,  no  sparrow  law  iu,  173. 
Xi>/iidii(m,  111,  119. 
Xylaspig,  112. 

Yarrell's  figure  of  Sparrow,  16. 
Yellow-bellied  Woodpecker,  80, 93. 

Killed  by  Sparrow,  95. 
Tellowbilled  Cuckoo,  80, 108-109, 324-325. 

Eats  hairy  caterpillars,  108-109. 
TcUow-bird,  06, 80, 88, 91, 265, 267, 270,  271,  274,  275, 
276, 277, 278. 
Eats  sunflower  seed,  66. 
Xestlings  killed  by  Sparrow,  01. 
Summer  (=Tellow  Warbler),  270, 272, 279. 
Virginia,  283. 
Tellow  butterfly,  102. 


Yellow  Finch,  267. 

Yellow-Jackets  and  grapes,  50. 

Yellow-ramped  Warbler  (=MyrtIe  Warbler),  80, 

283. 
Yellow-shafted  Flicker  (^Oolden-winged  Wood- 
pecker, 269,  281,  282. 
Yellow  Underwing  (moth),  345. 
Yellow  Warbler,  80,  81,  270, 272,  279,  280,  282, 283, 
327. 
Eggs  and  young  destroyed,  327. 
Young  birds  killed  by  Sparrows,  90, 91, 276,  307, 339. 
Yuiiug  grapes  daniaged,  47  240. 
Young  Martins  starve  in  dry  seasons,  193. 
Young  plants  oaten  by  Sparrows,  244,  245,  246, 247, 

249, 250,  251. 
Young  seed-pods  eaten,  64. 

Young   Sparrows,  ajje  at  which  tb«y   begin  to 
breed,  30,  234,  311. 
Date  of  hatching,  27, 105, 237. 
Destuictiouff,  165, 180. 

Food  of,  61.  J9,  103,  124,  125,  128,  129,  132,  285, 
286, 287, 288,  289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 295, 296, 287, 
299,  300,  305,  317-318,  320,  328-329,  330,  331,  335, 
336, 337, 338, 340, 342, 344, 345. 
Insect  food  of,  99, 103, 124, 125, 128, 129, 132, 285, 
286, 287,  288,  289, 290,  291,  292, 293, 295, 296,  297, 
299,  300,  305, 330,  331,  335, 336,  337,  338,  340,  342, 
344,  345, 
Killed  by  Martins,  274. 
Number  hatched  and  reared,  27,  30,  232, 233, 

234, 236. 
Vegetable  food  of,  61,  331,  337, 345. 
Young  turnips  eaten,  245. 
Young  vegetables  destroyed,  63-64. 
Zea  mays,  146. 
Zenaidura  macrmira,  280. 
Ziiania  aquatica,  76. 


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